Counting down to the Big Welsh Walk

Ramblers, amblers, walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts will be gathering along the Welsh coastline this weekend to celebrate the launch of the Wales Coast Path – the first footpath to cover an entire nation’s coastline! The 5th and 6th of May will see over 100 coastal walks lined up as part of Ramblers Cymru’s Big Welsh Coastal Walk, with the charity calling on as many people as possible to join them over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

“It’s the final countdown to the launch of the Wales Coast Path and the Ramblers are gearing up for a weekend full of coastal walking,” explains Angela Charlton, Director of Ramblers Cymru. “The launch of this Coast Path is a milestone for access to our countryside and coast and to celebrate it we’re calling for everyone who can, to join us to walk along the Wales coastline to appreciate the magnificent opportunities that this path will make available.We’re thrilled to have lined up over 100 coastal walks and don’t want anyone to miss the chance to be a part of this exciting event. We’re encouraging everyone in Wales to gather their friends and families and spend this May Bank Holiday outdoors enjoying the exhilarating affect of a walk by the sea.”

There will be events taking place along almost every stretch of the Welsh shore – from short seaside ambles to exhilarating cliff top hikes as well as the Welsh Government’s official launch events in Cardiff; Aberystwyth and Flint.

“There is real excitement that the Coast Path is going to provide a valuable boost to the economy of coastal areas, attracting visitors as well as local people to enjoy this unique resource that we will have created,” says Morgan Parry, Chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales. “It’s important that everyone gets behind the initiative so that Wales can realise its huge potential. In terms of public health, it is more important than ever that we create the best possible opportunities for people to enjoy walking and all the benefits of being active outdoors.”

Ramblers members across Wales will be involving their local communities in a variety of walks to suit everyone. Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/wales to find details of coastal walk near you on the Big Welsh Walk map, or for more information on the official launch events please visit www.walescoastpath.gov.uk.

Elsewhere in Britain, Ramblers’ Coast for Most weekend aims to highlight the wonder and diversity of the British coastline, encourage even more people to get out and experience the exhilarating affect of a walk by the sea, and demonstrate why this amazing coastal path should be rolled out across England, with a corresponding network of coastal paths in Scotland too. To find out more about the Ramblers One Coast for All Campaign and sign the petition calling on the government to fulfil its duty to create the English Coastal Path, visitwww.ramblers.org.uk/onecoastforall.

Click here to read more about the Wales Coast Path on walk.

Image of Clarach Bay by Darren Wyn Rees.