Difficulty: Easy
Length: 7.25 km (4.51 miles)
Approx. duration: 2-3hrs
Parking: Paid (Google Maps)
Dogs: Yes – On lead near livestock
From Perthi Holiday Cottages: 30-minute drive
This gentle coastal and countryside walk links the colourful seaside town of Criccieth with the quiet village of Llanystumdwy, combining wide sea views, open green pastures, and peaceful country lanes into an easy and enjoyable circular route. With Criccieth Castle watching over the shoreline and distant views across Cardigan Bay on clear days, the walk offers plenty of scenery without venturing onto high or exposed ground.
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a relaxed, low-level walk with plenty of fresh air and open views, rather than steep climbs or technical terrain. The route follows clear paths, pasture tracks, and quiet back roads throughout, making it well suited to confident beginners, mixed-ability groups, and anyone wanting to finish their walk back in Criccieth with a choice of good food and cafés.
Llanystumdwy is a small but historically significant village, best known as the childhood home of David Lloyd George, Britain’s Prime Minister during the final years of the First World War. His former home, Highgate, now a museum, lies just outside the village and makes an easy optional detour for those wanting to add a little history to the walk.
Criccieth has long been a much-loved seaside town on the Llŷn Peninsula, with its twin beaches and the dramatic ruins of Criccieth Castle standing high on the headland between them. Built in the 13th century by Llywelyn the Great and later captured by Edward I, the castle dominates the skyline and provides a constant visual anchor along the coastal section of the route. Back in town, there’s a great choice of places to eat — Café No.46 is a favourite for relaxed coffee and lunch, Poachers is an excellent option for dinner after your walk, and Cariad Gelato has an ice cream cart near the beach that’s worth every detour.
“One of the reasons I like recommending this walk is the food at the end — Criccieth genuinely punches above its weight for a small seaside town. Café No.46 for lunch, Poachers for an evening meal, and the Cariad Gelato cart near the beach if you want ice cream on the way back to the car. It makes the whole day feel like a proper outing rather than just a walk.” — Delyth, Perthi Holiday Cottages
Our 17th-century cottages sit just above Beddgelert, with walking routes straight from the door.
Step-by-Step Walk Guide
Numbered steps with photos to help you follow the route.
Parking is available at Maes Parcio Abereistedd Car Park at the western end of Criccieth Beach on Marine Beach Road (pay and display), with additional free roadside parking often available in quieter times. From the car park, make your way towards the promenade to begin the walk.
The path begins by following the promenade westwards, leaving Criccieth behind as the coastline gradually opens out ahead.
Keep following the coastal path as it rounds the famous Grand Designs house (don’t go straight ahead as shown in the photo). Continue with the house wall on your left, staying on the clearly defined path.
Continue along the coastal path as it turns inland, joining a boardwalk section with views across the Afon Dwyfor estuary on your left.
When the boardwalk ends, continue over a short stretch of boggy ground, keeping the estuary close on your left.
You’ll then pass through a kissing gate into the first field, followed shortly by a second kissing gate with a sign pointing right (as shown in the photo). Take this right turn, leaving the coastline behind and heading inland across the fields.
Carefully cross the railway track, then climb the steps into a working farm. Follow the main farm track as it leads you directly to the main road.
Cross directly over the main road (as shown in the photo) and follow the lane ahead into Llanystumdwy.
You’ll emerge at a junction with a bridge over the river on your left. Cross straight over the road (do not cross the bridge) and follow the back road as it gradually climbs uphill.
Follow the back road all the way back towards Criccieth. As you reach the top of the town, you’ll see a small residential housing estate ahead on your left (don't pass these). Turn down to the right just before the retirement home (as shown in the photo).
Walk downhill along the small, narrow road until it meets the main road. Cross straight over here, then continue downhill towards the sea, passing a few houses before arriving back at the car park and starting point.
17th-Century Cottages in Beddgelert
Rated 4.98 on Airbnb from over 300 guest reviews
Stay in a converted water mill, a historic barn or a mountain lodge on Delyth’s family farm above the village — with wide Eryri views and walking routes from the door.