Walks from Criccieth

Mix of tarmac paths and pavements through Criccieth past the castle and seafront, with an optional beach section.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Criccieth Castle: A native Welsh castle on a rocky headland above Criccieth's beaches, with views along the Llyn coast.

Criccieth Lifeboat Station: RNLI station established in 1853 on the seafront.

Time: 30m–1h30

Walk details: Transport for Wales (tips, photos and turn-by-turn directions).

Recommended: Some spectacular views. An interesting, varied route mostly following the well-signed Wales Coast Path, fairly level with a few short climbs. It crosses coastal heathland, the long sandy Black Rock Sands (with likely shallow stream crossings), secluded bays and a fairly steep rocky outcrop, then weaves around higher ground; some paths can be muddy and puddly when wet. Soft sand and rock outcrops and steps. Follows the Wales Coast Path. Passes the quaint harbour of Borth-y-Gest and Black Rock Sands. Plenty of cafes and toilets en route and at the finish; good transport links.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Time: 3h–5h30

Lunch: Cafes and toilets both en route and at the finish.

Warnings: A fairly steep rocky outcrop at the eastern end of Black Rock Sands, where the signed coast path differs from the OS map amid criss-crossing minor and animal tracks - care with navigation. Likely shallow stream crossings on the sands. Soft sand and flights of steps.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Reverse direction: Railwalks (inc. GPX).

First three miles are good, then it follows a main road and passes through a holiday camp.

Time: 3h–6h30

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a third of the walk. Follows a main road for part of the route.

Walk details: Railwalks.

A coast-path walk with clear paths throughout: easy beach walking to Penychain, a roadside path to Llanystumdwy and clear trails around farmland and over boardwalks to Criccieth. Good facilities at both the start and finish.

Coastal: three quarters along the coast.

Time: 4h30–9h30

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a fifth of the walk. Watch for spring/extreme high tides on the beach section between Pwllheli and Penychain.

Walk details: Slow Ways.