Walks you can reach from Prestatyn by train

Flint Station to Shotton Station (Flintshire)

15m direct from Prestatyn.

A good, direct route mostly on the Wales Coast Path, with a lovely, bleak and remote saltmarsh section overlooking the Dee Estuary at the Flint end - which can get muddy and may flood at very high tides, with bridges and duckboards over the wettest parts. About 40-50% is unavoidable pavement walking on main roads through the middle and with wide pavements and well-chosen crossings; the exit at Shotton uses a high stepped railway bridge. Mostly follows the Wales Coast Path. The Dee Estuary saltmarsh is rich in birdlife - curlew, oystercatchers, great egrets seen. Flint Castle and lifeboat station near the Flint end.

9km.

The saltmarsh path east of Flint may flood at very high tides, with bridges/duckboards over the wettest parts that may be hard to reach without treading in mud. A high railway bridge with steps on both sides at Shotton. Watch for dog mess on the railside path.

Lunch: A couple of quirky-themed cafes about 2km in; pubs and takeaways near Shotton station and in Flint.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llandudno Station to Colwyn Bay Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Prestatyn.

A fairly direct route over fields, farm tracks and through woods, with some little-used and hard-to-follow paths, narrow sections with steps and tree roots, a final stretch along the beach promenade. Despite the coast and much of it feels inland.

Tough: steep ascents. 9km.

One slightly awkward crossing of a busy road (detour uphill to a pelican crossing if needed). A steep descent on a narrow path with steps and head-high thorns.

Lunch stop: the Queens Head.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llandudno Junction Station to Colwyn Bay Station (Caernarfonshire)

15m direct from Prestatyn.

lots of coastal views and some variations in terrain through woods; great views of misty hills and the Conwy river meeting the sea. An uncomplicated inland walk with two relatively steep climbs and descents, through quiet roads, sheep-grazed fields with stiles and woodland paths. The woodland sections avoid stretches of road and are much more pleasant than the road alternatives.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

The section passing the Welsh Mountain Zoo runs along roads without pavements, with poor visibility and no verge, busy at rush hour; the woodland path through Pwllycrochan Woods avoids the worst of this.

Lunch stops: the Mountain View Hotel, or the Pen y Bryn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Shotton Station to Ellesmere Port Station (Flintshire)

15m direct from Prestatyn.

A foot-only route across fields with wet, cloying soil, plus stiles and kissing gates, two lengthy unpaved road walks. Where paved and surfaces are good with crossings and ramps.

17km. Gentle ascents.

The only access to Shotton's lower station is via stairs; there are stiles, kissing gates, two long unpaved road walks and crossings of two busy A-roads. Fields are often wet and muddy.

Lunch: A few shops and pubs along the way, with shops at each end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Neston Station to Shotton Station (Cheshire)

15m direct from Prestatyn.

great views. A varied rural route through pretty Wirral villages, scenic views over the Dee Estuary to the Welsh hills, a mix of terrains — well-paved sections, field paths, farm tracks, the tarmac Millennium Greenway and quiet unpaved lanes uphill into Burton. Some boggy and muddy sections around Shotwick Hall Farm and the farm track between Shotwick and Deeside; the marshes flood at high spring tides. Links with cycle and walking routes from Shotton and the Wirral Way at Neston; the navigation around the two Shotton stations is well described in the successor route.

15km.

Several sections along roads with no pavements, including blind corners between Denhall and Burton (light traffic). Field crossings can be very muddy. The marshes flood at high spring tides. Field-path terrain makes it foot-only.

Lunch: Food and toilet options on the route: convenience stores in Neston and Shotton, pubs in Little Neston and Shotton, and cafes in Denhall and Puddington.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llandudno Junction Station to Llandudno Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Prestatyn.

Peace, beauty, nature and fabulous views west towards Anglesey; Great views over north Wales and Eryri/Snowdonia. A coastal walk with fabulous views west towards Anglesey and Eryri/Snowdonia, following the Welsh Coast Path around the Conwy estuary and along the promenade and beach. Mostly good surfaced and stile-free paths, but one short section through dunes below the golf course is deep and shifting sand that impedes progress. Follows the Welsh Coast Path along the east edge of the estuary.

Easy: 6km, gentle ascents.

A short dune section below the golf course is deep, shifting sand, slow going. Two large (but not threatening) loose dogs were seen here.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Conwy Station to Llandudno Junction Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Prestatyn.

superb views over the Afon (River) Conwy; the views of the estuary and the castle were lovely. A short, easy and accessible route, well-paved throughout with superb views over the Afon Conwy estuary and passing historic buildings on the walk down through Conwy and across the bridge. There is one flight of steps near the A55 which can be avoided via a slope or the roundabout. Includes some concrete underpasses near Llandudno Junction. Rail services at Conwy can be sparse, so check the timetable. A pedestrian suspension bridge offers an alternative crossing.

Easy: 1km, moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Penmaenmawr Station to Conwy Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Prestatyn.

the scenery is magnificent. A peaceful route mostly away from traffic that climbs three-quarters of the way up Conwy Mountain on a stony track, with uneven and muddy paths and magnificent views. There is a fair amount of walking on roads without pavements, mostly quiet or in 30mph zones and the ascent and descent are not too steep. Overlaps slightly with the Wales Coast Path High-Level Route. Regular daily trains and buses link Conwy and Penmaenmawr. The Sychnant Pass is a highlight.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

Some roads have no pavement; mostly quiet but stay alert. The bridge over the railway near Conwy is narrow with no pavement, so wait for a gap in the traffic. Higher paths through the heather can be narrow and uncomfortable. Can be muddy.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Conwy Station to Llanrwst Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Prestatyn.

Tough: 25km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Llanfairfechan Station to Penmaenmawr Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Prestatyn.

an utterly gorgeous route; the views of the coast at either end were excellent. An inland alternative to the coastal route that climbs steadily to around 340m and back down, with no difficult scrambles. The middle third crosses moorland on clear and signposted paths and is fairly level. Excellent coastal views at either end. One very short boggy section soon after the descent begins. Semi-wild ponies graze on the moorland, and there is birdlife including buzzards.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

There are several junctions across the moorland that need careful navigation.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Penmaenmawr Station to Llanrwst Station (Caernarfonshire)

30m direct from Prestatyn.

Tough: 22km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Bangor Station to Llanfairfechan Station (Caernarfonshire)

45m direct from Prestatyn.

the views are spectacular. A walk of two contrasting halves: a steep, sometimes stony climb up and over Bangor Mountain on lanes and footpaths through the town, then a long, generally well-maintained coastal section on the Wales Coast Path with stretches of pebbles and sand and sea-eroded path. Involves steep sections and quite a lot of rough ground. Second half follows the Wales Coast Path. Views to Anglesey, Puffin Island, the Great Orme and Penmaenmawr; hides indicate plentiful wildlife. No facilities on the coastal section.

Tough: steep ascents. 14km.

Steep climbs and a fair amount of rough ground. Cross the A5 with care. Coastal path crosses a shingle beach and eroded sections; not advisable during very high spring tides with strong onshore winds.

Lunch: The Slate pub just off route near Llandegai is the last chance for refreshments before Llanfairfechan; no facilities along the coastal section.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route