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We hope you enjoyed the summer and had the opportunity to enjoy the coast path inbetween the rain and sunshine. The cooler months and shorter days will soon be here, but we love seeing the path change with the seasons. Grab your warm clothes and let's go!
 Well, nearly....available later this year.
These are free online courses open to everyone to learn more about the special qualities of Wales. We've got a bespoke module all about the path and the National Trails in Wales (Offa's Dyke Path, Glyndwrs Way and Pembrokeshire Coast Path - which is also part of the Wales Coast Path). Discover more about the walking offer in your local area and find out lots of interesting facts about these special walking trails. Look out for our module on the Wales Ambassador Scheme website soon.
It's the time of the year where you'll see seals and their pups on the beaches. It's really important to give them space to bond and to live undisturbed. If see you them on your walks on the path, please enjoy them from afar before moving on.
 people walking on a beach with the tide in
The path is equally dramatic and enjoyable during autumn and winter. Here's some handy hints to walking the path all year round.
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Check the tides - check the tide times to avoid being stranded on a beach
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Steep uneven ground - parts of the path can be steep and uneven. Make sure you're comfortable with the route and you and your companions have the necessary skills, knowledge, fitness and ability.
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Shortcuts across expanses of sand - there's a reason why the path goes along a headland instead of across a beach. Guidebooks or signage at the location will likely tell you why. If an shortcut is an option at certain states of tide, check and understand the tide times to make sure you've got enough time to make it.
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Have the right gear and stay hydrated - wear layers of clothing to stay warm or cool off. Make sure you take a drink to keep hydrated, to cool down or warm up, depending on the weather. We do love taking a travel mug to enjoy hot panad (tea) on our winter walks.
The path is 870 miles long covering the entire Welsh coastline - it's a bit overwhelming to know where to start.
 People walking on a coastal path and cliffs and a tidal island in the background (Rhossili, Gower)
Don't worry, here's our round up of useful resources to help you plan your visit to the path:
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Interactive map - Find where the path goes, plot your route or simply see where it is nearest to you. You can also use Google Street View to see what the path looks like from the comfort of your own home - ideal for planning where to walk and what to expect on the path.
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Distance tables - Check the distance between major coastal towns and hubs to plan your pit stops and any overnight stays along the way.
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Download the app - track your progress and keep on the path with the official Wales Coast Path app, available for iOS and Android.
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Accommodation - whilst we can't recommend a list of accommodation providers, there's useful information to find places to stay along the path.
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Public Transport - Plan your journey with buses and trains on the Traveline Cymru website. (HINT: Go to "Travel Map" to see all the bus stops along a route and you can also see them in Google Street view).
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Join our Facebook Community - With over 8,500 members, there's lots of walking inspiration and encouragement from fellow walkers. It’s the ideal place to ask or give recommendations about places to stay, eat and where to start your Wales Coast Path journey. Join our community
Additional information about these resources is available on our 'Plan Your Visit' page.
GOOD TO KNOW: Check ahead before you come. The autumn and winter months are quieter on the path so it’s good idea to check the opening times of shops, pubs and cafes to avoid disappointment after a long hike (we're speaking from experience!). The businesses along the coast will welcome the trade during these months.
 Porth y Nant, Nant Gwyrtheryn, Pen Llŷn
Here's our round up of where you can walk this autumn and winter.
- Cadw Itineraries - Their annual Open Doors event welcomes everyone to over 200 of Wales' historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems for free in September. If you love historic buildings, check out our Cadw itineraries, combining a walk on the path with a visit to a Cadw site.
- Accessible walks - autumn and winter can make the sections of the path muddy and wet. Try our accessible sections which are also suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
- Circular Walks - explore a bit of the path and discover new places with our circular walks. With a full route description, you can also download a GPX file to follow the route on your device and check the route on the Ordnance Survey (OS) website - you'll need to sign up for a free OS account (don't worry, it's quick and easy!)
The path is affected by environment issues like marine plastic pollution, coastal erosion and rising tides caused by climate change.
What can we do about this? Well, let's start talking about it!
Beach of Dreams aims to explore the unique role of art and environemental science around climate change. It's creative programme aims to connect thousands of people with their coastlines and foster a sense of community and stewardship. One spectacular aspect is the production of silk banners, which walkers will carry around the coast and assemble at specific locations like in Colwyn Bay, north Wales.
The project is looking for anyone to contribute to the project like running an interactive event like rockpool dipping or birdwatching along the coast. Interested? E-mail Mandy Marsh for more details on mandymarsh@CIEEM.Net
(Image: coloured flags standing in the sand on a beach - Beach of Dreams project)
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If so, we have a business newletter with useful information on how you can make the most of the path for your business. You'll receive info on the available resources to help you and your customers.
Click Subscribe below and answer Yes to the question "Are you a business owner?" to receive our business updates.
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Events See what’s happening on the path with our online events calendar.
Have you got an event on or near the Wales Coast Path? Submit a Suggest an Event form to us and we’ll promote it on on our website (subject to approval).
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