Exploring the Wales Coast Path.
The Wales Coast Path: A Journey Through Time, Nature, and Photography
The Wales Coast Path is a true gem, stretching 870 miles along the breathtaking coastline of Wales. Opened in 2012, it was the first path in the world to provide a continuous walking route along a country's coastline, winding its way through cliffs, beaches, estuaries, and quaint seaside villages. The path offers an ever-changing landscape that’s perfect for photographers and adventurers alike, providing both scenic beauty and a deep connection to nature.
A Brief History of the Wales Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path has been shaped by thousands of years of history. It traverses old trading routes, historic castles, and sites that have witnessed the rise and fall of ancient civilizations. Along the way, you’ll come across Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, and small, timeworn fishing villages, each with their own story to tell. From the striking limestone cliffs of Gower to the secluded coves of Pembrokeshire, the path is filled with opportunities to explore Welsh heritage while soaking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Notable Locations Along the Wales Coast Path
As you explore, several locations stand out for their beauty and history.
Porthgain: A small coastal village with a rich industrial past, Porthgain was once a hub for slate and brick export. The remains of old brickworks still stand by the harbor, offering dramatic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour when the light bathes the ruins in warm hues.
Rhossili Bay: Frequently named one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, Rhossili Bay is a stretch of golden sand flanked by rolling hills and cliffs. The area’s vast horizon, often lined with surfers or paragliders, provides a dynamic canvas for photographers. It's particularly spectacular at sunset.
South Stack Lighthouse: Located on the island of Anglesey, this iconic lighthouse sits atop steep cliffs and offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea. The landscape here is a playground for photographers, especially in stormy weather when the crashing waves create a sense of wild drama.
St. David's Head: A headland rich with ancient history and archaeological sites. Walking along this stretch gives you views of rugged cliffs and rolling landscapes, with the wild sea providing an ever-changing backdrop.
New Quay: A personal favourite. Walking the stretch of the Wales Coast Path between Cwmtydu and New Quay is a breathtaking experience, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and a chance to encounter some of Wales’ most iconic wildlife. This path leads you through lush green landscapes and dramatic cliffs, and as you approach New Quay, there’s a real opportunity to spot seals basking on the rocks or dolphins playing in the waters just offshore. New Quay itself is a picturesque seaside town with a rich maritime history, once a thriving port for shipbuilding and fishing. Today, it’s known for its vibrant harbour, where dolphin-watching tours set out regularly, giving visitors the chance to see these playful creatures up close and of course, the Fish & Chips!
Essential Equipment for Walking the Path
If you plan to walk and photograph the Wales Coast Path, proper equipment is essential to ensure both comfort and success. Here’s what I recommend.
Walking Gear:
Footwear: Invest in sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. The path varies from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, so footwear with good ankle support and grip is advisable.
Clothing: Layering is key. The Welsh weather is notoriously unpredictable, so pack breathable, moisture-wicking layers, and bring a waterproof jacket for sudden rain showers.
Backpack: Choose a lightweight, water-resistant backpack with enough room for snacks, water, and photography gear.
Walking poles: These can help navigate steep climbs and descents, especially in more rugged sections.
Photography Gear:
Camera: A DSLR or Mirrorless Camera will provide the best image quality and flexibility. While any lens will help you capture the beauty of the coastline, I suggest bringing a wide-angle lens to capture expansive landscapes, and a telephoto lens for picking out details like wildlife or distant cliffs.
Tripod: Coastal winds can be strong, so a sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures, especially if you’re shooting dramatic skies or silky-smooth waves at slow shutter speeds.
ND Filters: Neutral Density filters are invaluable for seascape photography, allowing you to slow down your shutter speed and create smooth, dreamy effects with the water.
Lens Cloths: Salt spray is common near the coast, so bring lens cloths to keep your camera clean.
Spare Batteries and Memory Cards: The ever-changing light can keep you shooting for hours, so having extras ensures you don’t miss that shot.
Photographing the Changing Landscapes
One of the most exciting aspects of the Wales Coast Path is the constantly shifting landscape. Whether you're facing a tranquil bay, a cliffside vista, or stormy seas, each environment requires a different approach to photography.
1. Capture the Drama of the Sea:
The sea itself offers endless opportunities for dynamic photography. To capture crashing waves or smooth out the motion of the water, experiment with slow shutter speeds. A shutter speed of around 1/4 to 1/30 can give a sense of movement, while a longer exposure (1-10 seconds) will smooth the water for a serene, ethereal look. Use an ND filter to achieve these effects during bright daylight.
2. Play with Light:
The coastal light in Wales is ever-changing, from the soft glow of dawn to the harsh midday sun to the fiery skies of sunset. Golden hour (the first and last hour of sunlight) offers the most flattering light for landscapes, as the warm tones enhance the natural beauty of the coastline. Midday can produce strong shadows, which you can use to your advantage for high-contrast images or wait for a cloud to soften the light.
3. Frame Your Shots Carefully:
Look for natural frames to add interest to your compositions. Cliffs, archways, or overhanging branches can all create a frame that draws the viewer's eye into the scene. Leading lines, such as a winding path or the curve of the coastline, can also guide the viewer through your image.
4. Embrace Different Weather Conditions:
Don’t shy away from shooting in less-than-perfect weather. Mist, rain, and storm clouds can add a sense of drama and moodiness to your photos. Make sure to keep your camera dry with a rain cover, and take advantage of the moody skies to create images that evoke the wild, untamed nature of the Welsh Coast.
5. Take Advantage of Elevated Viewpoints:
The coastal path often leads to elevated viewpoints that offer sweeping panoramas. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the sheer scale of the landscape, and try to include an interesting foreground element—such as a rock formation, a flower, or a person walking along the path—to add depth to your image.
Walking the Wales Coast Path is not only an opportunity to connect with nature but also a chance to hone your photography skills. Each step along the path offers new perspectives, unique landscapes, and ever-changing light that will inspire you to capture the beauty and drama of Wales’ coastline. Whether you're photographing towering cliffs, quiet bays, or the distant horizon, remember to immerse yourself in the moment. With the right gear and a creative eye, the Wales Coast Path can provide a lifetime of unforgettable images.