Walk this way... Abersoch

This September stroll takes in the lush, rural landscape of the Llyn Peninsula and spectacular surfing beaches encircled by seabirds

 
From Abersoch town centre, make your way down to the beach. Walk south along the sand for about a mile (or take the coastal path through the heathland above the beach). Leave the beach by the slipway at the far end and follow the Llyn (or Lleyn) Coast Path signs as far as Porth Ceiriad. From here, head inland on the marked path. When the path forks, don't take the branch off to the left. Instead, continue onwards down the lane that leads to the village of Sarn Bach. Follow the footpath sign just north of Sarn Bach, to walk through fields to the Abersoch-Llanengan road. Turn right onto this road, which will bring you back into town.

 

Why go? September is the perfect time to visit this water-sports Mecca, when the summer crowds are dispersing. Enjoy uninterrupted views of Abersoch's sandy beaches from the Llyn Coast Path and pick your way through the peninsula's distinctive patchwork of fields.

 
How long will it take? You should complete this five-and-a-half-mile circular route in about three hours. For more information on longer walks and walking holidays in the area, contact 01758 760652, www.edgeofwaleswalk.co.uk.

 
Stamina required? The steep climb from the beach at Abersoch to Porth Ceiriad makes this a moderately challenging trek. Walking boots are a must.

 
Refuelling options? Before you set off, have breakfast at Angorfa on the main street (01758 712967, www.angorfa.com), which has tables outside for when the weather is fine. Alternatively, take afternoon tea at the Porth Tocyn hotel en route (01758 713303, www.porth-tocyn-hotel.co.uk).

 
What else can I see? Porth Ceiriad is a beautiful, quiet beach to explore, with smooth, rounded rocks and golden sand, and views across Cardigan Bay to Snowdonia. On the approach here from Abersoch, you should also catch sight of St Tudwal's Islands offshore to the east. Further along, to the west, look out for Hell's Mouth - a four-mile, popular surfing beach and famous shipwrecking spot.

 
Wildlife highlights? Though the puffins will have departed by now, choughs, fulmars, plovers, razorbills and cormorants may flit by, and there's always a chance of spotting seals and dolphins out at sea.

 
And for kids? Contact Abersoch Sailing School (01758 712963, www.abersochsailingschool.com) for children's lessons - such as a 30-minute accompanied sail around Abersoch Bay in a Laser Funboat (suitable for ages four to seven - courses for older children also available).

 
Getting there: The nearest railway station is at Pwllheli, where you can catch the 18 bus to Abersoch (timetables at www.gwynedd.gov.uk).

 
Where to stay: Goslings is a centrally located, family-run B&B in Abersoch, with a bistro open at weekends (01758 712526, www.goslingsabersoch.co.uk).

 
Don't miss: The Llyn Walking Festival takes place on 13-14 September - offering a variety of routes along the 100-mile coastal path, plus hill and country walks inland (see www.llyn-walking-festival.com).

 
Abersoch TIC: 01758 712929, www.visitwales.com.

 
OS maps: Landranger Map 123: Lleyn Peninsula; Explorer Map 253: Lleyn Peninsula West. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online

 

 

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