Laura Mackenzie
11 July 2024
Discover beautiful coastlines, countryside, waterfalls and wildlife with a refreshing walk in Ceredigion. Home to Cardigan Bay with its delightful dolphins and 60 miles of coast path, you’ll be spoilt with breathtaking sea views and fascinating geological and archaeological features with a vibrant history.
From rugged hiking trails to winding countryside paths and peaceful riverside strolls, we’ve rounded up seven of our favourite Ceredigion walks to help you on your journey. Whether you’re after an easy stroll to refresh and unwind or a more challenging hike to push and inspire, Ceredigion has it all and we’ve highlighted some of the very best walks below.
To experience this captivating county’s remarkable coast and countryside, why not book a break in one of our comfortable holiday cottages? Explore our Ceredigion collection and start planning your next walking holiday in Wales.
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Devil’s Bridge Falls
Known for its mysterious stack of bridges and wonderful waterfall walks, Devil’s Bridge Falls is a must-see attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.
There are two spectacular walks to choose from at Devil’s Bridge, The Punchbowl and 3 Bridges which is a shorter more moderate trail, and the longer more challenging Nature Trail, Waterfalls and 3 Bridges route.
Punchbowl & 3 Bridges walk
This easier route now includes a seating area with views of the three bridges. There’s a cute nature corner with bird boxes, feeders, and habitat piles where all sorts of creatures find safe shelter. Listen to the story of Devil’s Bridge using the wind-up box and discover the history of the area from a selection of old postcards, photos, and a section of the original Victorian balustrade from 1901.
Follow the sloped path (unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs) which has 220 steps down to the Punchbowl viewing point where you can see how the pure power of the Mynach River has carved out large potholes into the worn-out rock. Look up in awe and experience the vastness of the three stone bridges built one on top of the other.
There is an accessible level tarmac path that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs to be able to view the three bridges. Access is open during school holidays, by prior arrangement, or by asking the waterfalls attendant for the gate code.
Good to know
- Distance: 0.5 miles (10 to 20 minutes)
- Price: £2 per person
- Difficulty: Moderate – 220 slate steps
- Facilities: Tearooms, gift shop
- Parking: Free customer car park
- Map: Punchbowl and 3 Bridges walk map
- Stay Nearby: Dan y Faen | sleeps 4
Nature Trail, Waterfalls and 3 Bridges Walk
Start this walk with a view of the unusual, stacked bridges then follow the path through ancient oak woodland deep down into the Rheidol gorge. Halfway down, there is a viewing gazebo where you can enjoy views of the impressive 300-foot Mynach waterfalls.
Further down the gorge, the path and steps get steeper, and you’ll arrive at ‘Jacobs’ Ladder’ where there is a flight of 100 steps all in one run! Once you have descended Jacobs’ Ladder, cross over the ‘humped bridge’ to the halfway point.
Ascend the other side of the gorge and enjoy views of the magnificent Mynach waterfalls along the steps. There are stopping places where you can catch your breath and take in the mesmerising view.
Aberystwyth Promenade walk
A bustling coastal town, Aberystwyth is well known for its mile-long Victorian promenade that takes you past the town’s most prominent sights and landmarks. Enjoy sights of the pretty marina, harbour, expansive beach, and Constitution Hill standing proud at the northern end.
You can also enjoy a leisurely walk along Aberystwyth’s historic pier, the first and oldest pleasure pier to open in Wales, to discover refreshments and family fun. There’s also entertainment and a café on top of the impressive 430-foot Constitution Hill. Take the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway or the moderate walk to the top of the hill for one of the best views in Wales.
Take this walk at dusk during autumn and winter to experience the magnificent starling murmuration where thousands of starlings put on a spectacle of synchronised flying before roosting under the pier at night.
Cenarth Falls walk
Found on the border of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, Cenarth Falls is a picturesque series of waterfalls and pools along the Teifi River. There’s also an attractive 13th-century mill that perfectly frames the falls so be sure to snap that perfect photo to remind you of this idyllic day out.
During autumn, salmon can be spotted frantically leaping Cenarth Falls during their migration upstream. Also rich in wild trout, the River Teifi is a fly fisherman’s dream, and the migration of fish here has provided income for local Welsh fishermen for hundreds of years. After a special day out walking the falls, dine on the locally caught fish in one of the many eateries found in nearby Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn.
Mwnt circular walk
This is a lovely circular walk that gives you the opportunity to spot dolphins and seals from Mwnt Beach, one of the top Cardigan Bay beaches.
Start at the car park and explore the top of Foel y Mwnt, a conical hill that rises above Mwnt’s sheltered sandy bay. Reach the top for far-reaching views over Cardigan Bay and on a clear day, you can even glimpse the magnificent mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia)!
Enjoy the sea breeze as you discover the Church of the Holy Cross, a picturesque, whitewashed church that has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Overlooking the golden sands of Mwnt Beach and the vast Irish Sea, it’s clear to see why people travel to this peaceful place.
Good to know
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Facilities: Toilets, refreshment kiosk
- Parking: Mwnt National Trust car park
- Map: Mwnt circular walk map
- Stay nearby: Madiwela | sleeps 6
New Quay coastal walk
Starting at New Quay Harbour, this delightful walk offers refreshing views out to Cardigan Bay with its delightful dolphins leaping and playing amongst the waves.
Head to the Wales Coast Path panel in front of the main public toilets and you can use the Wales Coast Path app to learn more about New Quay’s past including smugglers going about their secret lives. Further along the seafront, you’ll find the official halfway point of the Wales Coast Path and a bronze sculpture of a maiden blowing a kiss, wishing travellers luck on their journey.
There’s also the RNLI lifeboat station and Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre to visit if you fancy extending your walk. Walk along the beautiful beach and take in the fresh sea air until you reach Llanina Point with its lovely views back to the ‘cliff perched town’.
Venture further for a longer route and you can either follow the same route back or turn inland along the River Llethi and travel back along the road. Keep an eye out for Majoda, a bungalow which was originally a little shack where the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived and wrote Quite Early One Morning, which later developed into Under Milk Wood.
Cilgerran Wildlife Park walk
The Welsh Wildlife Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve is a great place for families to walk and play. Full of nature, you can often spot kingfishers, wading birds, and otters frolicking around their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the highland cattle and water buffalo!
There are four themed nature trails here that range from easy to more challenging and some can even be explored by bike. Try the Otter Trail that winds through woodland and wetland marshes via a boardwalk and discover the hides to view a fascinating display of birds and wildlife. After all that fun, visit the Glasshouse Café which sells delicious homemade food including scrummy cakes and ice cream.
Good to know
- Distance: Approx 3 miles
- Difficulty: Trails range from easy access to more challenging
- Facilities: Café, toilets, shop
- Parking: Free parking for members and residents otherwise parking is £4 for the day
- Map: Teifi Marshes map
- Stay nearby: Oak Tree Cottage - Cilgerran | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Stay in Ceredigion
Ty Dolffin
Relax in one of our comfortable holiday cottages after enjoying these refreshing Ceredigion walks. We have a lovely range of holiday cottages in Cardigan Bay and Ceredigion so take a look and become inspired to take your next holiday in West Wales.
Discover family-friendly cottages with space for all, or cwtch up in a romantic retreat. Bring your canine companion along with a stay on one of our dog-friendly Cardigan Bay cottages or go big with a group getaway in one of our celebration houses for that special occasion.
Ceredigion holiday cottages
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.