The Lleyn Peninsula coastal path - John Cantrell

The western coastline of England and Wales has three peninsulas pushing out into the sea. The Cornish and Pembroke peninsulas have famous coastal paths, but the Lleyn peninsula of North Wales seems to have been overlooked. This is a pity because whilst the Lleyn cannot match the sheer scale of its big brothers it has no trouble competing when it comes to grandeur of scenery. Indeed, the Lleyn has an advantage denied to the other two, for the walk has an ancient precedent. For hundreds of years pilgrims have walked this coast to reach the holy island of Bardsey at the tip of the peninsula. The route connects the historic pilgrim sites dating back to the 6th Century. In doing so its 90 miles cross a variety of landscapes from rocky cliffs to secluded bays. The landscape does not allow the route to keep hard by the sea and occasionally diversions inland are made. But although the route crosses hills and rises to over 1000ft in places, the coast is always close by. The Lleyn has many tiny byways and green lanes. This means that a route can also be found around the peninsula for cyclists, particularly those riding mountain bikes.;Whilst many of the cliff paths are for walkers only, cyclists can nevertheless sample the delights and history of this exquisite area, and details of cycle routes are included. Each chapter of the guide ends with two or three shorter or circular walks which provide a taste of the different sections of the Lleyn, but which can be completed at one's leisure.