[1] From the parking area (SN535694), follow the lane that leads southwesterly to the coast where you’ll see the Coast Path signs.
There are fine views in either direction.
At first you walk left along the top of a pebble beach, then along the edge of a field, passing a few old lime kilns. The path continues along the left-hand edge of a field, away from the coast, and leads you to the church at Llansantffraed.
[2] Nearby you’ll see an information board and a map of the local area providing alternative coast path routes should the stream running out to the sea be impassable after heavy rain. [The author has had no problem crossing here, except on one occasion when it was necessary to remove footwear and wade across.]
Having crossed the bridge by the information board, head down the lane indicated back to the coast and along to the steps down to the beach. Descend these and follow the beach, passing another set of steps to the stream outlet. Cross to a car park, go through a gate and continue along grassy field edge paths. There’s a gentle climb – affording more fine views – before you drop back down again to Aberarth. Follow the signs through the village, crossing a footbridge over the river and along lanes back to the coast. It’s an easy walk from here to Aberaeron. As you approach it, the Coast Path directs you along a path on the landward side of the beach.
(A) Aberaeron is one of the most attractive coastal towns in Wales, and a rare example of urban planning in the early 19th century. The town was built in a geometric grid pattern with roads of standard width, while the pastel painted houses conform to a uniform style dating from Georgian to early Victorian. It’s well worth spending time having a wander round. The TIC (which you’ll pass) is most helpful, and outside it you can read about Dylan Thomas’s connection with the town and the area in general. The honey ice cream from the Hive kiosk on the quay shouldn’t be missed!
[3] Cross the wooden footbridge around to the other side of the harbour. The next section of the Coast Path (via Gilfach holiday village) to Cei Bach follows grassy paths along low cliffs, affording yet more good views.
[4] When you reach a yard and house on your left, go left to the road and follow it (as signed) to a turning on the right which leads to both Llanina Church (worth a look) and the beach. The latter is the route of the Coast Path (except at high tide when there’s an alternative by road – see information board), which leads you to the popular holiday resort of New Quay via a long flight of metal steps at the end of the beach.