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Walk the Wales Coast Path North Wales – Fflint to Prestatyn

By Dave Roberts   

on December 16, 2020   5/5 (1)

Posted in Wales Coast Path – North Wales - Chester to Menai Bridge

Walk the Wales Coast Path North Wales – Fflint to Prestatyn

Further Details

Route Summary:

The Wales Coast Path leaves the Dee Estuary behind and reaches the sea and mainland Wale’s northernmost point to boot.

Start and Finish: Flint to Prestatyn

Distance: 28.3 km

Ascent: 96 m

Time: Allow 8 hours

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Facilities:

The Old Tavern at Mostyn, Farmers Inn and Railway Inns at Ffynnongroyw and The Point at Talacre are convenient. Plenty of choice at either Flint or Prestatyn.

Public Transport:

Railway stations at both end and plenty of buses.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Hazards:

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Keeping Safe on the Wales Coast Path,  Navigation and the Gear and Equipment you’ll need.

Wales Coast Path Guidebooks:

Recommended Wales Coast Path Maps: 

Walk the Wales Coast Path North Wales – Fflint to Prestatyn Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

Walk the Wales Coast Path North Wales – Fflint to Prestatyn

From Fflint, the Wales Coast Path begins to feel more like a coastal path rather than the overgrown canal walking of the previous section. Heading along the Dee estuary, the section gradually leaves it behind and by the end of the day the route reaches both sea and sand.

The route sets off from Fflint, heading off past Flint Castle and along wilder footpaths and embankments in comparison to the Chester to Flint Section.  The path continues to keep as close as it can to the marshy coastline, and at least manages to avoid the cardinal sin of LDPS, that of road walking! One of the few landmarks along this section is the Duke of Lancaster, a beached ship that was once used as a tourist attraction and a well known sight from those taking the train into North Wales. It was until recently decorated with huge graffiti, but this art has recently been painted over in black as it may be reopening as a zombie infection venue where you can pay to join an immersive game of virtual zombie hunting.

Saltings at Y Fflint Looking north east from the path beside the castle.
Llwybr Arfordir Cymru ar Y Fflint This birch wood is typical of the natural vegetation in this area. The Wales Coast Path meanders through this lovely coastal woodland.
The Big Flintshire Guardian at Flint Point
The Wales Coast Path at Bagillt
View from The Wales Coast Path Looking north-west from the Wales Coast Path just north of Bagillt.
The view south-east from Bagillt Cob
Duke of Lancaster painted black!

Not long after, the Wales Coast Path reaches Mostyn and heads inland on the main road, following a cycle track. It’s only for 3km until you reach the village of Ffynnongroyw and then you head back towards the shore at Talacre. You’ll pass signs of industry, from the former colliery to the current gas terminal and finally the relentless march of tourism. At least this means you’ve the chance of some fish and chips or a pint at Talacre! However, once you reach Point of Ayr, or Y Parlwr Du in Welsh, you know that the Welsh Coast Path has finally come good. Not only that, but Point of Ayr is the northernmost point on the Welsh mainland. One of many that the coastal path visits.

An hour or more’s dune or beach walking lies between you and Prestatyn, the perfect opportunity to remove the boots and walk in the sand, especially if you can cool your feet off in the water.

Site of the Point of Ayr Colliery
Sea Wall and Car Park
Talacre Lighthouse from the Dunes
Gronant Dunes at Barkby Beach
The Front at Prestatyn The beach and Wales Coast Path at Prestatyn.

Featured Image: Photo credit: marksweb via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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