Unforgettable Road Trip Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
Read Time: About 10 minutes
Aberystwyth, Colin Paterson
It's a great day for an adventure, yet it's somewhat bittersweet as we conclude our road trip through West Wales. This our eighth stop is also the final stop on our campervan road trip and it takes us into Aberystwyth, just over an hour's drive via the A487 from Cardigan. Let's explore this beautiful coastal town, one of the largest in Wales, and a wonderful location to end your West Wales campervan road trip in style. We'll include the best campsites in Aberystwyth, places to campervan hire in the town, and a list of the unmissable attractions and outdoor activities in this picturesque location.
If you’re jumping straight into this final road trip guide and have missed the previous ones, well where have you been? But luckily, you can browse our previous campervan road trip guides to West Wales, using the link above. Previous guides have include a road trip to Tenby, a campervan jaunt to Fishguard, and your ultimate camping guide to St David.
Aberystwyth Holiday Village rests near some of the most popular seaside escapes in Wales and continues to impress guests with a wide variety of facilities and camping options.
But for now, on to Aberystwyth, meaning the mouth of the River Ystwyth, is often known as ‘Aber’ and rests in the middle of the beautiful Ceredigion coastline. Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and the sea, the gorgeous town holds thousands of years of history and makes a great base for further adventures around Wales.
- What is Aberystwyth Famous For?
- Wales Coastal Aberystwyth Road Trip Itinerary
- Has Aberystwyth got a Beach?
- How Long Does it Take to do The Wales Coastal Path?
- Camping in and around Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
- Campsites Near Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
- Campervan Hire Towns in Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
- The End of Our West Wales Road Trip!
What is Aberystwyth Famous For?
Aberystwyth. Thomas Milne
Stretch your legs after your drive by strolling through the bustling town centre, following interesting roads with street names and architecture that reflect the history and growth of the settlement since the Middle Ages. Listen to the residents cheerily chatting in Welsh and enjoy the relaxing pace of life. Explore local landmarks like Aberystwyth Castle, a fortress constructed to keep the Welsh out in the 13th century. By the 1600s, King Charles had turned the castle into a royal mint that produced silver shillings. Today, the castle lies in ruins, yet visitors can still stroll through the rooms, towers and grounds that overlook the Cambrian Coast.
Wales Coastal Aberystwyth Road Trip Itinerary
Aberystwyth brims with quaint eateries, some pretty historic attractions, and the University of Aberystwyth, making it a diverse and vibrant location to explore on a short break. Located equidistant from St Davids in Pembrokeshire and the surfing hotspot of Aberdaron, it is a fab and pretty obvious centre point for exploring the Wales Coastal Path.
If you’re keen to work off a meal enjoyed at one of the excellent restaurants in town, hop on the calorie-killing walk up Pen Dinas Hill to explore the hillfort, constructed by Iron Age settlers around 400 BC. The 120-metre-high hill with the distinctive monument dominates the skyline as you approach Aberystwyth from the south. If you enjoy scenic sunsets, walk to the top of Constitution Hill. The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, can take you back down after a light snack at the little cafe open during the summer months. The railway is also open during the summer, and tickets cost between £3-5. Hop on the steam train at the Vale of Rheidol Railway to Devil’s Bridge for a little jaunt away from the town.
Has Aberystwyth got a Beach?
Yes, Aberystwyth has two main beaches along its stunning coastline—the North and South Beach. The North Beach is pebbled and has a promenade lined with colourful Victorian buildings. This beach also provides a view of Constitution Hill to the north. South Beach is quieter than North Beach and has a mix of sand and shingle. It is also an excellent spot for beachcombing, rock pooling, and enjoying the sunset views over Cardigan Bay.
If you have yet to visit the famed Devils Bridge Falls, rumble over to the welcoming, well-maintained Woodlands Caravan Park, and use the site as your base for a waterfall pit stop or a centre point for accessing the attractions and activities on the Ceredigion coastline.
How Long Does it Take to do The Wales Coastal Path?
The Ceredigion Coastal Path forms part of the Wales Coast Path and takes around 8 to 12 weeks on foot but may extend to 12+ weeks depending on your pace. Explore the full length of sections of this 60-mile trail that offers spectacular views of Cardigan Bay, abundant wildlife, charming coastal towns, and oodles of natural beauty the Cambrian coast is famed for.
Borth-Aberystwyth Coastal Walk. Zookeeper.zoe
When you hop on the path from Aberystwyth to the village of Borth, you’ll pass Constitution Hill, enjoy stunning cliff top views, and perhaps even see bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the ocean below. The route varies between sandy beaches, rugged clifftops, hidden coves, rural pastures and charming villages like Aberaeron and New Quay.
Perched in a beautiful area of West Wales, Aberystwyth offers exceptional attractions and is a wonderful place for an escape. Let’s explore campervan hire options and campsites in the area.
For more campervan road trips in Wales, check out our Mid Wales Road Trip Itinerary and the South Wales road trip itinerary. Our readers can also opt to head over to the Shropshire Hills National Landscape and combine this West Wales road trip with our North Wales road trip itinerary, and rumble over to>Snowdonia National Park in approximately 40 minutes.
Camping in and around Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
Wondering where to camp in Aberystwyth? If you’re a camper who enjoys researching and picking your campsites or are new to the area, we recommend campsites in Ceredigion close to Aberystwyth and the Wales Coast Path. Locations such as Llanfarian, Clarach, and Llanrhystud. Find campsites in Aberystwyth and lay your head in the stunning coastal Welsh landscape. You can also enhance your journey along the Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth by choosing from the many scenic campsites in Snowdonia.
The small village of Llanfarian is a great choice for anyone exploring the beauty of the west coast in Wales, especially if you enjoy tranquil, natural settings close to Aberystwyth. Campsites in Llanfarian rest in beautiful countryside, green hills and verdant fields with picturesque views. A short drive or bike ride from Aberystwyth. You’ll also be close to sections of Wales Coastal Path and Ceredigion Coastal Path. Nature lovers can visit Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest, with trails for mountain biking and serene walks. Find more campsites in Llanfarian or take a look at campsites in Borth, campsites in Bethania and campsites in Ynyslas.
Dolau Afon Camping is a peaceful space for self-catering, glamping and camping escapes on a stunning spot within the verdant Cambrian Mountains, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Clarach is a beautiful coastal escape with gorgeous views, quiet campsites and a range of convenient amenities within easy reach. Campsites in Clarach are ideal for campers who want to explore Clarach Bay, which boasts calm waters ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and spotting dolphins and various bird species. We list 159 campsites within 30 miles of Clarach and campsites can also be found in Aberdovey campsites, Pontarfynach campsites and Tywyn campsites.
Llanrhystud is a seaside village with plenty of camping options on Wales’ western coast. Making it a wonderful base for camping and soaking in natural beauty. Browse through our selection of Llanrhystud campsites or take a peek at more campsites in Cilcennin, campsites in Blaenpennal, campsites in Llanon, campsites in Aberaeron, campsites in Llanerchaeron and campsites in Ciliau Aeron.
Campsites Near Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
If you’re in a hurry to book a campsite in Aberystwyth, let us recommend three great sites within easy reach of Aberystwyth. Take a peek at Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park, a stunning family-run site for exploring the Cardigan coastline. Cambrian Coast Caravan Park is an effortless 5-minute stroll from Ynyslas Beach, while Midfield Caravan Park is only a ten-minute drive from the shores of Penparcau and Tan Y Bwlch. These campsites are ideal for accessing Aberystwyth on your campervan road trip through West Wales.
Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park in Aberystwyth
Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park, Aberystwyth
Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park is a fab little site for families, just 20 minutes from Aberystwyth by car and a half mile from Devil's Bridge Falls. Set up camp in this stunning corner of Ceredigion and discover attractions in all directions, including walks around the rivers of Rheidol and Ystwyth, which are excellent locations for anglers to reel in rainbow and brown trout, salmon and other specimens. Numerous beaches are nearby, including New Quay, Borth and Ynys Las, and the beautiful Cardigan Bay is 12 miles away. The site offers grass pitches with optional electric meters for tents, small campervans, motorhomes and caravans. Campers share access to excellent amenities, including a food shop and a launderette, plus the freedom to enjoy barbecues and campfires.
Cambrian Coast Caravan Park in Borth
Cambrian Coast Caravan Park, Borth
Cambrian Coast Caravan Park is a stunning site nestled on the mid-Wales coast, a leisurely 5-minute stroll from the tempting Ynyslas beach. Tucked between Ynyslas and Aberystwyth, the site enjoys some of the finest scenery. With superb beaches right on your doorstep, there’s plenty to explore easily from your pitch. Grass, hardstanding and fully-serviced plots are available for tents and tourers, with optional electric metres.
Midfield Caravan Park in Aberystwyth
Midfield Caravan Park, Aberystwyth
Midfield Caravan Park is a small, family-friendly site perched at the top of a hill overlooking Aberystwyth, offering campers enchanting, sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the green Rheidol valley, and Cardigan Bay. Campers can leave their vehicles behind and explore the local area courtesy of the railway station a mile away. The sandy shoreline and town are also an easy mile away, ensuring campers are well-located without being right amid the bustle and noise. Walkers and cyclists can explore stretches of the Ceredigion Coastal Path, the Ystwyth Cycle path, and stunning forest trails ideal for pumping your heart. The site has 75 pitches for touring caravans, tents, and motorhomes.
Campervan Hire Towns in Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth is a great location to kick start your campervan road trip, with plenty of experiences and activities at your fingertips. Wander from historical landmarks to stunning landscapes with ease, and enjoy the comfort of rumbling around with your home on wheels and its many conveniences. Start by strolling along the picturesque Victorian Aberystwyth Promenade, admiring views of Cardigan Bay with leisurely walks along the golden sands lined with vibrant beach huts. Drive or hike up Constitution Hill for more panoramic views of the bay and a ride on the Cliff Railway, the longest electric funicular in Britain. Pop over to Aberystwyth Castle or drive to Devil’s Bridge, an unmissable landmark. Aberystwyth is also directly on the Wales Coast Path, with the path running right through the town itself. The beauty of basing yourself around Wales Coastal Path Aberystwyth is that you're perfectly positioned for campervan hire Snowdonia, adventures making it easy to swap coastal views for mountain peaks. Browse our selection of Aberystwyth campervans for more campervans for hire in Aberystwyth.
Borth-Aberystwyth Coastal Walk. Garethmeredydd
Hire a campervan in Borth, a beautiful coastal village in Ceredigion, and fall in love with the natural beauty of the Welsh Coast. Browse our selection of campervan hire Ceredigion vans within 60 miles of Bothwell, and rumble out to explore expansive beaches, wildlife-rich areas and fantastic coastal towns like Aberystwyth. For more hire options nearby, check out campervans for hire in Llanfarian, campervans for hire in Bryncrug and campervans for hire in Machynlleth.
Pontarfynach, also known as Devil’s Bridge, is a small village celebrated for its stunning three-tiered bridge and cascading waterfall and has been a tourist attraction for many centuries. Hire a campervan in Pontarfynach and enjoy a breathtaking start to your West Wales campervan road trip. Hop in your campervan and rumble through the verdant Elan Valley, stopping to discover hidden trails and historic attractions like the Hafod Estate. Swap the coastline for the countryside and the Cambrian Mountains, with the freedom to camp under the stars and change your views daily. We list 79 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of Pontarfynach, and offer more campervans in Pontrhydfendigaid, campervans in Clarach, campervans in Blaenpennal and campervans in Tregaron.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Explore the open road in Warren, a high-end luxury camper! equipped with everything you need to take to the road on an adventure in absolute style and comfort.
Ynyslas is a village around 2 miles north of Borth and approximately 8 miles from Aberystwyth. The settlement rests on the fringes of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve and makes for a beautiful start to your campervan road trip in West Wales. Find the perfect campervan in Ynyslas from our selection of 68 campervans and motorhomes within 40 miles of Ynyslas. We also have more campervans for hire in and around Aberdovey, campervans for hire in and Tywyn, campervans for hire in and Pennal, and campervans for hire in and Llwyngwril.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Stone is a high-end Laika motorhome available for hire in Eardisley, Herefordshire. Designed for those who love to travel in style, this camper offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and elegance.
The End of Our West Wales Road Trip!
All good things must end, so we conclude our A Complete Itinerary for a Road Trip Through West Wales. We began our adventures in Carmarthen and then travelled up the coast. We stopped at beautiful locations like Tenby, Milford Haven, St Davids, Fishguard, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and Cardigan, ending our road trip in Aberystwyth. Wander where you please, park and unwind when needed, and enjoy the freedom of campervanning in Wales.
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