Starting Point: Entrance to the Cliff Hotel, Gwbert
Type: Out and back
Length: Just under 8 miles /12.8 km
Elevation Gain: 1135 ft / 345m (less if you don’t climb Foel y Mwnt)
Terrain: Trail with a small section on the road
Facilities on Route: Toilets and a beach shop in Mwnt
If you are lucky enough to be staying in the Cliff Hotel in Gwbert or anywhere else in the beautiful Gwbert or Cardigan and you enjoy running then this is a cracking little route with spectacular scenery that is not too difficult to navigate. An 8 mile out and back route along the Wales Coast Path in south Ceredigion, this is a spectacular route, mostly above sheer cliffs overlooking the blue waters of Ceredigion Bay. The route is very well defined and in the summer can be done with road trainers. We would imagine that trail shoes would be required during wetter seasons.
Start from the archway of the Cliff Hotel and turn left directly up quite a steep hill for about half a mile. This is probably the hardest part of the run so do persevere! Unfortunately you cannot run directly along the Wales Coast Path directly from Gwbert due to private land so a short (but hilly) detour is required. Once past the entrance to the Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park take a left turn (its well signposted) to enter an agricultural field. The well signposted route continues around the edge of the field for around another half a mile before turning west down towards the coast.
Once down adjacent to the cliffs the route is fairly flat with the exception of when the route has to go down and up around pretty sea coves. The trail is quite narrow but well defined and maintained and ideal for running. After about 3 miles from Gwbert the picturesque beach of Mwnt comes into view with Foel y Mwnt overlooking the golden beach.
Descend down into Mwnt – a chance to pick up some speed. You could turn terminate your run on the actual beach but we couldn’t resist passing the beach and climbing Foel y Mwnt (250 ft of climbing) where we had amazing 360 degrees. It looks much higher than it is, but it is steep and you end up walking most of it but it’s worth the effort when you get to the top.
Also don’t miss the chance to see Eglwys y Grog (Holy Cross Church) a Grade I listed whitewashed stone church that has its origins back in the 13th century. Grade I listed buildings are described as exceptional, and usually of national, interest and there are less than 500 in Wales. Others include Cardiff Castle and Caernarfon Castle.
From Mwnt you simply retrace your steps back to Gwbert along the Wales Coast Path, finishing with a very nice downhill half a mile. If it’s a warm day continue your run into the Cliff Hotel grounds, down the side of the hotel, through the golf course and onto the clifftop. From here you can venture down into beautiful coves where it’s possible to enjoy a cool down in the sea!
