Abemac one

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I have wanted to do this walk for ages but although most of it was of the 5 star rating from other reviews I give it a 4 star rating as there was one section I did not enjoy. I got the train from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth which has some really good views. Note : some good loos at Machynlleth railway station before you set off ! It was a misty and humid start but that worked perfectly amongst the steep hills and tiny valleys in this area giving it a very ethereal effect. This is a hilly wooded area for a good section of the walk near Machynlleth and its really beautiful and peaceful to walk. I stopped at Cletwr cafe at Tre'r-ddol which was really good and very friendly. I wasn't sure about the next section to Borth through the nature reserve as it is incredibly flat but it was again very beautiful with so many grasses and butterflies. Borth is a good place to grab an ice cream and enjoy the views across the beach to Aberdyfi and Barmouth in the distance. There then follows a lot of up and downs along the coast to Aberystwyth with some steep hills - the last slog up Constitution hill above Aberystwyth is worth it but I was dead on my feet at this point as it was very hot all the way from Borth. I had the bay at Wallog all to myself. The bit that spoilt it for me was Clarach Bay with a pub banging out loud music across the whole bay area even as you are doing the last mile up the hill to Aberystwyth. I had come for peace and quiet and I had that in spades for most of the trip but it kind of spoilt the whole beauty of the bay. Don't let this put you off too much as you can get through this section in about 20 mins. This is a strenuous walk there are a lot of hills at either end but a very good day as you get so much in one walk - woods, hills, estuary, nature reserve, horses, beach and cliffs - what more could you ask for ?.

An excellent route, varied with coastal walking, wetland nature reserve and woodland. Mostly following the route of the Wales Coast Path - so well signed. Refreshments available at Borth.

Fantastic walking. Lots of up and down, but this is Wales! I did it in two chunks. Aber to Borth (then train home), then on another day train to Borth, then walked Borth to Mach, and train home to Aber at the end. This was a long walk, but rewarding, with varied scenary and occasional lush, verdant wooded valleys. I accidentally came down off the hills at Dyfi Junction, had to walk along the main road for about 500 yards before finding a backroad which joined the path into the Lyfnant valley, which is gorgeous. Definitely recommend this walk to others, it's well signposted and in summer, to end at Borth or Aber would be great for a swim! You're going to struggle doing it with pushchair, wheelchair etc because of the hills, stiles, steps, etc. I saw an otter on Cors Foncho too!.

This is a beautiful walk offering all kinds of terrain and natural beauty. Sea, estuary, hills, woods, and an ancient raised bog are among the landscapes. It is challenging enough to be interesting, but it is all on the Wales coastal path so it’s difficult to get lost. It is hard to imagine a more varied and satisfying route. Oh, and it’s- excuse the cliche- steeped in history ! I wrote about it here: stories.slowways.org/the-perfect-gift/.

This is a lovely walk. Wales Coast Path the whole way, so it's well signposted and for lots of the Machynlleth half made specially for the WCP. Well, except that it often follows path hewn or worn right out of the rock, including the roman steps down to Mach, so it's not exactly new!

I did it in three chunks, using the train - Aberystwyth to Borth, Borth to Dyfi Junction (a not-too-far detour off the path) and then Dyfi Junction to Mach.

The first section is classic coast path, passing Clarach if you need an ice cream or a go on the bumper boats and it's summer. Borth has pubs and cafes and a bohemian vibe these days, and a sweet museum in the train station!

Then inland across the ancient peat bog which is one of the primary landscapes that warranted the area getting UNESCO Biosphere status.

Pass right by Clettwr community cafe which is lovely, and has a shop too, we had scones.

Then up along the hills and hanging valleys along the south side of the Dyfi estuary, not very close to the sea at all, mostly wooded, and really nice walking, with occasional fantastic vistas over the estuary to the Tarannau range of hills beyond, and Cader Idris beyond that.

Along the moist and mulchy Llyfnant valley and down to Mach, which is a very nice town for a few hours' ambling, esp on Wednesday market day.

The train is another 10 mins on from the end of the walk at the clock tower, so watch that if you're hurrying for a train.

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