Wales Coast Path: Aberystwyth to Borth
Ceredigion
This is one of the best known stretches of the Ceredigion section of the Wales Coast Path, running north from the end of Aberystwyth promenade to the seaside village of Borth, and dogs stay on a lead for most of it since the cliffs are unfenced and grazing fields cross the route. It starts with the steep climb up Constitution Hill, home to the Victorian Cliff Railway and a camera obscura, then drops to Clarach Bay before a wilder, switchback run of cliffs past Wallog, where the shingle ridge of Sarn Gynfelyn runs out to sea at low tide. The path finishes at the war memorial on the hill above Borth, whose beach hides the stumps of a prehistoric submerged forest linked to the legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod. Visit Mid Wales gives it as 5 miles, about 8km, with plenty of ups and downs on grassy cliff paths that are narrow in places. Aberystwyth and Borth are both on the Cambrian Line, so the train or the number 4 bus brings you back.
This is a dog friendly coastal walk for fit dogs, but one that needs a lead for much of the way. The path runs along unfenced cliff edges and crosses fields where livestock may be grazing, so a lead is the safe choice. There is little shade, and no fresh water between Clarach and Borth, so carry plenty for your dog. Parking is at the North Road pay and display car park, about 300m from the Cliff Railway.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafe on Constitution Hill; shops and cafes at Clarach and in Borth; toilets in Aberystwyth and Borth.
- Parking
- North Road pay and display car park, about 300m from the Cliff Railway, Aberystwyth. Promenade spaces have a 4 hour limit.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Wales Coast Path: Aberystwyth to Borth, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in CeredigionFrequently Asked Questions
Is Wales Coast Path: Aberystwyth to Borth dog friendly?
Yes, this stretch of the Wales Coast Path welcomes dogs and earns a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It's a rewarding route for fit, trail-ready dogs, running about 5 miles of clifftop path from Aberystwyth's Constitution Hill north to the village of Borth, with a convenient train or bus option to get you back without retracing your steps.
Can dogs be off lead at Wales Coast Path: Aberystwyth to Borth?
For most of this walk, dogs will need to be kept on a lead. The cliffs are unfenced throughout much of the route, and the path crosses fields where livestock may be grazing, both of which make a lead the safest and most responsible choice. There may be moments where you can relax a little, but it's best to plan for a largely on-lead day.
What should I know before visiting Wales Coast Path: Aberystwyth to Borth with my dog?
Come prepared for a proper hike — the path has plenty of ups and downs, is narrow in places, and offers little shade along the clifftops. Crucially, there is no fresh water available between Clarach Bay and Borth, so carry enough for your dog for the full walk. Parking is at the North Road pay and display car park in Aberystwyth, around 300 metres from the Cliff Railway where the route begins, and there are cafes and toilets at both ends of the walk if you need to stock up or freshen up.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Beach0.3 mi awayAberystwyth North Beach
Ceredigion
The northern stretch of Aberystwyth's seafront with year-round access on the upper section and the university town's facilities within reach.
Walk3.1 mi awayGogerddan Wood Bluebell Walk
Ceredigion
A short, steep woodland loop near Aberystwyth where dogs get some off lead freedom under veteran oaks carpeted with bluebells each spring.
Beach4.7 mi awayBorth Beach
Ceredigion
A long shingle and sand beach at the edge of the Dyfi Estuary, famous for its submerged prehistoric forest exposed at low tide and year-round access.
Beach7.2 mi awayYnyslas Beach
Ceredigion
A vast National Nature Reserve at the top of the Dyfi Estuary with dunes and year-round access in an extraordinary position between estuary and open sea.
Walk7.9 mi awayBlack Covert Ystwyth Riverside Walk
Ceredigion
An almost level loop beside the River Ystwyth through old beech woods near Trawsgoed, where dogs can paddle and owners enjoy spring bluebells.
Walk8.2 mi awayBwlch Nant yr Arian Ridgetop Trail
Ceredigion
A heather ridge and forest circuit above the Melindwr Valley where dogs stretch their legs off lead, while red kites are fed daily by the lake below.