The best walks and hikes around New Quay

Yes, there are several circular routes. For a shorter walk that still offers great scenery, the View of New Quay – New Quay Harbour loop from New Quay is a great option. This 3.7-mile (5.9 km) trail takes you around the harbour and headland, providing lovely views of the town and bay without requiring a full day's commitment.

Cardigan Bay is famous for its bottlenose dolphins, and many clifftop paths offer excellent vantage points. For a dedicated viewpoint, head up the coastal path from the harbour towards the Old Lookout. This spot is highly regarded for wildlife watching. The key is to walk on a calm day and keep an eye on the water as you hike along any of the coastal sections.

Most trails along the Ceredigion Coast Path are dog-friendly, but it's essential to keep your dog under control, especially near livestock and on high cliff edges. For a walk that includes a beach, you could head towards Cei Bach Beach, which is known to be a beautiful spot. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly during bird nesting season.

Absolutely. For a manageable walk with rewarding views, consider the Cardigan Bay Lookout – Craig y Grogal Cliff Edge loop from Llanlwchaiarn. It's an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) route that still gives you a fantastic taste of the coastal scenery without being too strenuous for younger family members.

The section of the Ceredigion Coast Path between New Quay and Cwmtydu is considered one of the most spectacular but also one of the more rugged parts. Expect a demanding hike with several steep ascents and descents as the path winds its way along the clifftops and dips down into secluded coves. Good hiking footwear is essential for this challenging terrain.

Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. The popular walk from New Quay to Aberaeron passes Cwm Buwch, where the River Drywi flows over the cliff to the sea. For a more accessible option, the nearby National Trust - Penbryn has a well-regarded woodland walk that leads to a picturesque waterfall.

The difficulty varies greatly. You can find everything from easy 3-mile loops to difficult 11-mile coastal treks. The View of New Quay and the Coast – View of New Quay loop from Llanlwchaiarn is a good example of a moderate route, offering a solid 6.5-mile (10.4 km) hike with some elevation gain and rewarding coastal views.

The trails around New Quay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of over 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views of Cardigan Bay, the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and seals, and the variety of trails that mix clifftop paths with woodland and beach sections.

There are over 15 designated hiking routes around New Quay available on komoot. These range from short, easy walks suitable for families to challenging, full-day coastal hikes, ensuring there's a trail for nearly every fitness level and interest.

The rugged nature of the Ceredigion Coast Path means that many trails have steps, steep gradients, and uneven surfaces, making them unsuitable for wheelchairs. For accessible options, consider the boardwalk at Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, a short drive away, which offers a fantastic and flat route through a unique landscape.

The area is a haven for wildlife. While hiking the coastal paths, especially south towards Bird Rock, you can spot a variety of seabirds like guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes. Atlantic grey seals are also very common and can often be seen hauled out on the rocks below the cliffs, particularly around Cwmtydu.