Cwmtydu to New Quay, Dolphins at Birds Rock
Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km one way, approx. 8 miles / 13 km circular
Time: 2.5 hours one way, allow a solid half day for the circuit
Grade: Moderate
Route type: Point to point with bus or boat return, or inland circular
Map: OS Explorer 198, New Quay & Aberporth
Heading north from Cwmtydu, this walk follows the Wales Coast Path towards New Quay. The first section crosses Cwm Soden, where dramatic folded rock layers in the cliffs tell the story of hundreds of millions of years of pressure on shale, grit and sandstone. It is one of the best places on this coast to see these formations.
Further along you pass the former coastguard lookout above Birds Rock, a renowned viewpoint for bottlenose dolphins. Cardigan Bay holds the largest resident population in Europe, and the elevated headland is ideal for scanning the water below.
New Quay lies 3.5 miles to the north, with harbour, shops, cafes and boat trips run by local operators for a closer look at the bay’s wildlife. You can return to Cwmtydu by bus, by pre-arranged lift, or on foot via a signed inland route through Byrlip woods, a green lane with seasonal flowers, a small waterfall and quiet farmland tracks.
