An epic pilgrimage through prehistory and wild beauty — Celtic Way

Stage 1 winds around the iconic coastline at Strumble Head before rising to the summit of Garn Fawr, an Iron Age hillfort with commanding views. The Way then crosses open countryside before descending to the coastal town of Fishguard.

Breathtaking coastal summits and enchanting prehistory combine on the second stage, which traverses wild moorland and peaceful farmland between Fishguard and Newport. Carreg Coetan, at the stage end, is one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs in the region.

You can expect captivating history, spellbinding scenery and jaw-dropping panoramic views on this challenging hike. From Newport, the trail snakes east over rugged hills with excellent views. After reaching a high point on Foel Drygarn, the Way descends to Crymych.

Stage 4 rises to the summit of Foel Drygarn once again and onto the collection of craggy rock outcrops known as Carn Menyn. The trail passes Bedd Arthur stone circle a short step later and then winds south through Mynachlogddu and Llanglydwen to Llanboidy.

With a considerable amount of distance and climbing to contend with, stage 5 is a challenging hike through remote farmland. When you arrive in Carmarthen, thought to be the oldest town in Wales, a warm welcome and some fascinating history awaits.

After a tough previous hike, stage 6 is a short and sweet trek west along the Towy Valley to the village of Nantgaredig. On the outskirts of Carmarthen, you pass one of only seven Roman amphitheatres that survive in the UK.

Stage 7 heads west along the Towy Valley to Llandeilo, a vibrant and picturesque little town. Around the midpoint, you pass Dryslwyn Castle, an atmospheric ruin standing atop a rocky hill. This stage is steady throughout but there is a lot of road walking.

This stage takes you into the vast and wild landscape of the Brecon Beacons National Park. While there is a hefty amount of asphalt hiking on stage 8, the enchanting prehistoric summit of Garn Goch is a real highlight.

Expect breathtaking views atop lofty summits, sculpted valleys and pretty tarns on this hike through the Black Mountain range. From Llanddeusant, the Way rises steeply to Waun Lefrith and then continues over Fan Foel, Fan Brycheiniog and Fan Hir before dropping to the River Tawe and continuing to Abercraf.

An epic waterfall, vast woodlands and wild landscapes dotted with historical sites combine on this hike from Abercraf to Melincourt. Along the way, you pass Henrhyd Falls, the highest waterfall in South Wales, and summit Hirfynydd.

Stage 11 begins with a visit to the spectacular Melincourt Waterfall before rising south over moors and through forests. After dropping down to the River Afon, the trail climbs once again to Rhiw Tor Cymry before descending to the village of Bryn.

Stage 12 makes a magnificent return to the Welsh coastline for invigorating sea breeze and views that stretch to the horizon. From Bryn, the trail descends through vast woodlands to the coast and then follows the shoreline to the vibrant town of Porthcawl.

This stage heads south east along the coast from Porthcawl before looping inland to Merthyr. The Way picks up the Coastal Path a short time later and follows it past Dunraven Bay, Monk Nash Beach, Nash Point Lighthouse, Penry Bay and Tresilian Bay before journeying inland once again to Llantwit Major.

Another classic coastal walk awaits on stage 14, which visits the southernmost point of Wales on the way to Barry. Around the midway point, the trail takes you past Aberthaw Lime Works, a well-preserved relic from an important regional industry.

Expect a spellbinding step back in time on this hike, which visits two Neolithic tombs on the way to Talbot Green. From Barry, the trail heads north to St Lythans Burial Chamber and onto Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, which is topped with one of the largest capstones in Britain.

Commanding views and mighty castles combine on this hike to Caerphilly. From Talbot Green, the Way winds east and climbs steadily to the summit of the Garth, where fine views await. The trail drops to the River Taff, passes Castell Coch and rises over Caerphilly Mountain before descending to an epic… read more

This challenging stage heads east from Caerphilly, ascends Cefn Onn, passes the deserted remains of Ruperra Castle and heads over Coed Craig Ruperra Iron Age hillfort. After crossing the Monmouthshire Canal, the trail rises and falls through farmland and woodland to Cwmbran.

Another tough hike awaits on stage 18. From Cwmbran, the Way winds past Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre and ascends along Wentwood Ridge into Wentwood itself. The trail then bends south and descends through farmland and woodland, skirting the RAF base, to Caerwent.

Stage 19 heads east into Chepstow and makes a loop of the vibrant town, which was a major medieval powerhouse. After exploring the castle among other attractions, you cross the Bristol Channel via the mighty Severn Bridge and wave a fond farewell to Wales.

Stage 20 begins on the Severn Estuary and winds through the countryside of South Gloucestershire. After passing Thornbury and Tytherington, the Way heads through farmland to Chipping Sodbury, a pretty market town at the foot of the southern Cotswold escarpment.