This walk covers a section of the Wales Coast Path in Newport, South East Wales, between Goldcliff and the RSPB Newport Wetlands Reserve. It’s an 11 mile loop walk starting from and returning to the seawall road at Goldcliff.
A set of concrete steps lead up onto the Seawall, with some fine views across the Severn Estuary and the low-lying landscape of the Gwent Levels.
The walk along the grassy path on the seawall is pleasant enough, just taking in the views and the gentle tidal sounds of the estuary. At low tide a band of yellow lichen is visible on the rocks along the shoreline and rivulets form striking patterns across the mudflats.
Goldcliff offers an escape to a calm and tranquil place away from the nearby industrial areas of Newport and it’s easy to see how it remains popular with local walkers, birdwatchers and fishermen.
Goldcliff to the Wetlands Reserve
From the seawall, return down the steps to follow the road passing by the Seawall Tearooms for a short distance then turn left across marshy fields. Nearby are the Goldcliff lagoons, protected breeding grounds for wading birds, so the path goes around these on land below the level of the seawall. This means unfortunately there are no views of the Severn Estuary for some distance.
After a short section of walking along a road, the path returns to crossing fields, via a series of small footbridges over the network of drainage reens.
At Saltmarsh Lane, near a quaint old style Welsh longhouse a way -marked path leads towards the bank of the estuary.
The path rises to the riverbank to provide good views ahead of Newport Wetlands Reserve and the flat landscape of the Levels, with a backdrop of power station chimneys and huge electricity pylons, as nature meets industry.
Newport Wetlands Reserve
The Wetlands Reserve is a popular site with short walking trails and bird watching opportunities. You can read more about the Wetlands Nature Reserve here.
It’s a great place to enjoy an easy stroll on way-marked and level footpaths and to do some bird spotting along the way.
The coast path passes by the East Usk lighthouse which has stood here since 1893. It’s quite a small lighthouse, compared to the older and more substantial West Usk Lighthouse which sits on the opposite bank across the River Usk.
The Coast Path continues around the southern edge of the Newport Wetlands Reserve and links with a number of short trails.
The ‘Wetlands Trail’ is the best of these, a loop walk around the Reserve of about 3 miles alongside reed-beds and through woodland.
The RSPB Wetlands Centre is worth visiting, its superb facilities include a shop, very nice cafe and public toilets. More information can be found here.
Having reached the point where the Wetlands trail loop rejoins the Wales Coast Path, we retraced our steps and headed back to Goldcliff.
On the way, at Goldcliff Road is The Farmer’s Arms, a traditional village pub which offers a convenient rest stop for with a good range of bar food, refreshments and a comfort break.
Route Stats
Start and finish point ~ The Seawall at Goldcliff, Newport.
Some free parking, limited spaces Grid reference: ST 37478 82149
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Short Walks Long Paths 