A NEW section of the Wales coastal path now connects Felinheli and the Glan Faenol estate.

It has been opened following upgrading work by Gwynedd Council.

A new right of way has been created, improvements within and near the entrance to the Glan Faenol estate and there is a new route within the marina area.

The work was supported by a Natural Resources Wales grant, with the work co-ordinated by Gwynedd Council coastal path officers.

The former route ran along the busy A487. The new look path offers a chance for walkers to get a glimpse of the historic Faenol Estate.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, deupty leader of Gwynedd Council and cabinet member for the environment, said: “The coastal path has been an important resource for us in Gwynedd.

"The 185-mile network which stretches from Abergwyngregyn across to Aberdaron and then down towards Aberdyfi and beyond is extremely popular with local people and visitors to the area, who use it to enjoy the stunning views of our coastline here in Gwynedd.

“Following significant work by council officers, partners and others I am very pleased that we have been able to upgrade and develop a key part of the path between Felinheli and the Glan Faenol estate.

"These improvements have created a path which follows the Menai Strait between Caernarfon and the outskirts of Bangor and which also allows walkers to make the most of other paths which already exist in the Glan Faenol area.”

Councillor Angela Russell, Gwynedd Council Countryside and Environment Champion, said: “It’s great to see these improvements open to the public – it’s sure to offer lovely path for local people and visitors to the area in order to enjoy the countryside in this part of Gwynedd.

“The development is part of a wider work by Gwynedd Council to improve the coastal path, and the new route of the path is a definite improvement on the old one which ran parallel with one of the county’s main roads.”

Gwynedd Council has worked closely with the National Trust and others to establish the new path between Y Faenol and Glan Faenol.