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Meet the Path Officer - Snowdonia and Ceredigion coast

Nigel Nicholas describes why this part of the Wales Coast Path is special to him

Hello, I’m Nigel Nicholas and I’m responsible for the Wales Coast Path between Machynlleth and Cardigan, along with part of the Carmarthenshire Bay & Gower section. I also work alongside Rhys Roberts as he covers part of the Snowdonia and Ceredigion Coast section too.

I grew up just a few miles away from the Pembrokeshire coastline and spent most of my summers as a child exploring the area. I now live along on the Ceredigion coast.

The coast path can be high maintenance and the wet weather and on-going cliff erosion are bringing plenty of challenges. We’re always looking for opportunities to improve the paths for all and in particular to re-route some sections that are on roads.

What attracted you to the job?

I’ve always enjoyed working outdoors and this passion has led me to work as a seasonal ranger with the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park and also spending 15 years managing and developing the Ceredigion Coast Path. My time in the National Park made me appreciate the magnificent Pembrokeshire coastline.

I’m now very proud to be part of a team managing the Wales Coast Path. I was attracted by the opportunity to be part of a team managing one of Wales’ greatest green assets and helping to keep this jewel of nature special for generations to come.

What’s your favourite part of the Wales Coast Path?

I have a real affinity with the coast around Llangrannog and the Lochtyn peninsula. Like thousands of school kids, I walked the cliffs when visiting the URDD camp in Llangrannog and saw my first peregrine, choughs and bottle nose dolphins there. The stunning scenery, the iconic ‘Carreg Bica’ rock and the wonderful views of Cardigan Bay are quite magnificent.

I also love the rugged North Coast of Pembrokeshire with its high and often remote section of windswept cliffs and spectacular geology. Wharley Point Cliffs near Llansteffan is also a great place to appreciate the full extent of Carmarthen Bay with splendid panoramic views from Caldey Island to Worms Head on the Gower peninsula.

What makes the path so wonderful is its diversity. I know the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast really well and I’m now getting to know the Carmarthen section of the path. I’m slowly making my way around the entire Welsh coastline and discovering so many treats.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

The development of the Ceredigion Coast Path. Over 15 miles of new coastal access were created through landowner co-operation and wonderful volunteers working in difficult conditions, especially one new section between Cwmtydu and Llangrannog where the path was excavated into an extremely challenging slope with breath-taking views.