The Wales Coast Path has launched a free augmented reality (AR) app, alongside new family-friendly walking trails, aimed at encouraging families to get out and enjoy the 870-mile Wales Coast Path.

The app has been designed for families to walk along the world's first uninterrupted path along a national coast as part of a national initiative to get children to be more active outdoors. The app focuses on utilising engaging visuals, informative stories and interactive games to help bring the coast's fascinating wildlife, scenery and history to life.

Locations and discoveries

The app will breathe new life into the seven regions the path passes through. Utilising the latest augmented reality technology, users can set a new land speed record along Pendine Sands, get up close and personal with the critically-endangered leatherback turtles that inhabit the waters around the Llŷn Peninsula or uncover a 13,000-year-old submerged forest at Marros Beach in Carmarthenshire.

Easy to download & use 

The app can be downloaded to mobile phones and other devices before arrival. Once on the path visitors can scan one of the specially-created experience panels to unlock a range of interactive features and bespoke augmented reality animations. Users can share their experiences online using the photo filter feature or by capturing images which can be used to interact with the augmented reality scenes.

New walks launched as part of app

To support the app a series of six new family 'Walks with a Difference' have been launched which can be accessed via the official Wales Coast Path website. Each walk covers a location at which the app's unique experiences can be accessed.   

First Minister Mark Drakeford said, “The Wales Coast Path is enjoyed by people from across Wales and further afield. The path is unique - no other country can boast a coastal path that stretches around its whole coastline. The 870-mile long path has much hidden history and fascinating wildlife. The new app will add to the pleasure of visiting our beautiful Welsh coast.” 

Where to find it

The app is available for free via the Apple App Store (iOS devices) and Google Play (Android devices), searchable using 'Wales Coast Path', it uses GPS track location in real life and trigger bespoke augmented reality animations at different points along the Wales Coast Path. 

Find out more www.walescoastpath.gov.uk
www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/plan-your-visit/days-out/family-walks-with-a-difference 

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Editor's Notes

About the Wales Coast Path  

The Wales Coast Path opened in May 2012, making Wales the first country in the world to provide an uninterrupted route along a national coast. The Wales Coast Path showcases Wales' beaches, estuaries, cliffs, woodlands and hills. Along the path also discover city waterfronts, writers' retreats, rare wildlife and historic castles. There is 870 miles of coastline waiting to be explored in 2019, with the path a haven for hiking, wildlife and breathtaking views of the iconic Welsh coast. For information about the Wales Coast Path visit: www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/ 

This project has received funding via the Tourism Product Innovation Fund (TPIF) supported through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government, the Fund aims to encourage new innovative product ideas working in partnership which will have a greater impact and attract more visitors.

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Mae'r prosiect hwn wedi derbyn cyllid drwy'r Gronfa Arloesi Cynnyrch Twristiaeth (TPIF) ac yn derbyn cefnogaeth y Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig 2014- 2020 - Cymunedau Gwledig Llywodraeth Cymru  sy'n cael ei ariannu gan Gronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop ar gyfer datblygu gwledig (EAFRD ) a Llywodraeth Cymru.  Nod y Gronfa yw annog syniadau arloesol ar gyfer cynnyrch newydd a chydweithio er mwyn cael mwy of effaith a denu mwy o ymwelwyr.

Press Trips & Media Opportunities 

AM + A Media and Marketing Relations will be managing a range of press trips in 2019, with special support for freelancers, bloggers and vloggers.

To register your interest please email Jess Rayner: jess@alexandramarr.com 

Download for free the app for free via the Apple App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play (Android devices), by searching 'Wales Coast Path'. 

App Store: www.apps.apple.com/wales-coast-path 

Google Play: www.play.google.com/walescoastpath