Image: Rhossili beach is included on the route

Welsh environment minister John Griffiths has helped mark the official opening of the new 870-mile (1,400km) Wales Coast Path at an event held in Cardiff Bay.

The event was one of three organised to celebrate the launch of the continuous walking route, which runs along the entire coastline from Chepstow in the south to Chester in the north.

It is thought the path will attract an additional 100,000 visitors to Wales each year, with travel guide Lonely Planet recommending the Welsh coast as the world's top destination in 2012.

Griffiths said: "There's no doubt that the path will be a huge asset to Wales, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world to Wales each year."

The Welsh Government has worked in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales, 16 councils and two national parks to develop the new Wales Coast Path.

Details: www.walescoastpath.gov.uk

Image: Neepster