6 May 2012 Last updated at 03:57 ET

In Pictures: Castles on route of new Wales Coast Path

The 870-mile Wales Coast Path, and many castles can be seen along its route. They include Flint Castle, which was built to form what would later become known as Edward I's 'Iron Ring'. Chosen for its strategic position in north east Wales, the castle was only one day's march from Chester.

Conwy Castle was built between 1283 and 1289 during Edward I's second campaign in north Wales. Each of the four towers is more than 70ft (21m). The castle and town walls are listed in the Unesco World Heritage List as a site of outstanding universal value.

Caernarfon Castle is a World Heritage Site. The castle, complete with polygonal towers, was commissioned by Edward 1 following his defeat of Llwelyn ap Gruffudd – the then Prince of Wales. Charles, Prince of Wales, was invested here by the Queen in 1969.

Criccieth Castle in Gwynedd is located on a rocky peninsula overlooking Tremadog Bay. It was originally built by Llywelyn the Great of the kingdom of Gwynedd. It was later modified following its capture by the English forces of Edward I in the late 13th Century.

Harlech Castle, Gwynedd was commissioned by Edward I. This concentric castle was constructed high upon a rocky outcrop. After a long siege the castle was captured by Owain Glyndwr in 1404. The castle was recovered by John Talbot with an army of 1,000 English troops in 1409.

Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire. The castle has developed from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. Located near the castle is a four-storey tidal mill, one of only three restored tidal mills in Britain.

Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire. The castle, established in 1093, has developed from a simple motte and bailey structure. It is the only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire. The gatehouse of this Anglo-Norman castle still has its murder holes which were used by defenders to throw or pour rocks, scalding water, hot sand and boiling oil onto attackers.

Pennard Castle on Gower was originally built in the 12th Century, and is believed to have been a ringwork castle with wooden palisades. It was abandoned due to sandblow by 1400.