The top Great British coastal walks

Coastal, Walking, The Great British Outdoors

Posted by Kate A on 26th May 2023

Coastal walks

The salty sea breeze, the soothing sounds of the waves lapping the shore, and the feeling of soft, golden sand between your toes; nothing beats the rejuvenating feeling of a walk along the British coast.

According to the Ordnance Survey, the coastline of mainland Great Britain (excluding all the islands) is 11,073 miles, which means that there is certainly a lot of shoreline to be explored! And with so many coastal paths winding their way around our island’s sandy beaches and towering cliff faces, it’s easier than ever to get out and experience the spectacular coastal scenery on offer.

Whether you’re in search of a gentle stroll along a glistening bay or an exhilarating cliff-top hike, take a look at our guides to the best coastal walks in the UK. And if you are looking for an equally lovely seaside retreat in which you can relax and unwind after your adventures, click the button below to browse our full collection of coastal cottages in the UK.

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Six of the best coastal walks in the UK

With so much glorious coastline to explore in the UK, it can be hard to know where to start! Here are six of our favourite coastal walks to inspire your next adventure.

The UK coast

Visit the glorious Valley of Rocks by walking the South West Coast Path for around a mile from the delightful North Devon town of Lynton. You’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the Exmoor coastline, and you can glimpse the South Wales coast across the Bristol Channel. To extend the walk, head to Woody Bay; it adds around 1.5 miles to the stroll and is well worth it.

An 11-mile circular walk that starts out from the National Trust Coastal Centre at Ravenscar and is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the North York Moors National Park. A challenging trek, it takes in a section of Howdale Moor and the disused Scarborough to Whitby railway to reach Robin Hood’s Bay. Breathtaking sea views await on the return leg via the Cleveland Way National Trail.

This 28-mile route is traditionally tackled from the north end at Cockburnspath to the English border at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Of particular note along the way are the 100-metre-tall cliffs at Fancove Head, where you might spot razorbills, gannets, gulls and puffins. Other highlights include St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve, the village of Eyemouth and Siccar Point.

One of the best coastal walks in Suffolk, this 11-mile circular walk follows the Suffolk Coast Path north from Southwold, over Easton Broad towards Covehithe. You’ll pass trees submerged in the sand before glimpsing the impressive ruins of St Andrew’s Church. For the return journey, you’ll follow the inland route of the coast path. It’s important to check the tide times before heading out.

A charming 6-mile walk from the seaside resort of Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay, which happens to link in with the longer Isle of Thanet Trail. Starting out from Ramsgate Harbour, it runs past the town marina and up to the clifftops. On the way, check out the network of caves and tunnels known as Cliffs End. Your end destination is Sandwich and Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve.

You can enjoy stunning coastal scenery on this fantastic stretch of the Wales Coast Path. During this 7-mile walk, take time to appreciate the wonderful sea views towards Rhossili and Worm’s Head. The route begins at Rhossili’s visitor centre car park and takes in such intriguingly named points as Kitchen Corner and Tears Point as you head for Port Eynon.

The best coastal walks in the South West

Lace up those walking boots! From blissful beach walks on secluded sands lapped by cerulean waters to windswept wanders along the dramatic South West Coast Path, you’ll soon realise there is nowhere quite like the South West for coastal walking holidays. Why not head to the coastal trails of Cornwall and venture along the serene shoreline of The Lizard or wind your way around charming fishing harbours and hidden smugglers coves?

Coastal walks in Cornwall

Alternatively, boasting two distinct coastlines, Devon's coastal walks span 450 miles of rocky coves, sweeping silver beaches and lofty clifftops. Whether you venture along the trails of North or South Devon, you’ll experience some of the finest coastal walks in the UK here.

Coastal walks in Dorset

Coastal walks in Dorset

A hiker’s dream, there aren’t many coastal footpaths in the UK where you can walk through time, discovering fossils and ancient natural rock formations such as the renowned Durdle Door; but along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in Dorset, 185 million years of fascinating history awaits you.

Dorset coastal walks

Coastal walks in Somerset

Coastal walks in Somerset

From bustling seaside resorts to sleepy fishing harbours, interspersed with castles, steam trains and nature reserves, the Somerset coastline is an explorer’s heaven. Set out on some of the top coastal path walks in the UK in this beautiful county and discover some of the most scenic landscapes you could hope for.

Somerset coastal walks

The best coastal walks in the North of England

There is no better way to experience the beauty of the North of England coastline than by foot. Start your adventures by striding out on the coastal trails of Northumberland. Here, mighty fortresses like Bamburgh Castle stand guard along the sandy shores, and mysterious islands await exploration where you’ll find puffins, seals and dolphins.

Coastal walks in Northumberland

Coastal walks in Yorkshire

Why not follow in the footsteps of the legendary Captain Cook with the wonderful choice of seaside walks in Yorkshire? Stretching for 90 miles, this Heritage Coast features old smugglers haunts, unspoilt beaches and even the occasional dinosaur footprint.

Coastal walks in Yorkshire

The best coastal walks in Scotland

Winding alongside pristine white sands, undulating dunes and mysterious coves, the coastal trails of Scotland are some of the most scenic of all. Surrounded on three sides by the sea and with over 700 islands, there is a lot of coastline to explore in this enchanting country.

Coastal walks in Scotland

Coastal walks in Scotland

The best coastal walks in the East of England

If you’ve got your heart set on a holiday packed to the brim with some of the best long coastal walks in the UK, the East of England is a brilliant destination. On coastal walks in Norfolk, you can drift along sparkling white sands, across soaring clifftops and through picturesque fishing villages all under a giant sky.

Coastal walks in Norfolk

Coastal walks in Suffolk

Heading out on coastal walks in Suffolk, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring scenery and beaches perfect for building a sandcastle or two. Whether wildlife-watching on a summer stroll or soaking up the sunset on a crisp winter hike, there’s always plenty to see along this stretch of coastline.

Coastal walks in Suffolk

The best coastal walks on the South Coast

From the rolling dunes of Camber Sands to the White Cliffs of Dover, the South Coast encompasses an astonishing array of coastal landscapes which are best explored on foot. Will you pick a relaxed beachside ramble in Kent at Whitstable, Seasalter or Dungeness, or an invigorating stroll on the Sussex clifftops?

Coastal walks on the South Coast

Coastal walks on the Isle of Wight

A tangle of footpaths criss-crosses the Isle of Wight coastline, taking you on an adventure fuelled by fresh sea air and glorious views. Enjoy some of the best coastal walks in the UK and look out for stunning natural landmarks such as the iconic Needles chalk stacks.

Coastal walks on the Isle of Wight

The best coastal walks in Wales

Meandering for 870 miles beside sparkling beaches and across towing cliffs, the Wales Coast Path offers one of the best ways to experience the immense beauty of the unspoiled Welsh coastline. Myths, legends and a whole host of wildlife await on these windswept coastal trails.

Coastal walks in Wales

Coastal walks in Wales

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.