If you require some exploration inspiration, we’ve researched 10 of the UK’s most picturesque coastal walks, ranging from 5 miles to 30, so all you need to do is plan your trip and don’t forget your walking shoes!
1) South: Abbotsbury to Lulworth, Dorset (Distance: 25 miles)
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
This stunning Dorset coastline showcases sweeping cliffs with the scenic Isle of Portland, a four-mile-long piece of land which is joined to the coast by Chesil Beach. Starting at Abbotsbury village, the path gives breathtaking views of the 18-mile spit of sand, past Fleet lagoon and towards Weymouth and Ferrybridge. From here to Lulworth is more taxing, but the views of Lulworth and Durdle Door are the highlight!
2) Scotland: John O’Groats to Duncansby Head (Distance: 4.3 miles)
Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash
The northernmost part of Scotland is wild and dramatic with some beautiful scenery of uninterrupted coastland, cliffs and windswept land. Starting at the harbour, take the shore path where you may see Eider ducks, seals or even ‘Groatie Buckies’ — small shells which bring the finder good luck! The path then passes a stream where otters can occasionally be spotted, Roberts Haven beach, the Ness of Duncansby and Sannick Bay, climbing down to Duncansby Head Lighthouse car park where you can view the Stacks to the right.
3) South West: Perranporth to St Ives, Cornwall Atlantic Coast (Distance: 30 miles)
Photo by Karen Uppal on Unsplash
A great choice for wildlife lovers, this trail takes in rugged cliff tops and mining landscapes, with the chance to see seals, sunfish and basking sharks below, or guillemots and razorbills above. From Portreath you’ll pass Ralph’s Cupboard, a cove favoured by smugglers to hide their loot, the rolling sand dunes at Gwithian and Navax Point where the seals gather, cross Hayle’s 100-year-old swing bridge and finish off in the postcard-perfect town of St Ives – the perfect spot for an ice cream!
4) North West: Formby Beach and Woodland, Merseyside (Distance: 3.7 miles)
Photo by Rebecca Campbell on Unsplash
Think the best coastal walks in the UK are mainly on the South Coast? Formby Point in Merseyside is within easy reach of Liverpool, making it a great option for escaping the metropolis. The easy, circular trail ventures around the National Trust’s Nature Reserve at Formby, passing a spectacular stretch of beach, sand dunes and pines, and only takes 1hr 15 to complete so is suitable for the kids too.
5) South West: Combe Martin to Braunton, North Devon(Distance: 28 miles)
Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash
North Devon’s spectacular beaches have recently been designated the UK’s first National Surf Reserve and there’s no better way to discover the gorgeous sandy shoreline than on foot as the widescreen views span out across the Bristol Channel. The walk from Combe Martin to Braunton is an easy clifftop walk with some stunning viewpoints including Baggy Point, which looks out across Croyde’s wide strand edges with dunes that separate the beach from the village. From here, climb up towards Saunton and along the Taw estuary to Braunton village where you can see thatched cottages.
6) East Coast: Blakeney Point, Norfolk (Distance: 7 miles)
Photo by Kier Allen on Unsplash
The North Norfolk coast is a great place for blustery walks and spotting seals. Starting at Blakeney, a coastal village and civil parish, follow the North Norfolk Coastal Path from where you’ll be able to spot seals and other unusual plants and birdlife as you cross shingle, sand dunes and the wide expanse of salt marsh. There is also a route which takes you through the lesser-known stretch of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve.
7) South West: Torcross to Brixham, South Devon (Distance: 21 miles)
Photo by Michael Austin on Unsplash
This South Devon walk combines open fields, rugged headlands, woodland and Dartmouth’s vibrant art galleries and boutiques, finishing in the colourful port town of Brixham which has excellent fish restaurants. Starting gently, the walk takes you along the Slapton Sands shingle beach, rising up the more rugged cliffs to Dartmouth. From here to Brixham you’ll then pass a 15th-century castle at Kingswear, meadows ablaze with wildflowers at Berry Head (from May to August), and spot birds such as skylarks, cirl buntings and linnets above Forward Point.
8) Wales: Rhossili to Port Eynon, The Gower Peninsula(Distance: 6.5 Miles)
Photo by Ruben Gregori on Unsplash
This is one of the most popular stretches of the Wales Coast Path, stretching around the Gower Peninsula in West Wales. This walk crosses rugged cliff tops with wonderful views towards Rhossili, a surfing hotspot, and a peninsula called Worm’s Head which earned its name due to its sea serpent-like appearance. There is also a bus that runs back from Rhossili if you’re too tired for the route back.
9) South: Seven Sisters Cliff Walk, Seaford to Eastbourne, Sussex (Distance: 14 miles)
Photo by Margarita Perepecho on Unsplash
The striking Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs topped with a carpet of green grass that plunge into the cerulean sea. Arguably more beautiful than the famous cliffs of Dover, the Seven Sisters stretch from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap in East Sussex on the south coast. The best way to experience the relatively easy Seven Sisters Cliffs is to take the coastal trail from Seaford to Eastbourne although be prepared, as it can get pretty windy!
10) Ireland: Dunseverick Castle to the Giant’s Causeway(Distance: 5.5 miles)
Photo by Zeynep Elif Ozdemir on Unsplash
Dunseverick Castle to the Giant’s Causeway, is one of Ireland’s most dramatic and iconic coastal scapes and is relatively isolated as it’s the longest section of Causeway that is off-road. Starting at Dunseverick Castle you’ll pass the Giant’s Causeway and finish in Portballintrae, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife and discover the strange basalt columns. If feeling energetic, from Portballintrae village, you can continue 1.5 miles to the majestic Dunluce Castle which is perched on a cliff top.
For tips on what to look for when choosing the best walking shoes, please visit: https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/best-shoes-for-walking
