Table of Contents
Best Coastal Walks in the UK
What better way to explore the stunning beauty of the British coastline than to take a walk along it? From rugged cliffs and sweeping beaches to windswept promenades and sheltered coves, the UK’s coastal paths are some of the most scenic and breathtaking in the world.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll or something in between, there’s something for everyone. Here is our selection of the best coastal walks in the UK – from Cornwall to Scotland – to help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Portreath to Godrevy, Cornwall
This six-mile route takes you along the glorious north coast of Cornwall, from the small fishing port of Portreath to Godrevy Point. The route is mostly flat and easy-going, winding its way along the cliff-top paths and through the picturesque fishing villages of Portreath and St Agnes. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the North Cornwall coast.
The walk ends at the beautiful Godrevy Lighthouse, which is set on a small island off the coast of St Ives. Here, you can take in the spectacular views of the coastline and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area.
This is a great walk for anyone looking for some gentle exercise and a chance to get away from it all. The stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect way to spend a sunny day in Cornwall.
The South West Coast Path, Devon and Cornwall
The South West Coast Path is the longest National Trail in the UK, stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, taking in the rugged cliffs and sweeping beaches of Devon and Cornwall.
The path passes through some of the most picturesque towns and villages in the region, such as St Ives in Cornwall and Exmouth in Devon. And, of course, you’ll get to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the region, including the impressive Tintagel Castle and the beautiful River Dart.
Whether you want to tackle the entire path in one go, or just take in a few sections at a time, the South West Coast Path is the perfect way to explore the beautiful coastline of Devon and Cornwall.
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Chesil Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in the UK, stretching for 18 miles along the Dorset coastline. The beach is known for its shingle bank, which runs the entire length of the beach and provides a unique habitat for wildlife.
The beach is a great place for walking and exploring, with plenty of peaceful spots to stop and take in the views of the sea. And, of course, you can take a stroll along the iconic shingle bank and admire the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Chesil Beach is a great walk for anyone looking for a leisurely stroll and a chance to explore a unique landscape. And, of course, you’ll get to experience the incredible beauty of the Dorset coastline.
Isle of Wight Coastal Path, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is the perfect way to explore the stunning scenery of the island. The path follows the coastline for 67 miles, taking in some of the most beautiful views in the UK.
From the chalk cliffs of the south coast, to the sandy beaches of the north, the walk takes you through some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the country. And, of course, you’ll get to see some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, such as The Needles and the stunning Alum Bay.
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a great way to explore the island, and it’s an ideal walk for anyone looking to take in the unique beauty of the island’s coastline.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 186-mile route that follows the rugged coastline of Wales. The path follows a winding course through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, taking in the dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and hidden coves of the Welsh coast.
Along the way, you’ll get to see some of the most iconic landmarks in Wales, such as St David’s Cathedral and the spectacular Pembroke Castle. And, of course, you’ll get to experience the breathtaking views of the sea and the stunning Welsh countryside.
Whether you want to take on the entire path or just explore a few sections, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a great way to explore the beauty of the Welsh coastline.
Gower Coast Path, Wales
The Gower Coast Path is a beautiful route that takes you along the stunning Gower Peninsula in South Wales. The path winds its way along the coastline for 37 miles, taking in some of the most beautiful views in the UK.
On the way, you’ll get to experience the dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula, as well as the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the area. And, of course, you’ll get to take in some of the most iconic landmarks in Wales, such as Rhossili Bay and the ancient ruins of Worms Head.
Whether you want to tackle the entire path or just explore a few sections, the Gower Coast Path is a great way to explore the beauty of the Welsh coastline.
Cairngorms Coast Path, Scotland
The Cairngorms Coast Path is a stunning route that takes you along the dramatic coastline of Scotland. The path follows a winding course for 60 miles, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
Along the way, you’ll get to experience the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Scottish coast, as well as the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the area. And, of course, you’ll get to take in some of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, such as the majestic Ben Nevis and the stunning Glen Coe.
Whether you want to take on the entire path or just explore a few sections, the Cairngorms Coast Path is a great way to explore the beauty of the Scottish coastline.
Troon to Ayr Coast Path, Scotland
The Troon to Ayr Coast Path is a beautiful route that takes you along the stunning Ayrshire coastline. The path follows a winding course for 25 miles, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
Along the way, you’ll get to experience the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Ayrshire coast, as well as the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the area. And, of course, you’ll get to take in some of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, such as the majestic Isle of Arran and the beautiful Turnberry Golf Course.
Whether you want to tackle the entire path or just explore a few sections, the Troon to Ayr Coast Path is a great way to explore the beauty of the Scottish coastline.
Dunbar to St Abbs Coast Path, Scotland
The Dunbar to St Abbs Coast Path is a stunning route that takes you along the dramatic coastline of Scotland. The path follows a winding course for 12 miles, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
Along the way, you’ll get to experience the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Scottish coast, as well as the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the area. And, of course, you’ll get to take in some of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland, such as the majestic Dunbar Castle and the beautiful St Abbs Head.
Whether you want to tackle the entire path or just explore a few sections, the Dunbar to St Abbs Coast Path is a great way to explore the beauty of the Scottish coastline.
The Northumberland Coast Path, Northumberland
The Northumberland Coast Path is a stunning route that takes you along the dramatic coastline of Northumberland. The path follows a winding course for 125 miles, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
Along the way, you’ll get to experience the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast, as well as the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the area. And, of course, you’ll get to take in some of the most iconic landmarks in the region, such as the majestic Bamburgh Castle and the beautiful Farne Islands.
Whether you want to tackle the entire path or just explore a few sections, the Northumberland Coast Path is a great way to explore the beauty of the Northumberland coastline.
Conclusion
The UK is home to some of the most stunning and diverse coastline in the world, and there’s no better way to explore it than by taking a walk along its paths. From Cornwall to Scotland, there are plenty of coastal walks to explore, each offering its own unique beauty and charm.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll or something in between, there’s something for everyone. So why not take a walk along the UK’s stunning coastline and explore the beauty of the British Isles?
