The Best Coastal Walks in the UK: Cliffs, Beaches & Sea Breezes
The United Kingdom is blessed with some of the world’s most dramatic and varied coastlines. With dramatic cliffs and sheltered coves, long, wide, sweeping bays and picturesque fishing villages, the UK’s coastal paths are the perfect escape for walkers, nature lovers and novice travellers. Whether you crave serenity, adventure, or just a fresh sea breeze, there is a coastal walk to suit every pace and passion.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some of the best seaside walks in the UK, covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. And they are never just about the trek; they are about the breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and timeless seaside charm that accompany them.
1. South West Coast Path, England
Location: Somerset to Dorset
Length: 630 miles (can be walked in sections)
Highlights: Clifftop views, quaint villages, fossil hunting
The UK’s longest waymarked footpath and one of the world’s most popular and favourite amongst hikers is the South West Coast Path. Running from Minehead in Somerset, down around Cornwall and Devon, and on to Poole, Dorset, this path stitches together a tapestry of cliffs, fishing harbours, wildflower meadows, and windswept beaches.
For novices, the St Ives to Zennor stretch in Cornwall is a good bet. It’s an easy 6.5-mile walk through craggy cliffs and secluded coves, with seabirds overhead and swimming seals often visible on the rocks.
Top Tip: Take time to enjoy a traditional Cornish pasty and a paddle in the sea at one of the sandy beaches en route.
2. Causeway Coast Way, Northern Ireland
Location: Ballycastle to Portstewart
Length: 33 miles (53 km)
Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Atlantic views
The Causeway Coast Way is mesmerizing. It includes the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway – a primordial seascape of interlocking basalt columns – as well as dramatic headlands and romantic ruins such as Dunluce Castle, hanging precariously over a cliff edge.
Most day walks are the stretch between Ballintoy and the Giant’s Causeway. Along the way, they’ll find cliff-top paths, ancient legends, and heart-stopping views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Top Tip: Stop by the tiny harbour at Ballintoy, used as a filming location in Game of Thrones, for a scenic rest.
3. Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales
Location: Amroth to St Dogmaels
Length: 186 miles (299 km)
Highlights: Sea arches, puffins, ancient sites
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path has some of the best coastal views in Britain. Featuring rugged headlands, sea stacks, and sandy bays, this path winds through the UK’s only coastal national park and is a paradise for birdlife and marine creatures.
One of the best places to start is the St Davids Peninsula, from which the path loops around some of the most isolated and stunning stretches of coast. For beginners, the Whitesands Bay to St Justinian’s path takes you along dramatic cliffs, past small chapels, and possibly a boat trip to Ramsey Island, a bird sanctuary inhabited by puffins and seals.
Top Tip: Visit in spring or early summer for the best wildlife spotting opportunities and blooming coastal flora.
4. Fife Coastal Path, Scotland
Location: Kincardine to Newburgh
Length: 117 miles(188 km)
Highlights: Historic villages, sandy beaches, and golf heritage
Scotland’s Fife Coastal Path is perfect for walkers looking for natural beauty and cultural richness. The path connects charming fishing villages, castles, and sweeping bays, particularly around the picturesque East Neuk of Fife.
The Elie to Crail section is a favourite, offering harbourside pubs, colourful cottages, and views over the North Sea. Crail, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, is the perfect endpoint for a seaside lunch.
Top Tip: Make time to explore St Andrews, the home of golf, where you can walk the beach made famous by the film Chariots of Fire.
5. Norfolk Coast Path, England
Location: Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea
Length: 84 miles(135 km)
Highlights: Salt marshes, sand dunes, bird sanctuaries
The Norfolk Coast Path offers a gentler kind of coastal walk – wide skies, big beaches, and a sense of serene remoteness. It’s part of the England Coast Path, and its relatively flat terrain makes it especially beginner-friendly.
For a relaxed introduction, try the Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham Beach walk. Holkham is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in England, with its vast sands, pine wood fringe, and film credits including Shakespeare in Love.
Top Tip: Birdwatchers should visit in winter to see thousands of migratory geese and waders at the RSPB Titchwell Marsh Reserve.
6. Isle of Wight Coast Path, England
Location: Entire island circumference
Length: 70 miles(113 km)
Highlights: Chalk cliffs, sailing towns, dinosaur fossils
Walking the Isle of Wight Coast Path is like taking a step back in time. This circular route loops the entire island, offering a variety of landscapes – from white chalk cliffs at The Needles to fossil-rich beaches at Compton Bay.
A top choice for a day walk is Shanklin to Ventnor, which follows the cliff tops and dips through secluded wooded chines (coastal valleys), offering both sea views and shaded glades.
Top Tip: Make time for a stop at the Ventnor Botanic Garden, nestled in a microclimate perfect for subtropical plants.
7. Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, England
Location: North Yorkshire
Length: 7 miles (11 km)
Highlights: Abbey ruins, smugglers’ tales, fossil beaches
One of the most iconic coastal walks in England, the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay trail combines history, folklore, and coastal charm. Starting in the gothic town of Whitby, famous for its connections to Dracula and Captain Cook, the path heads south along dramatic cliffs.
The route ends at Robin Hood’s Bay, a former smugglers’ haven with steep lanes and old fishermen’s cottages that tumble to the sea.
Top Tip: Grab some of Whitby’s world-renowned fish and chips before your walk – and treat yourself to a pint in one of Robin Hood’s Bay’s historic pubs at the end.
8. Mourne Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Location: Belfast to Newry (via the coast)
Length: 102 miles (can be driven or walked in parts)
Highlights: Mountains meeting the sea, glens, folklore
The Mourne Coastal Route isn’t a continuous footpath but a series of walking opportunities along one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic drives. This region, where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea, offers unforgettable walking, especially around Newcastle and Murlough Nature Reserve.
Try the Dundrum Bay to Tyrella Beach walk for a coastal experience framed by mountain views and tidal flats teeming with birdlife.
Top Tip: Explore Silent Valley Reservoir inland for a peaceful detour and panoramic views of the Mournes.
Why Coastal Walks?
Coastal walks offer more than just physical exercise – they are therapeutic journeys filled with fresh air, open horizons, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re watching the sun rise over a quiet cove or spotting dolphins from a clifftop, the UK’s coastlines deliver unforgettable moments.
Planning Tips for Beginner Coastal Walkers
– Check the tides: Always consult a tide table before walking on beaches or below cliffs.
– Dress in layers: Coastal weather can change quickly – carry a waterproof layer even on sunny days.
– Wear proper footwear: Trails may be uneven or slippery.
– Bring water and snacks: Not all paths pass through villages or towns.
– Respect wildlife: Keep dogs under control and stay on marked paths.
Conclusion:
The UK’s coastline is a national treasure, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re just getting into walking or looking for a new adventure, these coastal routes are the perfect introduction to the outdoors. With each step along the sea, you’re not just following a path – you’re writing your own story of discovery, serenity, and wonder.
So pack your walking boots, grab a camera, and head for the coast. The cliffs, beaches, and sea breezes of the UK are calling.
