Island Walks in the UK: 14 Circular Routes with a Sea View.

1. St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall

The largest of the Isles of Scilly, St Mary’s offers a varied 16km (10-mile) coastal circuit with white-sand beaches, ancient monuments, and panoramic Atlantic views.
• Access: By ferry from Penzance or flights from the mainland — local transport available on the island
• Best for: Coastal lovers, island-hopping adventurers, and history seekers

• More information on the St Mary’s coastal circuit here 

2. Thorney Island, Sussex

A hidden gem on the Sussex coast, Thorney Island offers a peaceful 13km (8.1-mile) circular walk around its shoreline, blending sea views, saltmarshes, and military heritage.
• Access: Public footpath via gates at Emsworth or Prinsted — pass through military checkpoints
• Best for: Coastal scenery, birdwatching, and a quiet, off-the-beaten-track experience

• More information on the Thorney Island coastal circuit here

3. Alderney, Channel Islands

Wild and rugged, Alderney’s 18.2 km (11.3-mile) coastal path loops around the island through dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, WWII fortifications, and rich wildlife habitats.
• Access: Flights from Southampton or Guernsey, or seasonal ferries — small and easy to explore on foot
• Best for: History buffs, nature enthusiasts, and unspoilt island escapes

• More information on the Alderney coast path here

4. Lundy Island, Devon

Remote and windswept, Lundy Island’s 14.3km (8.9-mile) circular walk reveals dramatic cliffs, puffin colonies, a 13th-century castle, and sweeping views across the Bristol Channel.
• Access: Ferry from Bideford or Ilfracombe (seasonal), or by helicopter in winter
• Best for: Wildlife watchers, solitude seekers, and lovers of rugged coastal landscapes

• More information on the Lundy coastal circuit here

5. Flat Holm, South Wales

This tiny island is a fascinating day out for history buffs. A 2.1km (1.3-mile) circular route takes in wartime ruins, a lighthouse, and views across to Cardiff and Weston-super-Mare.

• Access: Seasonal boat from Cardiff Bay
• Best for: A short, scenic loop with historical intrigue

More information on the Flat Holm coastal walk here 

6. Bardsey Island, Wales

Steeped in myth and pilgrimage, Bardsey Island offers a tranquil 7.4km (4.6-mile) circular walk past abbey ruins, wildflower meadows, and dramatic sea cliffs teeming with seabirds.
• Access: Boat from Porth Meudwy (weather dependent – book in advance)
• Best for: Spiritual retreats, birdwatching, and serene seascapes

• More information on the Bardsey Island coastal walk here

7. Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire

A wild and windswept gem off the Pembrokeshire coast, Ramsey Island’s 7.4km (4.6-mile) loop takes in towering sea cliffs, heathland, and some of the best wildlife spotting in Wales.
• Access: Small boat from St Justinians near St Davids – advance booking essential
• Best for: Dramatic coastal scenery, seals and seabirds, and remote island vibes

• More information on the Ramsey Island coastal walk here

8. Skomer Island, Wales

Famous for its puffins and wildflower meadows, Skomer Island’s 7km 4.3-mile circular trail winds past sea cliffs, hidden coves, and one of the UK’s most important seabird colonies.
• Access: Boat from Martin’s Haven (April–September) – tickets limited, book early
• Best for: Puffin lovers, photographers, and spring/summer nature walks

• More information on the Skomer Island coastal walk here

9. Anglesey, Wales

Encircled by the 201km (125-mile) Anglesey Coastal Path, the island offers varied walks through sandy bays, ancient sites, and dramatic cliffs with views across to Snowdonia.
• Access: Road and rail links via the Menai Bridge — easy to explore in sections
• Best for: Long-distance walkers, coastal variety, and rich Welsh heritage

• More information on the Anglesey coastal walk here

10. Isle of Muck, Small Isles, Scotland

Tiny and tranquil, the Isle of Muck offers a 15.7km (9.8-mile) free-range circular walk past sandy beaches, grazing ponies, steep cliffs and sweeping views of the Small Isles and Rum’s Cuillin mountains.
• Access: Ferry from Mallaig or Arisaig (weather dependent, limited sailings)
• Best for: Peaceful walking, great tea-room

• More information on the Isle of Muck coastal walk here

11. Oronsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Reached on foot at low tide, Oronsay offers a short but striking 6.9km (4.3-mile) loop with panoramic sea views, basalt cliffs, and solitude near Skye’s striking Talisker headlands.
• Access: Walk across the tidal causeway from Ullinish — check tide times carefully!
• Best for: Quiet reflection, coastal views, and a touch of adventure

• More information on the Oronsay coastal walk here

12. North Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland

Remote and windswept, North Ronaldsay’s 20.1km (12.5-mile) coastal loop circles rugged shores, historic lighthouses, and seaweed-eating sheep along its iconic drystone sheep dyke.
• Access: Flights from Kirkwall or seasonal ferry — limited services, plan ahead
• Best for: Island solitude, rare wildlife, and a unique cultural landscape

• More information on the North Ronaldsay coastal walk here

13. Papa Westray, Orkney, Scotland

Rich in history and birdlife, Papa Westray’s 20.1km (12.5-mile) coastal circuit passes Neolithic tombs, puffin cliffs, and one of the oldest preserved houses in Europe.
• Access: Ferry or the world’s shortest scheduled flight from Westray — book ahead
• Best for: Archaeology lovers, birdwatchers, and peaceful coastal rambles

• More information on the Papa Westray coastal walk here

14. Isle of Noss, Shetland, Scotland

Just a short hop from Lerwick, the 8.9km (5.5-mile) Isle of Noss coastal walk explores dramatic cliffs, seabird colonies, and ancient crofting landscapes.
• Access: Ferry to Bressay from Lerwick, then small boat to Noss (May–August, weather dependent)
• Best for: Seabird spectacles, rugged beauty, and a taste of Shetland’s wild side

• More information on the Isle of Noss coastal circuit here