The Ultimate Guide to Coastal Walking in the UK | Best Trails, Tips & Gear 2025.

England

• South West Coast Path: Spanning 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath. This trail offers walkers an opportunity to experience a diverse range of coastal landscapes, from rugged cliffs to serene beaches. It’s a challenging route, with a total elevation change equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times, but the rewards are unparalleled views and a deep immersion into the coastal environment. Check out our blog Planning Your First South West Coast Path Hike: 10 Most Asked Questions Answered (2025 Guide) – Link

• Northumberland Coast: Stretching for 62 miles from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, this path traverses some of England’s most unspoiled coastline. Walkers can explore sandy beaches, dunes, and historic castles like Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh. The area is also rich in wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers.​ Check out our blog, ‘Walking around Lindisfarne’. Link
• Jurassic Coast (Dorset): Fossils, cliffs and natural arches. Check out our ‘Walk to Harry’s Rocks from Studland. Link
• Seven Sisters, East Sussex, England: The Seven Sisters cliffs offer one of the most iconic coastal landscapes in England. This series of chalk cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne provides walkers with stunning sea views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the South Downs National Park. This is an incredible and breathtaking coastal walk, with “stunning coastal views and bright white chalk cliffs.

Wales

• Pembrokeshire Coast Path: Established in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches for 186 miles along the southwestern coast of Wales. This trail is renowned for its unspoiled beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and a rich array of wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals. Walkers can also explore historical sites along the route, such as Neolithic cromlechs and Iron Age forts. Check out our blog ‘Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path: Essential Tips for First-Time Hikers’ – link
• Anglesey Coastal Path: Quiet coves and island heritage.
• Gower and Swansea Bay Coast Path: Part of the larger Wales Coast Path, this 97-mile section runs from Loughor to Kenfig Dunes near Port Talbot. The Gower Peninsula, designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, is a highlight of this trail.Walkers can enjoy a variety of landscapes, including sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and salt marshes, as well as notable landmarks like Worm’s Head peninsula and the historic Whiteford Point Lighthouse. 

Scotland

• Scottish Island Walks: Skye, Mull, Arran—each with its own magic. Check out our blog ‘Best Coastal Walks in the Isle of Skye’; Check out our route in The Times 
• Fife Coastal Path, Scotland: Extending for 117 miles from Kincardine to Newburgh, the Fife Coastal Path offers walkers a journey through picturesque fishing villages, sandy beaches, and historic sites. Reddit users have praised locations like Culross, Aberdour, and St. Andrews for their beauty and charm. One user noted, “Culross, Aberdour, St. Andrew’s, Limekilns are all in Fife and they’re all utterly beautiful coastal places.” ​Check out our walk fromAnstruther to Elie in The Times ; also our walk in The Times around the Isle of May 
• Moray Coast Trail, Scotland: For those seeking a blend of coastal scenery and woodland, the Moray Coast Trail is a superb choice. This 50-mile route from Forres to Cullen features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns.