5 Stunning Coastal Walks to Explore in the UK

Dorset

The UK’s coastline is home to some of the most breathtaking walking routes, offering rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and dramatic sea views. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely coastal stroll or a more challenging clifftop hike, these five walks showcase the best of Britain’s coastal scenery, from Cornwall’s turquoise waters to Scotland’s wild headlands.

Lizard peninsula

1. South West Coast Path: Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest national trail, stretching 630 miles along the coastline of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. The Lizard Peninsula section in Cornwall is one of the most spectacular, featuring rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping ocean views. The walk from Lizard Point to Kynance Cove is a highlight, offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK.

  • Stunning views from Lizard Point, the most southerly part of mainland Britain.
  • The turquoise waters and striking rock formations of Kynance Cove.
  • The chance to spot seals, seabirds, and rare coastal flora.
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start/End Point: Lizard Point National Trust Car Park, TR12 7NT
  • Map & Route: southwestcoastpath.org.uk
St-David's-head

2. Pembrokeshire Coast Path: St Davids Head, Wales

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the UK’s most beautiful long-distance trails, but the walk around St Davids Head offers a stunning shorter option. It combines dramatic cliffs, wildflower-covered headlands, and views across the Atlantic.

  • Breathtaking clifftop scenery and rugged rock formations.
  • A chance to spot seals, puffins, and even dolphins.
  • Explore the historic city of St Davids, the UK’s smallest city.
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start/End Point: Whitesands Bay, St Davids, SA62 6PS
  • Map & Route: pembrokeshirecoast.wales
Causeway-coastal-northern-ireland

3. Causeway Coast Way, Northern Ireland

A spectacular clifftop walk between Dunseverick Castle and the Giant’s Causeway, this trail showcases Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and the famous hexagonal rock formations.

  • Walk above the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge with stunning views.
  • Explore the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Visit Dunluce Castle, a breathtaking coastal ruin.
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start/End Point: Dunseverick Castle to Giant’s Causeway
  • Map & Route: discovernorthernireland.com
Fife-Scotland

4. Fife Coastal Path: Elie to Anstruther, Scotland

This section of the Fife Coastal Path takes walkers past charming fishing villages, sandy beaches, and the Elie Ness Lighthouse. The trail is relatively easy and offers a mix of history, wildlife, and stunning sea views.

  • Walk through picturesque coastal villages like Pittenweem and St Monans.
  • Stop for award-winning fish and chips in Anstruther.
  • Visit the historic Lady’s Tower at Elie Ness.
  • Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Start/End Point: Elie Harbour to Anstruther
  • Map & Route: fifecoastalpath.co.uk
Robin-Hood's-bay

5. Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby, North Yorkshire

A classic coastal walk along the Cleveland Way, offering stunning clifftop views, historic fishing villages, and the Gothic charm of Whitby Abbey.

  • Explore Robin Hood’s Bay, a beautiful smugglers’ village.
  • Stunning views from Ravenscar and Saltwick Bay.
  • Finish at Whitby, famous for its abbey, Dracula connections, and fish & chips.
  • Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Start/End Point: Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby
  • Map & Route: nationaltrail.co.uk

Plan Your Next Walking Adventure

From the towering cliffs of Cornwall to the wild shores of Scotland, these coastal walks are an unforgettable way to experience Britain’s rugged beauty. Each offers a unique experience, combining spectacular scenery, fresh sea air, and a chance to explore some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. Lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic, and embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

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