Any holiday in the United Kingdom isn’t complete without the essential afternoon walk. While cities and countryside have much to offer, nothing beats the fantastic views of the country’s coastline. With thousands of miles of coast and beach, walkers and nature enthusiasts will have the time of their lives exploring every inch of the UK’s borders with these stunning walking trails. From endless sea views to far-reaching sceneries of vast moorlands, you’re guaranteed to experience the best holiday along the coast. Discover amazing routes and explore every part of the countryside with the ultimate list of coastal walks in the UK below!
The Complete List of UK Coastal Walks with Best Views
When it comes to epic coastal walks, the UK will never run out of destinations to recommend. The county of Cornwall has some of the best, longest, and prettiest coastal walks in the country. If you’re up for extreme adventure and varied landscapes, Scotland and Wales have plenty of dedicated paths to challenge your holiday. Whether you’re a beginner on your first trip to the coast or you’re a seasoned walker with hundreds of miles under your belt, there’s a path for everyone. So, on your next holiday, remember to check out this complete list of all the coastal walks with the best views in the UK:
St. David’s Peninsula Circular Walk, Pembrokeshire

The county of Pembrokeshire is known for many things including its popular Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Spanning over a hundred miles, this coastal trail offers the most varied route of walking across the region. One of the most popular trails is the St. David’s Peninsula Circular Walk. The trail starts in St. David’s, which is also known as the UK’s smallest city, and reaches St. Non’s Bay where you’ll join the general route for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Along the way, you’ll stop by Porthclais Harbour, Treginnins Peninsula, and Whitesands Bay before closing the loop and heading back to the city. With its diverse landscapes and endless sea views, the circular walk is the best choice for families on holiday or seasoned walkers looking for a relaxing trip!
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 10.5 miles
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Llangrannog to New Quay, Ceredigion

While not as popular as its neighbouring holiday counties, the region of Ceredigion sees this as more of a perk rather than a disadvantage. With fewer crowds and a semi-remote atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem for nature lovers and walkers who want to explore the countryside in peace. Among its many walking trails is the 60-mile loop from Llangrannog to New Quay. The route is part of the greater Wales Coast Path but is an excellent choice if you’re short on time and just want a challenging yet enjoyable adventure. Starting from the town of Llangrannog, the trail will take you across stunning cliffsides until you reach the secluded cove of Cwmtydu. Not only will this walk treat you to beautiful landscapes, but it will also allow you to catch glimpses of the Welsh wildlife including Atlantic grey seals!
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 9.4 miles
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Aberdaron Circular Walk, Snowdonia

Although Snowdonia is better known for its mountain routes, there are plenty of coastal walks as well. The Aberdaron Circular Walk is one of the busier walking paths tracing the edges of the national park. Stretching almost ten miles, the trail follows the Wales Coast Path and will direct you to Porth Meudy. After trekking for a while, you’ll meet a hilly area and follow up the path to Mynydd Anelog. After your descent, you’ll travel to the Porthor before walking through a few more river valleys and heading back to Aberdaron. The trail is relatively straightforward with views of Snowdonia’s oceanic side and windy peaks, so it’s perfect for beginners or holidaying families!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 9.3 miles
Time: 5 hours
The Flodigarry and Quiraing Hike, Isle of Skye

The area between Flodigarry and Quiraing is popular among holidaymakers on the Isle of Skye. With hundreds of beautiful coastlines, you’ll have your pick of walking trails waiting to be explored. But if you want an easy hike where you can appreciate the isle’s Scottish beauty, it’s recommended to take this designated trail. This six-mile route will start at the community of Flodigarry and take you through sprawling grasslands, steep cliffsides, and then to Trotternish Ridge. Most of the path is in a relatively remote location, so you can fully enjoy the idyllic countryside and ocean views. It’s extremely pet-friendly as well, so don’t forget to tag your furry friends along for the journey!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 6.3 miles
Time: 4 hours
The Ardnish Peninsula, West Coast of Scotland

Another favourite trail can be found on the western coastline of Scotland, also known as the Ardnish Peninsula. Compared to the Isle of Skye, this region feels even more remote with scattered villages and pockets of woodlands. The hike will take you on a seven-mile loop starting from the southern edges of Ardnish and then following the paths to Peanmeanach. Some locals would recommend taking the longer way which will take you to Polnish and then to a quiet bay where you can marvel at the sunset. If you’re up for it, there are spots across the peninsula where you can camp out and stay overnight. Thanks to its sparse population, Ardnish is one of the best places for stargazing!
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 7.7 miles
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Seatown to West Bay, Dorset

The South West Coast Path is the longest unbroken walking trail in Cornwall. And while it’s impossible to get all the miles in a single day, you can try out the route from Seatown to West Bay. The path runs for eight miles, starting from Charmouth Beach and ending at Eype Beach in West Bay. Along the way, you’ll be able to appreciate the best spots of the Jurassic Coast, admire the sweeping views of Lyme Bay, and maybe even discover a few fossils on some of the shingle beaches. The trek home is pretty easy as well, all you need to do is retrace your steps or catch a ride back to Charmouth. For beginner walks with picturesque views, this portion of the South West is the best choice!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 8 miles
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Minehead to Porlock, Somerset

The best thing about the South West Coast Path is that it spans several counties including Somerset. One of the first routes of the national trail is from Minehead to Porlock which is also extremely popular and for good reason. Although the entire journey is only less than ten miles, it provides all the spectacular views the region has to offer. The first stop is Exmoor National Park with its moorlands and wildflowers. The trail then increases in difficulty as you head over to Selworthy Beacon before heading down to Porlock Bay. At any point throughout the walk, holidaymakers are guaranteed dramatic landscapes and a serene atmosphere!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 9 miles
Time: 4 to 5 hours
The Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall

The Lizard Peninsula is another popular coastal walk in the county of Cornwall. The trail only takes three hours and is beloved by holidaymakers thanks to its line of beaches. Starting at Kynance Cove, you’ll follow the path until you reach Pentreath Beach. After walking for another mile or two, you’ll eventually reach Lizard Point with its iconic lighthouse. As you travel through the county’s southern region, you’ll have access to miles of golden sand dunes and the bluest waters you’ll lay your eyes on. So, it’s not surprising at all if you’re tempted to halt your walk every now and then to enjoy the waves!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 7 miles
Time: 3 hours
White Cliffs and South Downs, Sussex

The White Cliffs and South Downs walking trail is one of the most popular coastal walks in the UK. Depending on the route you take, the walk can stretch from six to twelve miles of steep coastlines. What makes this footpath unique from the others is its exclusive views of the white and chalky sides of the White Cliffs of Dover. Even as you’re walking, you’ll be able to spot the iconic cliffs from a mile away. And since the area is part of the Sussex Heritage Coast, you’ll also be treated to the fantastic displays of wildflowers and moorlands. Whether you’re a beginner walker or an extreme adventurer, you’ll love tracing the path towards the White Cliffs!
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 12 miles
Time: 6 hours
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

If you’re looking for a challenge, why not visit Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast? The area gets its name from its unique rock formations formed by the rugged Atlantic waves. The entire trail spans over 30 miles with varying degrees of difficulty for walkers. Its most popular section starts at Ballintoy’s harbour and then heads over to the shoreline of White Park Bay. After a pitstop, you’ll cross more headlands and sea stacks before passing Benbane Head and finally arriving at Giant’s Causeway. Aside from its natural attractions, the trail also has plenty of landmarks including the ruins of the Spanish Armada!
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 10 miles
Time: 5 hours
6 Important Tips When Visiting UK’s Coastal Walks
While most coastal walls are easily accessible by the public and generally considered safe, it’s still important to enforce some rules when you’re out exploring. Any experienced walker or hiker will tell you that there are just some points in your checklist that you can’t skip. From packing all the important stuff to making sure you stay on the path, there are plenty of tips and reminders to help you have fun and ensure your safety. At the end of the day, you’ll never know when you’re going to need help, so better come prepared. If you’re planning on going for a coastal walk, here are some important points that you must never forget:
Always inform the locals about your trip.
Before going on any walking trail or hiking route, it’s extremely important that you inform another person or the local authorities about your plans. Whether it’s the host of your glamping pod or the village police, it’s best that they are aware of your itinerary and when they can expect you back. Even though most trails are safe, accidents are always possible, so the proper authorities can be alerted in case you don’t make it back on time. This is especially important if you’re walking or hiking to a semi-remote location where you can’t be reached immediately.
Pack all the essentials including a first aid kit.
Aside from your usual walking or hiking necessities, it’s important to pack other essentials such as a complete first aid kit. When it comes to outdoor adventures, your safety should always be put first. This is also helpful if you’re trekking with children since they can be quite excited and can get into small accidents. Before you leave for your walk, make sure that you also have the number of the local hospital or health centre of the place where you’re staying.
Make sure to put on your most comfortable shoes.
It’s never a good idea to use new shoes when going out for a walk – so make sure you spend enough time breaking those in before using them on your travels. Uncomfortable shoes make for an uncomfortable trip, causing sores and blisters while you’re out hiking. The best shoes are the ones that fit your feet perfectly, have been worn in, and are equipped for any type of terrain. You can even get special shoes if you’re planning on getting your feet wet during your coastal walk!
Don’t forget to bring lots of water and snacks.
Just like any other adventure, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks. You can never have too much water and depending on the weather, you may get thirsty right away during the peak summer season. Small snacks such as granola bars, sandwiches, trail mixes, or fruits are great for building up energy during long walks. If you’re preparing an overnight trip, make sure to bring enough food to last the night and for your breakfast the next morning!
Keep your pet on the lead at all times.
Walking with pets can be a fun and memorable experience, but it can turn bad pretty quickly. Most designated coastal walks allow dogs but you have to keep them on the lead throughout your visit. Oftentimes, there are steep parts or rugged areas where your pup can easily get hurt if left unsupervised. Whenever possible, only take off the lead in areas where your pets are allowed to roam free!
Follow the rules and remember to stick to the path.
As an adventurer, it can be tempting to go off the dedicated path – however, this is bad advice. Any experienced walker and hiker will tell you to always stick to the official route and never stray. Even safe and easy trails can turn dangerous once you head over to unexplored parts. So, remember to always follow the local rules and only trace the designated footpaths!
Final Thoughts
From the coastline of Cornwall to the moorlands of Scotland, the UK is a haven for country walkers and coastal hikers. With this ultimate list, you’ll never run out of opportunities to explore the borders of your holiday destination. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a week-long stay, you can find the best routes with this compilation of coastal walks across the country!
Featured Image: “Seatown”, by Derek Harper, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0