Best coastal walks UK
1. Holy Island to Lindisfarne
Location: Northumberland
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: Three miles on the Pilgrim’s Way from the causeway plus a five mile walk around the island
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Northumberland, is linked to the mainland by a long causeway. The tide sweeps in from the North Sea and submerges the road twice each day, making it impossible to cross at those times. As long as you check official crossing times on Northumberland Council’s Holy Island Tide Times page and plan your crossing, you’ll be fine. You could drive but the real experience is walking from Holy Island to Lindisfarne on the Pilgrim’s way.
Place to stay:Cloister Cottage is hidden in the secluded grounds of the Ellingham Hall, a 9-acre private estate with easy access to Northumberland’s historic sites and islands.
2. Lee Bay and Bull Point Lighthouse
Location: Devon
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: 4.5 miles
This rollercoaster of a walk from Lee Bay to Bull Point Lighthouse starts and ends in the lovely village of Lee in Devon, then leads through ancient woodland and coastal farmland to a medieval barton. You’ll pass prehistoric standing stones before the path drops to another small wooded valley and then emerges on a large exposed heath with views across the Bristol Channel.
Place to stay: Hector’s House is a high-quality holiday home within walking distance of the beach and all village amenities. It also has its own hot tub.
3. Lulworth to Durdle Door
Location: Dorset
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: 1.5 miles
This beautiful and popular South West Coast Path from Lulworth to Durdle Door takes in two of Dorset’s most iconic and well photographed sites. Lulworth is an almost-circular cove, backed by stunning clifftop views. The walk will take you past rolling countryside and pretty villages, over the steep Hambury Tout to the magnificent rock formation of Durdle Door.
Place to stay: West Mill offers a superb space in the centre of Bridport making it a wonderful base to explore West Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.
4. Whitehaven to St Bees
Location: Cumbria
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: Seven miles
This dramatic coastal path from Whitehaven to St Bees begins in Whitehaven which has a lovely 17th-century harbour. You’ll pass many landmarks which mark the town’s industrial heritage as well as the monument which shows the start of Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast path. The National Trust has an easy to follow guide which points out places of interest along the way.
Place to stay: Heathfield is situated in the holiday centre of the North Lake District and has plenty to offer the visitor at any time of year.
5. Cromer Lighthouse Circular Walk
Location: Norfolk
Difficulty: Easy
Walking length: 4.7 miles
Cromer Lighthouse Circular Walk in Norfolk takes you through beaches, woodland, heathland, a golf course - and if you time it right, you might see the air rescue helicopter in a practice session. This walk offers breathtaking views over this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Place to stay: Stone’s Throw is a spacious, well equipped family house located in a fabulous position just a few minutes walk to award winning beaches and Victorian pier.
6. St Agnes to Perranporth
Location: Cornwall
Difficulty: Easy
Walking length: 3.5 miles
Follow the path to the clifftops where the ascent takes you out of the valley to Trevaunance Cove, the main beach at the fishing village of St Agnes. This walk from St Agnes to Perranporth will offer glimpses of Cornwall’s mining heritage, as well as turquoise coves, birdlife and wild flowers. As you approach Shag Rock, Perranporth’s three kilometres of golden sands will be behind you and the heavily mined, remote Cligga Head in front.
Place to stay: 11 Ocean Gate is a contemporary, open plan, second floor apartment in nearby Newquay with wonderful sea views.
7. Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay
Location: Yorkshire
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: Seven miles
This walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay starts with a climb up the famous 199 steps up to St Mary’s Churchyard towards the iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey. Enjoy brilliant views over the town and the two lighthouses protecting the harbour. The route takes in the beautiful coastline in Yorkshire, towards the narrowing path to Robin Hood’s Bay. Here you can pause for a well-earned break. A circular walk will take you back to Whitby if you don’t feel like retracing your steps.
Place to stay: This Cottage in Yorkshire is tucked away in the pretty fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, set in a prime position to explore the rugged coastlines.
8. Thurlestone to Bantham Circular
Location: Devon
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: Four miles
This (almost) circular walk from Thurlestone to Bantham begins across South Milton Sands before it joins Devon’s South West Coast Path. Beware of stray balls as you pass by the golf course and enjoy views of Burgh Island across the water. This is a wonderful route for keen birdwatchers and there are plenty of benches dotted about to pause and watch them.
Place to stay: 2 Ocean's Edge is a luxury ocean front apartment just a short walk from the sandy beach at Thurlestone and adjacent to the South West Coast Path.
9. Blakeney Point Coastal Walk
Location: Norfolk
Difficulty: Medium
Walking length: Four miles
Blakeney National Nature Reserve and Blakeney Point Coastal Walk in Norfolk are havens for wildlife and scarce plants. The reserve also includes sand dunes, salt marshes and reclaimed farmland. The area is home to England's largest grey seal colony so visitors must obey all signs and not cross fence lines. Dogs are not allowed on Blakeney Point between 1st April and 15th August.
Place to stay: Church Barn Cottage is only a few miles from the beautiful coastline and is surrounded by plenty of paths to walk and routes to cycle
11. Alnmouth to Warkworth Castle
Location: Northumberland
Difficulty: Easy to medium
Walking length: 5.6 miles
This walk from Alnmouth Beach to Warkworth Castle is a family and dog-friendly ramble with scenic views suitable for all abilities. It starts in the picturesque village of Alnmouth and follows the Northumberland Coast Path along golden sands from Alnmouth Bay (a designated site of special scientific interest) to the stunning medieval ruins of Warkworth Castle.
Place to stay: The Baker’s Dozen is a perfect apartment for small families looking for a base to explore Alnwick and the rest of Northumberland
11. The Old Harry Rocks
Location: Dorset
Difficulty: Easy
Walking length: 3.5 miles
The Old Harry rocks are three chalk formations which mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dorset. The Old Harry Rocks offers breathtaking views of its unique rock patterns. The chalk grasslands display a bounty of colourful wildflowers in summertime, which attract beautiful moths and butterflies.
Place to stay: House in Dorset is a magnificent Grade II listed 16th century property in the heart of the village of Corfe Castle.
