5 Breathtaking Coastal Walks in Great Britain

Great Britain's coastline stretches for over 11,000 miles, encompassing everything from dramatic cliff tops and pristine beaches to historic harbors and wild, unspoiled headlands. Exploring this varied coastal landscape on foot offers some of the most rewarding and spectacular walking experiences anywhere in the world.

At Decusstori Travel Agency, we believe that walking tours are one of the best ways to truly experience the authentic beauty of Britain. Our clients often ask us for recommendations beyond the well-trodden paths, so we've compiled this guide to five of Britain's most breathtaking coastal walks – each offering something unique and memorable.

1. The South West Coast Path: Cornish Section

The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest National Trail, running for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. While the entire path offers spectacular walking, the Cornish section between St Ives and Penzance delivers an unmatched combination of dramatic scenery, cultural interest, and pure walking pleasure.

The Route

This 25-mile stretch can be walked over two or three days, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views (which will be often!). Starting in the artistic haven of St Ives, the path hugs the rugged coastline, passing the open-air Minack Theatre, the pristine Porthcurno Beach, and Land's End – the most westerly point of mainland England – before reaching the historic port of Penzance.

Highlights

• Zennor Head: About two hours' walk from St Ives, this rocky headland offers spectacular views and is associated with the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor.
• Cape Cornwall: Less touristy than nearby Land's End but equally dramatic, Cape Cornwall is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the English Channel.
• Porthcurno Beach: With its fine white sand and turquoise waters, this beach could easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean cove.
• The Minack Theatre: This unique open-air theatre is carved into the cliff face with the sea as its backdrop – an unforgettable sight even if you don't catch a performance.

When to Go

Late spring (May-June) offers wildflowers and milder weather, while September provides warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds. In summer, the popular sections can be busy, but the path is wide enough that it rarely feels crowded.

Practical Tips

The terrain is challenging in places with steep ascents and descents. Good walking boots and plenty of water are essential. The coastal towns and villages along the route offer accommodation options from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs, but advance booking is recommended, especially in peak season.

2. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path: St Davids Peninsula

Wales' Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers 186 miles of breathtaking scenery, but the section around St Davids Peninsula is particularly special. This wild and unspoiled stretch showcases the best of Welsh coastal beauty.

The Route

A circular route of about 10 miles starts and ends in St Davids – Britain's smallest city and home to a magnificent 12th-century cathedral. The path takes you along rugged cliffs, past hidden coves, and through areas of extraordinary biodiversity.

Highlights

• Whitesands Bay: One of Wales' finest beaches, backed by the dramatic form of Carn Llidi mountain.
• Ramsey Island: An RSPB nature reserve visible just offshore, home to thousands of seabirds and one of the UK's largest Atlantic grey seal colonies.
• St Davids Cathedral: Built in a depression to hide it from marauding Vikings, this purple-stone medieval masterpiece is the heart of Britain's smallest city.
• Porthclais Harbour: A charming natural harbor that has been in use since Roman times.

When to Go

April to July is ideal for witnessing coastal wildflowers and nesting seabirds, while September and October offer beautiful autumnal light and the possibility of seeing seal pups on the beaches below the path.

Practical Tips

The frequent rises and falls along this section make it more strenuous than the distance might suggest. The Celtic Coaster shuttle bus operates around the peninsula in summer months, allowing for one-way walking options. St Davids offers a good range of accommodation and excellent local food.

3. The Northumberland Coast Path: Craster to Bamburgh

England's northernmost county offers a coastline of unspoiled beauty, rich wildlife, and fascinating history. The section from the fishing village of Craster to the majestic Bamburgh Castle combines all these elements in a manageable day walk.

The Route

This 10-mile route follows the path north from Craster, past the spectacular ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, along the vast golden sweep of Embleton Bay and Beadnell Bay, through the village of Seahouses, and finally to Bamburgh with its imposing castle towering over the coastline.

Highlights

• Dunstanburgh Castle: The dramatic ruins of this 14th-century fortress stand on a remote headland, creating one of the most memorable sights on the entire British coast.
• Embleton Bay: A wide, pristine beach backed by sand dunes and offering magnificent views of Dunstanburgh Castle.
• Farne Islands: Visible from the path, these islands host thousands of puffins, terns, guillemots, and the second-largest grey seal colony in England.
• Bamburgh Castle: Perched on a basalt outcrop, this massive fortress has guarded the coastline for over 1,400 years and remains one of Britain's most impressive castles.

When to Go

May to July offers the best chance to see puffins on the Farne Islands, while late summer brings beautiful light and fewer visitors. This walk is also spectacular in winter when the castles stand stark against moody skies, though shorter daylight hours must be considered.

Practical Tips

This is a relatively flat walk suitable for most abilities. In Craster, don't miss the famous smoked kippers from Robson's Smokehouse. Public transport connects the start and end points, making this an easy linear walk. The path is well-marked throughout.

4. The Isle of Arran Coastal Way: Brodick to Lochranza

Often described as "Scotland in miniature," the Isle of Arran off Scotland's west coast offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes. The northern section of its 65-mile Coastal Way provides a perfect introduction to the island's rugged beauty.

The Route

This 16-mile stretch from Brodick (where the ferry arrives from the mainland) to Lochranza can be walked in one long day or split into two more leisurely days. The path follows the eastern coastline north, offering stunning views across to the Scottish mainland and the dramatic peaks of Arran's interior.

Highlights

• Goatfell: Arran's highest peak dominates the skyline as you leave Brodick. More ambitious walkers can incorporate a detour to its summit.
• Sannox Bay: A beautiful crescent of sand backed by mountains, offering a perfect rest stop.
• Hutton's Unconformity at Lochranza: A significant geological site where James Hutton found evidence that helped develop the theory of geological time.
• Lochranza Castle: A picturesque ruined castle on a promontory extending into Lochranza Bay, often with red deer grazing nearby.
• Wildlife watching: The chance to spot golden eagles, red deer, otters, and seals throughout the walk.

When to Go

May to September offers the best weather and longest daylight hours. May is particularly good for spring flowers and fewer midges (the small biting insects that can be a nuisance in the Scottish Highlands).

Practical Tips

While mostly following the coastline, parts of this route involve rocky scrambles and some road walking. The island's bus service can return you to Brodick from Lochranza. Arran is accessible by ferry from Ardrossan on the mainland (connections from Glasgow). The Arran Distillery in Lochranza offers a welcome end to the walk!

5. The Norfolk Coast Path: Cley to Cromer

The Norfolk coast offers a completely different walking experience from the dramatic cliffs of the west and north – here you'll find sweeping beaches, salt marshes rich in birdlife, picturesque villages, and a distinct sense of wilderness despite being relatively close to London.

The Route

This 13-mile section can be comfortably walked in a day. Starting in the charming village of Cley-next-the-Sea with its iconic windmill, the path heads east through the seaside towns of Salthouse and Sheringham before reaching the Victorian resort of Cromer, famous for its pier and crab.

Highlights

• Cley Marshes: One of Britain's finest bird-watching sites, managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
• Salthouse Heath: Offering a brief but refreshing contrast to the coastal scenery with woodland and heathland.
• Sheringham Park: Designed by Humphry Repton in 1812, the park's viewing towers offer spectacular coastal panoramas.
• Beeston Bump: A distinctive hill formed by glacial activity, offering superb views along the coast in both directions.
• Cromer Pier: A classic Victorian pleasure pier extending 151 meters into the North Sea.

When to Go

This walk is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching, while winter brings dramatic skies and migrating birds. Summer offers warmer temperatures for swimming at the beaches en route.

Practical Tips

This is one of the easiest walks on our list, with generally flat terrain. There's a regular Coasthopper bus service that runs along the coast, allowing for flexibility in your walking plans. Don't miss sampling the famous Cromer crab at the end of your walk!

Planning Your Coastal Walking Adventure

Great Britain's coastal paths offer something for every level of walker, from challenging multi-day hikes to gentle afternoon strolls. Here are some general tips for making the most of your coastal walking experience:

Essential Equipment

• Good walking boots or shoes: The most important item for comfort and safety.
• Weather-appropriate clothing: Layers are key in Britain's changeable climate. Always pack a waterproof jacket, even on sunny days.
• Tide tables: Essential for walks where parts of the route may be inaccessible at high tide.
• Binoculars: For wildlife watching, particularly birds and marine life.
• Sunscreen and hat: Coastal areas often have little shade.
• Water and snacks: Even if you plan to stop at pubs or cafes, always carry emergency supplies.

Safety Considerations

• Weather awareness: Coastal weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts before setting out.
• Tide awareness: Some beach sections may be impassable at high tide.
• Cliff edge caution: Keep a safe distance from cliff edges, which may be unstable.
• Mobile phone reception: Be aware that some remote coastal areas have limited or no mobile coverage.
• Walking company: For safety, consider walking with a companion or join one of our guided group walks.

Accommodation Planning

Popular coastal walking areas can become very busy in peak season, with accommodation booking up months in advance. We recommend:

• Booking accommodation at least 3-6 months ahead for summer walks.
• Considering shoulder seasons (May/June or September/October) for more availability and better rates.
• Exploring options beyond traditional hotels and B&Bs – coastal cottages, glamping sites, and even lighthouse keeper's cottages can offer unique experiences.

"There is a sense of infinity where land meets sea – a merging of elements that speaks to something deep in the human spirit. Walking Britain's coastal paths connects us not only to the natural world, but to the countless generations who have stood on these shores before us."

Guided or Self-Guided Options

At Decusstori Travel Agency, we offer both guided group walks led by experienced local guides, and self-guided options with detailed route notes and luggage transfers between accommodations. The choice depends on your preference for sociability, flexibility, and level of support required.

Our coastal walking packages can be standalone holidays or incorporated into wider British itineraries. Many clients combine coastal walks with visits to historic cities, cultural attractions, or rural retreats for a comprehensive Great Britain experience.

The five walks highlighted in this article represent just a small selection of the magnificent coastal walking opportunities Britain has to offer. From the subtropical gardens and turquoise waters of the Isles of Scilly to the remote, windswept beaches of the Outer Hebrides, the diversity is extraordinary.

If you're inspired to lace up your walking boots and explore Britain's spectacular shoreline, our team at Decusstori would be delighted to help you plan the perfect coastal walking adventure. Whether you're an experienced hiker seeking challenging terrain or prefer gentler paths with frequent stops at coastal pubs and tearooms, we can tailor an itinerary to suit your pace, interests, and accommodation preferences.

For more information about our coastal walking tours and custom itineraries, please contact our walking specialists, who would be happy to help you start planning your journey along Britain's breathtaking coastline.