The UK’s Top 10 Coastal Walks

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What better way to enjoy the Great British outdoors than with a coastal walk? Now the weather has cooled a little, the climes are just right to pull those hiking boots on and get outside. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the UK’s very best walks so that you don’t have to spend your time researching.

1. Porthcurno to Land’s End Walk, England

This five-mile walk has some seriously Caribbean vibes. The waters at Porthcurno are turquoise and crystal clear, lapping gently at flour-soft white sands, and that’s just the start of your walk. This coastal meander takes in the Minack Theatre with its dramatic views (especially at sunset) before finishing in the wildflower-clad surrounds of Land’s End.

 

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2. Moray Coastal Walk, Scotland

The Moray Firth area is famed for its dolphins. Here, pods as large as 30 frolic in the waters and this coastal walk gives you a good chance to spot them. At over eight miles long, you’ll be able to get your daily exercise in too. The walk starts in Buckie and ends in Cullen.

 

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3. Giant’s Causeway Red Trail, Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the UK’s most famed natural attractions, and on this short walk you’ll get to see it from all angles. The two-mile stroll begins at the Causeway Hotel before heading beyond the Weir Snout viewpoint, and to the Shepherd’s Steps. This set of 162 narrow wooden steps are not for those who find heights daunting!

 

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4. Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, England

The Seven Sisters in Sussex are the seven white chalk cliffs pictured, they offer views out to the South Downs beyond, and of the crashing blues of the sea below. The best way to experience the cliffs is to start the 13.6-mile walk from Seaford before finishing in Eastbourne. As you can probably tell, the walk is really rather hilly so come wearing trainers or hiking boots.

 

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5. Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay Walk, Wales

This short walk on the Gower takes in views of one of Wales’ most beautiful beaches, Three Cliffs Bay, before meandering up to Pennard Castle, meaning you can marry culture and nature all in one trip. While the walk is short and unchallenging, Three Cliffs Bay is surrounded by sand dunes which you’ll need to traverse to access the beach.

 

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6. Orlock Point, Northern Ireland

For a walk that takes in views of not one but two countries, look no further than Orlock Point. This three-mile stroll takes in vistas of Scotland, but closer by are the Copeland Islands, and inland lies the lush Bangor countryside, which provides a hunting ground for swooping birds of prey.

7. Tobermory Bay, Scotland

For a truly colourful walk, make for this coastal path on the Isle of Mull. At just three and a half miles long, it’s a great option for all levels of fitness. You’ll be able to see those primary-colour-clad houses, which provide the backdrop for the children’s TV show Balamory.

 

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8. Aberystwyth to Mynachdy’r Graig Walk, Wales

This ten-and-a-half-mile walk, which will be particularly well received by history lovers, should only be attempted by those who are physically fit. You’ll start in Aberystwyth before taking in views of the castle there, then finish the walk just past the grange of Morfa Bychan, which was owned by the monks of the Strata Florida Abbey.

 

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9. Craster to Low Newton Coastal Walk, England

Here at dealchecker, we think that Northumberland is vastly underrated. It has ancient castles and rugged coastlines, all of which this six-mile walk showcases wonderfully. You’ll start in the village of Craster and enjoy views of Dunstanburgh Castle before walking on to see sunbathing seals in Newton Haven, plush woodlands and towering sand dunes.

 

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10. West Side Coastal Path, Scotland

While the Isle of Lewis is the biggest island in the Outer Hebrides it is still incredibly remote with a total population of just 18,500. This 12-mile coastal walk is physically challenging but rewards those who take it with rugged cliffs, empty beaches and the chance to spot the kittiwakes that nest here.

 

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