From the rugged headlands of the north to the shingle spits of the south, the UK’s coastline offers some of the most invigorating summertime walks.
Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, picnics with a view, or a bracing sea breeze (even in the height of summer), these five handpicked routes promise a fresh perspective on the great outdoors.
Expect to spot wildflowers in the dunes, seabirds wheeling overhead, and seals basking in the shallows…
Birling Gap, East Sussex
Nigel Burley
This part of the south coast is a dream destination for anyone who enjoys windswept walks and open skies. Offering awe-inspiring views out to sea, it’s where the South Downs meet the shoreline and the iconic chalk cliffs known as the Seven Sisters. A circular walk from Birling Gap along the South Downs Way, via the Seven Sisters Country Park at the village of Exceat, takes in shipwrecks, wartime pillboxes and ancient tumuli.
OS Explorer Map 123: Eastbourne & Beachy Head
Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire
Photos by R A Kearton//Getty Images
This circular eight-to-ten-mile trail, which starts and ends in the pretty village of Flamborough, might be a bit more challenging, but the myriad highlights make it worth it.
Along the way, you’ll see a folly, pillboxes, chalk cliffs, pebbly beaches, sea stacks and sculptures, plus an abundance of seabirds (nearby Bempton Cliffs has England’s largest mainland colony of gannets).
Take the coastal path towards Thornwick Bay, then North Landing and on to the lighthouse on the headland. Carry on to South Landing (break away into the woods for a sculpture trail) and then back to the village.
OS Explorer Map 301: Scarborough, Bridlington & Flamborough Head
The Fife Coastal Path, Scotland
images-twiston//Getty Images
Stretching from Kincardine on the Firth of Forth in the south to Newburgh on the Firth of Tay in the north, the Fife Coastal Path runs for 117 miles but can be broken up into easily achievable sections.
The route takes you through beaches, woodlands and nature reserves, along with a bundle of fishing villages, industrial towns, historic cities and impressive architecture. Scenic highlights include castellated ruins, iconic lighthouses, prehistoric caves and former coalyards.
OS Explorer Map 371: St Andrews & East Fife
Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
Peter Unger//Getty Images
There are several different walks on which to marvel at the columns of layered basalt that form the Giant’s Causeway, but the Blue Trail takes you up close to this geological spectacle.
At just under a mile long, this route follows dramatic cliff faces alongside the wild North Atlantic. Keep going along the kerbstone path, which turns into gravel before the outcrop.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the Giant’s Boot rock, which, legend has it, was left behind by the giant who built the Causeway to fight his Scottish nemesis. Choose the Green Trail for views of the stones while escaping the crowds.
OS Discoverer Series 4 (Coleraine) and 5 (Ballycastle)
Blakeney Point, Norfolk
wellsie82 via Getty Imges
The coastline in this East Anglian county is renowned for its big skies and exceptional wildlife, so blow away the cobwebs on this seven-mile scenic stroll. Join the beach at Cley and walk along the shingle spit to the sand dunes near the old lifeboat station. The fencing here protects the grey seal colony.
Keep going along the boardwalk to reach an elevated point for wonderful views of the dunes, tidal creeks and nature reserve, plus breeding birds such as terns and avocets, then retrace your route back to Cley. To get up close to the seals, take a boat trip from Morston Quay.
OS Landranger Map 133: North East Norfolk and Map 251: Norfolk Coast Central