Our best UK coastal walks

From the remote Orkney Islands to the friendly Channel Islands, and the wonderful coastlines in between – walking the UK coastal routes offers magnificent geological formations, beautiful beaches, secluded bays and dramatic coastal paths perched high above crashing seas. These are invigorating walks with the WOW factor!

With thousands of miles of coastline to choose from, the UK is one of the world’s best locations for picture-perfect long or short hikes by the sea. 

We've put together a list of 10 of our favourite coastal walks from all around the UK – we can’t wait to walk it with you! 

Welsh coastal walks

1. Ceredigion & the Pembrokeshire Coast

Join us for walks along spectacular stretches of the Ceredigion and Pembroke coastal paths. Our walking will take us to pretty villages hugging the coast at the end of remote valleys running down to the sea. From our clifftop viewpoints seals, dolphins and porpoises can often be seen. This excellent five-night holiday will guide you across the most spectacular stretches of the Ceredigion Coastal Path, as well as a selection of the area’s finest trails.

2. Walking in Anglesey and Snowdonia

Walk the coastal paths of the Isle of Anglesey. Walk the beaches, escarpments, dunes, sea cliffs and natural areas, followed by an introduction to Snowdonia exploring the pathways over hills and through valleys and forests in a part of Wales which became world-renowned for its slate quarries.

3. The Gower Peninsula

Jutting out from the South Wales coast, the Gower Peninsula is a microcosm of the best that Wales has to offer. Your walks will take you to beautiful beaches, past cliffs where seabirds nest, to ancient castles and even more ancient burial sites. The beaches on the Gower Peninsula are frequently listed as some the world's best, with huge wide stretches of sand that make these some of the best walking routes in the UK! 

Scotland coastal walks

4. Orkney Islands

The Orkney Islands have something for everyone. There's fascinating history, World Heritage archaeological sites and beautiful scenery. We stay in the village of Stromness to take advantage of the stunning coastal walking opportunities. This includes explorations to the Kitchener Memorial, Wideford Hill burial chamber and (subject to ferries) the Old Man of Hoy.  

5. Cast off to the Scottish Islands – Cruise & Walk Holiday

Enjoy eight nights exploring the rugged terrain of Scotland's islands. We visit Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands where we walk to the famous Scara Brae. We also stop in Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, Rothesay on the Isle of Bute and in Belfast for a coastal walk to the world-famous Giant's Causeway. This is a Cruise & Walk holiday, meaning you will get all the pleasures of being on board a Fred. Olsen cruise ship as well as the chance to discover new ports, with our guided walking itineraries all included.  

Northern Ireland coastal walks

6. Giant's Causeway & the Nine Glens

Imagine the view from the cliffs overlooking the sea to the Mull of Kintyre. This is a remote and wonderful place. The beauty of Northern Ireland’s countryside is impressive and there is a lot to explore. We’re within easy reach of the iconic hexagonal basalt pillars of the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle perched on rocks above the sea and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, originally built hundreds of years ago by salmon fishermen. 

England's coastal walks

7. South Devon Coast

The undulating South West Coast Path trail hugs the coast as it meanders through the Slapton Ley nature reserve, making it a great place to start a ramble. It passes through small hamlets with just a pub or café to mark their presence, over linear sandy beaches and atop craggy cliffs, all with spectacular sea views and expansive countryside vistas as you go. The sea is a wonderful companion as we walk, whether shimmering in the sunlight or when dark and moody as a storm brews. This is a wonderful holiday exploring many sections of the South West Coast Path. 

8. Ravenscar – Yorkshire's North Coast

Walk the final stage of Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk from Grosmont to Robin Hood's Bay. This holiday visits Yorkshire fishing villages and you'll walk sections of the Cleveland way coastal route. 

9. White Cliffs & South Downs

East Sussex is home to the South Downs National Park and six miles of coastline which has been designated as the Sussex Heritage Coast. The countryside of the South Downs and the iconic Seven Sisters white cliffs have got to rank amongst the most remarkable views to enjoy on any walk.  

10. Sidmouth & the Devon Coast - Walking on the South West Coast Path

Explore everything from the dramatic Jurassic Coast trails to the rolling hills of the Sidmouth countryside. You can choose from a great variety of walks here, starting with magnificent clifftop trails, followed by diverse terrains which are rich in wildlife. Both the extensive moorland and lowland heath provide tremendous trekking too.