This year, the King Charles III England Coast Path finally got joined up and I find the idea of taking off and just walking the coast, very inspiring, although highly unlikely, I have to admit. However, England, and the wider UK, has some fantastic stretches of coastline you can hike, wherever you are based. From the South Downs, to Fife, here’s my pick of some of the best:
Jurassic Coast
If you’ve never been to this stretch of the south coast, you are missing out, as it’s really spectacular. The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile World Heritage Site which is famous for Durdle Door and the white chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks. Make sure to stop at gorgeous Lulworth Cove and have an ice-cream in Swanage. visit-dorset.com
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path runs for 870 miles and it’s hard to pick one section over another, but the Pembrokeshire Coast Path goes for 186 miles of it and runs alongside some of the most beautiful beaches and coves, I’ve ever seen. visitwales.com
South West Coast Path
This is probably the most famous coast path in the country, now infamous, thanks to The Salt Path book and movie. Like Raynor and Moth Winn, you can walk all of it, or say you did - all the lols - as it runs for 630 miles from Somerset through Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Northumberland Coastal Path
Another glorious stretch of coastline I’ve mentioned a few times in this newsletter, is the Northumberland Coastal Path, which is a 62-mile route from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, alongside huge expanses of sandy beaches and iconic historic sites like Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne. northumberlandcoastpath.org
Seven Sisters
This was one of the first cliff-top walks I did, as a student at uni and I remember the sun and wind leaving me with a tan on one side of my face! So yes, maybe wear a hat and sunscreen. The Seven Sisters are the iconic chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast and you can walk a 13-mile section between Seaford and Eastbourne, via Beachy Head. sevensisters.org.uk
Isle of Wight Coastal Path
If you fancy a circular trail, then you could tackle the spectacular 70-mile route around the whole of the Isle of Wight, or take it in smaller sections, like Cowes to Yarmouth. Either way, you are promised fabulous views. visitisleofwight.co.uk
Norfolk Coast Path
If you like a coast path without the hills (who, me?) then Norfolk is for you. The Norfolk Coast Path is a 112-mile route along the whole coastline of the eastern county, which takes in its famous beaches and seaside towns, like Hunstanton, Wells, Holkham and Cromer. nationaltrail.co.uk
Fife Coastal Path
It was hard to pick one Scottish coastal trail over another, but the the Fife Coastal Path runs 117 miles from Kincardine to Newburgh. There are multiple sections you can choose within it, like the 14 mile Burntisland to Buckhaven route. fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk
Inspired? For more walks visit nationaltrail.co.uk