I’ve walked the King Charles Coast Path – my 11 favourite seaside hikes for spring

As an island nation, it’s fitting that we should have a means of walking along our shores. And thanks to years of work by bodies such as Natural England, access to the coastline is improving. There are now two national coast paths, and many more trails in between.

The 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path, the world’s longest coastal walking route, was officially inaugurated in March 2026; around 80 per cent of it is now open with sections in East Anglia, the North-West and South still to come. When added to the Wales Coast Path (870 miles) and routes in Scotland, there are more than 4,000 miles of named coastal trails in the UK.

I have walked more than 6,000 miles around the coastlines of the British Isles, including the King Charles III England Coast Path. Here’s my pick of seaside hikes that are at their best in spring.

Best for an estuary excursion: Circular route from Old Felixstowe via ferry and Woodbridge, Suffolk

Explore the River Debden by boat and on foot, incorporating a new section of the King Charles III Coastal Path. Catch the Bawdsey Ferry, which operates daily from 1 May (weekends only in April), from Bawdsey to Felixstowe Ferry.

From there, walk north to the market town of Woodbridge along the coast path (14 miles, five to six hours) and stay the night. Then, return south to your starting point on a further 11-mile walk passing through 40 per cent of Suffolk’s remaining salt marsh. As you stroll, the ebb and flow of the tide will play tricks on your sense of place, and you can pause to imagine a Saxon burial vessel gliding through the channels on its way to Sutton Hoo.

Accessibility: Remote sea walls, woodland paths, muddy tracks along the River Deben, with no escape routes. Take the ferry early to avoid weather cancellations.

Best for Somerset sundowners: Burnham-on-Sea to Brean Down, Somerset

Walking along a sandy beach at low tide, in gentle winds, is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I enjoy the seven-mile route from Burnham-on-Sea to Brean Down, where, after about six miles, you can climb to a trig pillar (97 metres) to rest among the cowslips in spring.

This route offers views over the Bristol Channel and the mysterious islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm, once defensive positions for the port of Bristol. At the start, you can’t miss the Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse. There are facilities either end, with options midway at Brean. The mud flats are dangerous.

Accessibility: Level, hand-sand beach, keep to the high-tide line.

Best for a southwestern challenge: St Ives to Penzance, Cornwall

At a quarter of the length of the King Charles III England Coast Path, the South West Coast Path also includes the highest coastal cliff in England (Great Hangman at 318 metres), making it a demanding route. One of the toughest sections begins in St Ives, and heads west to Land’s End. Turn the corner towards Penzance for the Night Riviera sleeper train service.

This rugged coastal route leads to historic “Tin Coast” mining landscapes and England’s only cape, where Atlantic currents divide. It’s 60 miles of tough terrain and takes four to five days to complete, but the quality of the light and the seascapes are breathtaking. The South West Coast Path Association lists accommodation options on the route.

Accessibility: Rough, rocky, difficult footing, boggy after rain; boots recommended.

Best for an island adventure: Isles of Scilly

My favourite islands on which to stroll feature 33 miles of coastal paths between the five inhabited islands. With a base in Hugh Town, take a ferry each day to St Agnes, St Martin’s, Bryher or Tresco, and explore the main island of St Mary’s.

If spring weather holds, the vivid colours of emerging flowers, deep aquamarine seas and golden beaches will feel like an exotic long-haul holiday. Gun Hill, at the northern tip of Tresco, or Tinklers Hill on St Martin’s, are perfect viewpoints to see the lighthouse on Round Island. Plan travel logistics via visitislesofscilly.com. 

Accessibility: Easy-going, mostly level coastal paths, occasional rough sections. Ask the ferryman for tide information.

Best for those who’ve tried everything: Barrow-in-Furness to Walney Island round trip, Cumbria

After crossing the Jubilee Bridge at Barrow-in-Furness, you leave the docks behind and join a 16-mile circuit along this signposted section of the King Charles III England Coast Path. Head to the dunes in the north, then along the shingle coast to the opposite end.

Allow time to enjoy views of Piel Island, where there are castle ruins, a pub, (the Ship Inn) and a handful of cottages, and marvel at the variety of wading birds. The Round House Hub and Café is midway along the western coast, where you can head inland to cut across the island by road.

Accessibility: Level coastal roads and paths, occasional dunes and shingle

Best for wheels and public art: Blackpool to Fleetwood, Lancashire

When UK coastal paths pass through tourist areas, they often turn to paved promenades and cycle tracks suitable for all kinds of wheeled transport.

The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust offers many options for wheelchair and mobility users, but I suggest the route from Blackpool to Fleetwood, with its regular facilities and cafés, and a tram stop to return you to your starting point.

It is further than you might assume, at 12 miles, with public art along the way. Look out for the world’s largest glitter ball and the Mythic Coast Art Trail around Cleveleys. 

You’ll finish in the Victorian seaside town of Fleetwood, where there’s an art deco theatre and busy yacht marina.

Accessibility: Paved and level promenade

Best for North Sea views: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Dunbar, Scottish Borders and East Lothian

Rail services are a walker’s ally, and the East Coast Main Line connects major cities to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where you can head north to Dunbar along the Berwickshire Coast Path (30 miles) and John Muir Link Path (10 miles). This route leads to the birthplace of the “father of the US National Parks”, who emigrated to the US at age 11 and championed their creation.

Start early at the Tweed Estuary to watch a North Sea sunrise from the cliff paths at Berwick. Gauge your progress as the sun reveals the wind-blown seascape on your walk to Eyemouth (around 12 miles; five to six hours), where you could stay the night.

On day two, spend the morning wandering to St Abb’s Head lighthouse and along steeper cliffs to Cockburnspath, where accommodation is available. The next, and final, day, will take in the imposing Torness nuclear power station en route to Dunbar with its castle ruins and the John Muir Country Park.

Accessibility: Rough and steep cliff paths, followed by minor roads and sandy paths

Best for the wild and wonderful: Inverness to John o’ Groats, Highlands

If you are an experienced walker, and wild camper, Scotland offers an exhilarating challenge. The John o’ Groats Trail (147 miles) from Inverness to the trail’s eponymous village offers a glimpse of a wild coastline rarely seen from the popular North Coast 500 touring route, such as the golden, secluded Brora beach and Ousdale Broch (an Iron Age dwelling), one of many enigmatic sites in Caithness and Sutherland.

Avoid 20 miles of walking along roads by starting at Dornoch. There are good accommodation options and a coastal bus service, but wild camping means immersing yourself in nature. The ruins of Bucholie Castle and the Old Red Sandstone Duncansby Stacks are thrilling sights in the final miles.

Accessibility: Rugged beaches, exposed, boggy, and difficult unmarked cliff tracks. Tides and weather can impact progress.

Best for the ultimate beach walk: Peterhead to St Combs, Aberdeenshire

For an uninterrupted Scottish beach hike, try the 14-miles between Peterhead and Inverallochy, around Rattray Head and its 19th-century lighthouse. Start by crossing the George Birnie Memorial Footbridge, then walk north for five to six hours. In spring, seals outnumber people when they come ashore to moult and rest.

The remote beach sections are 11-miles long with no facilities or escape routes, and infrequent bus services from the fishing village of Inverallochy. Take a taxi number or arrange a lift to stay the night in Fraserburgh and to visit the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.

Accessibility: Level beach, soft sand, possible river crossing at Loch of Strathbeg.

Best for wildlife: St David’s Head, Pembrokeshire

Coastal paths often feature headlands that invite you to stop, rest and admire wildlife. I often return to St David’s Head to spot porpoises.

Park at Whitesands Bay, then walk the two miles to the headland and rest. There are facilities at the car park and a sandy beach to relax on, unless you prefer to climb Carn Llidi (the hike starts around 50 minutes’ walk from St David’s head) for views over the bay to Ramsey Island.

On a clear day, you can see South Bishop Lighthouse, five miles away. Seabirds will reveal the locations of cetaceans in the tidal currents, and you may see birds of prey overhead.

Accessibility: Uneven, well-marked paths.

Best for long Welsh beaches: Rhossili Bay to Whiteford Sands, Gower

The walk from Rhossili Bay to Whiteford Sands rewards you with views of the cast-iron lighthouse at Whitford Point (it’s more than 15 miles for a round trip). You can park near the visitor centre at Rhossili, walk north, and through the dunes to reach Whiteford Sands.

Take plenty of water, a map, and lunch, or join the surfers in the car park near Broughton Burrows and walk around Berges Island (eight miles) to explore the northern section, offering a chance to see harriers glide across Landimore Marsh. Low tide will make the journey easier, exposing harder sands to walk on.

Accessibility: Level beach, dune headlands, woodland paths

Martyn Howe’s new book The Coast is Our Compass is published by Bradt, £10.99

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