With the weather improving and Easter break approaching, we’ve put together a list of our Top 5 coastal walks. Historically, seaside towns have been popular holiday destinations and you can hardly wonder why when looking at some of the gorgeous scenery you can experience on walks along our coastline.
If beautiful sunrises and sunsets, charming flowers and plants and the sound of waves crashing against rocks appeal, then pack your walking boots and one of these magical coastal walks.
Charlestown, Cornwall
The harbour village of Charlestown has remarkably survived as a working port to this day; a small amount of china clay is still exported each year – look out for them when walking in the area! You might also come across a film crew as many harbour shots are filmed here for movies and television shows.
Where to walk:
From Par to Charlestown – Begin at the nearby town of Par (you can get here by local bus or drive yourself). Head for Carlyon Bay and follow the coastal path that will take you past the railway line and golf course. You’ll first spot Charlestown Harbour when you reach Appletree Point, where legend has it that monks once had an apple orchard.
Aberporth beach, Cardiganshire
The former fishing village of Aberporth is a great place for a traditional family holiday thanks to its beautiful beaches and breath-taking coastal walks. You can see rock pools at low tides and bottlenose dolphins, sunfish and basking sharks, great for the nature enthusiast!
Where to walk:
Start at Tresaith where there’s a lovely sandy beach, and head along the cliff-top path. Look out for stonechat, meadow pipits, and perhaps the rare chough. During the summer, gatekeeper butterflies are often seen along the coast path, especially in those areas protected by blackthorn scrub. The path will continue for about 1.5 miles to Aberporth.
Plockton, Scotland
Plockton is a National Trust for Scotland conservation village, located in the northwest Highlands. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise, with stretches of sea, a magnificent loch, mountains and glens. Life here was once based on fishing and crofting but there’s a huge art influence now, with artists and photographers visiting regularly.
Where to walk:
The Back Brae path runs parallel to the village’s main street, and offers stunning views of Plockton Bay, Loch Carron and the Applecross Hills. Turn right just before the Plockton Inn and follow the road up and round to the right. Keep going ‘til you get to Frithaird, where you can turn right down and go down into the village or turn left and climb the fairly-steep Frithaird Hill – the reward for doing so becomes clear with stunning views of the bays on the other side of the peninsula!
Lulworth, Dorset
Lulworth Cove is part of The Jurassic Coast, which spans 95 miles across Devon and Dorset. Rocks and fossils over 185 million years old have been found here and children are bound to love looking for their own slice of history. The Cove itself was formed approximately 10,000 years ago, by the sea eroding the land. After your walk you can head to the pebble beach and enjoy an ice cream and in summer months you can take a boat trip out to Durdle Door.
Where to walk:
The wonderful coast path from Lulworth Cove to Weymouth – Start at the beautiful Lulworth Cove and pass St Oswalds Bay and Durdle Door. The stunning chalk cliffs mean there are one or two steep climbs throughout the route, but the views are well worth it- especially atop White Nothe, with Ringstead bay below. After White Nothe cliff, the path becomes a bit gentler and passes through Osmington Mills, before ending in Weymouth.
Holyhead, Wales
Where to walk:
South Stack is one of the most popular spots for hikers on Anglesey. Make sure you go and see the lovely lighthouse and Ellen’s Tower which is a haven for bird watchers. You can also walk over the mountain to North Stack, where there are 365 steps leading down to the lighthouse; one for every day of the year!
If you enjoyed X, you’ll find more spectacular UK coastal walks on our Outdoor Leisure channel.
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