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Discover the best beginner-friendly coastal walks in the UK!
Our new collection, Outdoor Essentials is designed for everyday adventurers who love hiking, walking and weekend escapes. Those who love a scenic hike but also enjoy a reward at the end. We are celebrating outdoor adventures, think coastal walks, fresh-air escapes, and showing how Outdoor Essentials fits seamlessly into real-life adventures.
To celebrate our new collection and the endless adventures you can go on this year, we’ve come up with a beginner’s guide to coastal walking. We will go over everything you need to know before setting foot on a coastal path! Let’s take a walk!
Why Coastal Walking in the UK?
Coastal walking offers incredible views of the sea, dramatic cliff faces and unique seaside villages. Coastal walking is a great way to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors with all the family and it’s great for your mental wellbeing. Plus, coastal walking is accessible to walkers of all levels! There’s plenty of beginner- friendly routes to choose from.
How to Prepare for Coastal Walking in the UK
Plan your walk-in advance
When setting off on your first coastal adventure, be sure to plan your route in advance so you know where you are going. Research into the area you are planning to walk and add the route onto a map or on your phone for easy navigation.
Check The Weather Forecast
Coastal walks can be affected severely by the weather so it’s always good to check the weather forecast before heading out on the paths. Make sure you keep an eye our on strong winds, rain or high tides as these conditions might make your walk a little trickier.
What to Expect on a Coastal Walk
Coastal walking offers a variety of experiences during your adventures. Here’s what you can expect when you hit the trails:
Stunning Seaside Views: From dramatic cliffs to golden sandy beaches, coastal walks provide some of best views of the UK. You can take a break from reality and take in the view on your peaceful walk.
Wildlife Watching: You are not the only one on the coastal path, there are a variety of wildlife living in this environment from seabirds, insects, seals and even dolphins! Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife as you walk.
Changing Terrain: Each coastal path varies in difficulty, with some areas being rocky while others are more accessible. Be aware of even paths, stairs and narrow paths! Take it slow and enjoy the adventure!
Best Coastal Walks for Beginners in the UK
If you’re new to coastal walking, start with these stunning yet manageable routes. They’re packed with beautiful views, gentle paths, and lots of opportunities to stop for a cup of tea along the way!
1. Southwest Coast Path – St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall
If you’re after jaw-dropping coastal views without tackling anything too intense, the Southwest Coast Path in Cornwall is perfect. Think dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming harbours!
Distance: 6 miles (one way)
- Why it’s great: This section of the Southwest Coast Path offers dramatic sea views, peaceful coves, and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. It’s a shorter walk but still feels like a proper adventure.
- Nearest Saltrock Store: St Ives, 69 Fore Street TR26 1HW
- Top Tip: Treat yourself to a pasty in St Ives before you start!
2. Jurassic Coast – Charmouth to Lyme Regis, Dorset
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why! Stretching from Exmouth to Swanage, it’s packed with incredible rock formations, fossils, and epic views. Sections of the East Devon Way and Southwest Coast Path are beginner-friendly, with easy walks and plenty of coastal scenery to soak up along the way.
- Distance: 3 miles (one way)
- Nearest Saltrock Store: Lyme Regis, 54 Broad Street DT7 3QF
- Why it’s great: Walk along a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ancient cliffs and fossil-rich beaches. This gentle route is perfect for beginners and families.
- Top Tip: Spend some time fossil hunting at Charmouth Beach!
3. Cromer to Sheringham, Norfolk
If you’re after a coastal walk with a laid-back, beachy vibe, Norfolk’s got you covered. The stretch between Cromer and Sheringham is an easy, flat route with gorgeous views of the North Sea. It’s perfect for a chilled-out stroll, soaking up the coastline, and checking out some charming seaside towns along the way.
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Nearest Saltrock Store: Norwich, 7 Back of the Inns NR2 1PT
- Why it’s great: This is a flat, easy walk with sea views, colourful beach huts, and a charming seaside vibe. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
- Top Tip: End your walk with fish and chips in Sheringham.
4. Pembrokeshire Coast Path – Porthgain to Abereiddy, Wales
This scenic stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers amazing cliffs, great sea views, and the iconic Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy. Starting in Porthgain, the trail winds past lots of wildlife so it’s the perfect place for the whole family to learn.
- Distance: 3 miles (one way)
- Nearest Saltrock Store:
- Why it’s great: The Pembrokeshire Coast is rugged yet accessible, with this section offering dramatic cliffs, wildflowers, and the famous Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy.
- Top Tip: Bring binoculars for spotting seabirds along the cliffs.
Safety Tips for Coastal Walking
Stay on Marked Paths: Always follow marked routes to avoid getting lost, straying too close to cliffs or dangerous water.
Check Tide Times: Be mindful of high tide times of you are walking across any beaches. Some paths can become blocked off when the sea comes in and you could get stuck. Check the tide times during your planning.
Take Your Time: Your coastal adventure isn’t a race! Take your time to enjoy the views, create memories and soak in the outside.
Ready to Hit the Coastal Trails? Coastal walking is one of the best ways to explore the UK’s stunning landscapes, whether you're chasing sea views, discovering hidden coves, or simply enjoying the fresh air. With the right prep and the perfect gear, every walk can be an adventure. So, grab your Outdoor Essentials, pick a trail, and set off on your next journey, one step at a time!