Cooler weather, seascapes bathed in golden light and crowd-free coastal trails for mile-upon-mile of walks that will bring a rosy glow to your cheeks. Sandwiched between the long, hot days of summer, and the short, chilly days of winter, autumn is the best time of year to venture out and discover Britain’s beautiful shores on foot. From vast sandy beaches to craggy cliff tops and waterside woodland, here are 10 of our favourite autumn coastal walks on the UK coastline.
1. Butt of Lewis Circuit, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Catching the brunt of the autumn weather fronts racing across the Atlantic, the Isle of Lewis is a wild and elemental destination to visit in autumn – and one to make the most of before the short, cold and dark days of winter this far north. Step out from the vast, golden sands of Eoropie Beach and trace the northwest tip of the island, via head-spinning zawns and dreamy coves, to the dramatic lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot plenty of seals and seabirds on route.
Distance: 4 miles
Level: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Coastal cliff paths and some tarmac lane.
Facilities: Car park at Eoropie and toilets at nearby Sporsnis leisure and community centre.
Map and info >
2. Freshwater Bay to The Needles, Isle of Wight
Once the summer crowds flee from the beaches of this idyllic island, the Isle of Wight transforms into a walker’s paradise, with 70 miles of coastal trails circumnavigating its rim. Taking in the stunning Freshwater Bay and the iconic Needles, as well as views of the chalk downs and the Solent from the sandstone knoll of Headon Warren, this hilly circuit bites off the best of West Wight in just a few hours.
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Hilly coastal trails.
Facilities: Cafés at The Needles and the National Trust’s Old Battery.
Map and info >
3. Blakeney Point Coastal Walk, Norfolk
From late October the UK’s largest grey seal colony gives birth to around 4,000 pups, which can be spotted basking along the shoreline and in the dunes at Blakeney Point. As you walk out along the four-mile shingle spit, you’ll pass a 19th-century smugglers’ lookout, then make your way towards the Lifeboat House and the Seal Colony Viewpoint. Ensure you keep to the paths, avoiding any fenced-off areas, and give pups a wide berth if they are outside of the restricted areas.
Distance: 4 miles
Level: Challenging
Terrain: Soft shingle that can be difficult to walk on and is unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Facilities: Car Park at Cley Beach.
Map and info >
4. Whitehaven Colourful Coastal Walk, Cumbria
While the Lake District is more often associated with rambles in its rugged peaks, there’s no shortage of awesome autumn walks along its dramatic coastline. It’s easy to see why this area is one of our favourite coastal walking destinations in the UK. Starting from Whitehaven’s historic harbour, discover secluded beaches, golden grasslands and the hidden gems of Saltom Pit, the Haig Pit and Fleswick Bay (where you can seek out smugglers’ caves and semi-precious stones). Once you’ve lapped up the views from the towering cliff tops, make your way back into Whitehaven and admire its architecture and layout, which was inspired by Sir Christopher Wren’s reconstruction plans for London after it was ravaged by the Great Fire in 1666.
Distance: 7 miles
Level: Moderate/ challenging
Terrain: Relatively easy trails with some short, steep climbs.
Facilities: Toilets, café and pub in Buttermere village.
Map and info >
5. Porlock Bay, Exmoor, Somerset
With its enchanting fusion of forests, moorland, cliffs and coastline, Exmoor is a dog walkers’ paradise. As you tackle this 8.5-mile hike from the beaches to the mighty sea cliffs at Hurlstone Point, the saltwater breeze will keep you cool as you climb to eye-popping views, spot wildlife in the marshlands, dip into russet-hued forests and meander along country lanes. Once your senses are filled with nature’s delights, fuel up on autumn’s bounty in the historic Ship Inn at Porlock Weir.
Distance: 8.5 miles
Level: Moderate/ challenging
Terrain: Coastal footpaths, beaches, forest trails and country lanes.
Facilities: Parking, pub and toilets at Porlock Weir.
Map and info >
6. Stackpole Wildlife Walk, Pembrokeshire
Experience autumn’s fireworks by the sea from this grand National Trust estate nudging Barafundle Bay – a spectacular place to visit while on holiday in spectacular Pembrokeshire. Meander through woodland draped in bright seasonal foliage, stroll along the limestone cliffs to clap your eyes on the ‘Lattice Windows’ rock arches and keep your eyes peeled for otters when you cross the Eight Arch Bridge.
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Challenging
Terrain: Beach, lakeside paths, steps and grassy cliffs.
Facilities: Car park, toilets, tea room (takeaway only) and electric vehicle charging point at Stackpole Quay.
Map and info >
7. Craster to Low Newton, Northumberland
Boasting castles, wildlife and coastal magnificence, Northumberland is a delight to explore on foot in any season. And when its seaside fortresses are backlit by the glorious golden autumn light, it’s one of the most picturesque destinations for a stroll along the shoreline in the whole of Britain. Look out for migrating seabirds as you strike out from Craster Harbour (famous for its kipper smokehouse) to Dunstanburgh Castle, then beach hop along the coast to Low Newton-by-the-Sea, where you can quench at The Ship Inn before looping back. If you still haven’t had your fill of coastal castles, your next stop should be the beautiful Bamburgh, a short jaunt further north.
Distance: 7.7 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Coastal footpaths and beaches.
Facilities: Pub at Low Newton-by-the-Sea. Visitor centre at Dunstanburgh Castle.
Map and info >
8. Whitby to Staithes, Yorkshire
Dust off your walking boots for this challenging, one-way hike along the Cleveland Way. Presenting a mighty platter of breathtaking views from the incredible coastline of the North Moors National Park. Starting from the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey and passing the colourful beach huts, keep your camera at the ready – but don’t dilly dally as there’s lots of ground to cover. Scour Upgang Beach for fossilised treasures, see if you can spot seals at Sandsend, and dip into the autumn foliage at Mulgrave Woods. Once you’ve passed picture-postcard Runswick Bay and scaled the Rosedale Cliffs, you’ll have earned a hearty helping of local seafood served by a roaring log fire at The Cod & Lobster in Staithes. All that’s needed at this point is to collapse into bed at your coast-side cottage in Yorkshire for some well-earned rest.
Distance: 18.5 miles
Level: Difficult
Terrain: Footpaths, former railway route, beach and road.
Facilities: Local eateries and amenities at Whitby, Sandsend, Runswick Bay and Staithes.
Map and info >
9. Harlyn and Trevose Head, Cornwall
Autumn in Cornwall brings with it fiery sunsets, churning seas, migrating seabirds and dramatic light. Lap up the breathtaking Cornish coastal scenery and breathe in the fresh sea air on this stunning circular walk near Padstow. Pad along the sugary sands of Constantine Beach and hunt for sea glass on the way to neighbouring Booby’s Bay, where you can search for the shipwreck at low tide. From here follow the coastal path around the dramatic Trevose Head (where you can peer into a collapsed sea cave) to the serene, sheltered sands of Mother Ivey’s Bay and onto the surfing paradise of Harlyn. After a long coastal walk, check out one of Cornwall’s top coastal attractions or head back to a cosy Cornish cottage to relax and unwind.
Distance: 6 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Beaches and cliff path.
Facilities: Shop for picnic supplies at Constantine, and a beach café at Harlyn.
Map and info >
10. Hastings to Winchelsea, East Sussex
Get your step count up on The Saxon Shore Way, as you wend along the East Sussex coast, crossing wildlife-rich marshland, tunnelling through autumnal woodland and scaling the cliffs to be rewarded with views all the way to France. As you make your way from a nature reserve, over gorse-covered hills and along the canal, look out for migratory birdlife fleeing autumn’s landscapes along this ancient route connecting the Cinque Ports between Hastings and Rye.
Distance: 8 miles
Level: Moderate
Terrain: Waymarked coastal footpaths with some moderate climbs.
Facilities: Coastguards Tea Rooms next to Hastings Country Park. Parking, toilets and facilities at both Hastings and Winchelsea.
Map and info >
Pack Your Walking Boots and Make Beeline for the Beach
Inspired to hit some of Britain’s best coastal walks this autumn? Find the perfect base for your seaside staycation from our collection of stunning seaside boltholes across the UK.
