The release of The Salt Path film has got us clamouring for the coast to embrace the transformative power of nature. We all want to feel the wild freedom of the sea, the cliffs and big blue horizons. Step out into places where nothing can reach us but the roar of the sea and the chatter of gulls and oystercatchers.
Inspired by The Salt Path, we’ve compiled our favourite places for a coastal walking holiday in Britain. Some retrace the steps of Raynor Winn as she came to terms with life one step at a time; all lead through perspective-shifting landscapes where you’ll be humbled by nature, rinsed by sea spray, and swept along your own salt path.
Exmoor National Park, Devon and Somerset
Walk in the footsteps of The Salt Path at the dramatic Valley of Rocks – one of the film’s standout locations and a natural wonder where craggy tors tumble towards the sea. This stretch of the South West Coast Path skirts the edge of Exmoor National Park, threading through ancient woodland, plunging combes and moorland trails that feel lost in time. Scale the towering Hangman Cliffs that tower 314m above Combe Martin, follow the call of the sea to the wild coves of Heddon’s Mouth and Woody Bay, or step out into the rolling moors of Lorna Doone country.
Rame Peninsula and Whitsand Bay, Southeast Cornwall
Nicknamed Cornwall’s ‘forgotten corner’, Rame Head and the vast sands of Whitsand Bay are a walker’s paradise: miles of coast path trace hawthorn-lined headlands, golden sands stretch below crumbling forts, and little footpaths weave from sea to sky. It’s no wonder Raynor and Moth didn’t want to leave in The Salt Path. Stay in a cottage in Kingsand or Cawsand and take a circular walk to Rame Head Chapel and Penlee Battery for sweeping sea views and soul-stirring quiet. Or roam from Maker Heights down to Whitsand Bay and loop through wildflower meadows and military relics.
Whitehaven, Lake District, Cumbria
If you’re looking for one of the UK’s wow-factor walking locations where you can combine coastal hikes with climbing mountains, few places rival the drama of the Lake District. Base yourself in the historic harbour town of Whitehaven on its western edge, where maritime heritage meets the start of epic trails. Set out along the cliff-hugging path to St Bees Head – the only stretch of Heritage Coast between Wales and Scotland – with sweeping sea views and the chance to spot puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Or head inland to take on fell walks to Scafell Pike or Great Gable, where the summit views stretch all the way to the Irish Sea.
Ceredigion Bay and Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Another location for walkers who want both wild coastline and lofty peaks is Snowdonia National Park. Stay on the shores of Ceredigion Bay and it’s a breeze to get your fix of sea air and summits. Follow the Wales Coast Path for clifftop views and sandy stretches underfoot, or head into nearby Coed y Brenin Forest Park for rugged woodland trails. For a real high, hike to the summit of Cadair Idris — one of Snowdonia’s most legendary peaks — where, on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the coast far below.
Isle of Mull, Scotland
If you’re looking for a coastal walking adventure off the beaten track, look no further. The second largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Mull is prime ground for wildlife and wild walks. The coast path isn’t the easiest territory to navigate, but bring supplies and sturdy boots and you’ll be rewarded with eye-popping views across Staffa and the Teshnish Isles. Along the way keep your eyes open for golden eagles, red deer, wild goats and fossils.
Gower Peninsula, Wales
Home to a duo of the UK’s most beautiful beaches – Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay – the Gower Peninsula’s sprawl of white beaches and dramatic cliffs is coastal walking territory extraordinaire. Stretching from the edge of Swansea Bay, it set precedence as Britain’s first dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you have time, take on the entire 80km of Gower Coast Path over a few days, or choose to strike out along the high trails and headlands, pad along the wave-lashed beaches, or take a low-tide adventure onto Worm’s Head.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Stretching from the mouth of the River Tweed to the Farne Islands, Northumberland’s coast is all about big skies, haunting beauty and remote beaches. Pack your walking boots, camera and all-weather gear, and set off along the Northumberland Coast Path from Bamburgh, where the iconic castle stands sentry over miles of coastline and sandy beaches. Tread along shifting sandscapes, wind-whipped headlands and vast beaches, seal spot as you gaze out to the Farne Islands, and explore the fishing village of Seahouses. Time your walk with the tide to cross the causeway to Holy Island, or follow inland loops through wildflower meadows. With its ever-changing light and elemental energy, Northumberland offers coastal walking at its most atmospheric.
Whitby and the North York Moors, Yorkshire
Wedged between coast and countryside, it’s tricky deciding which way to head from this picturesque destination that begs you to don walking boots and hit the trails. Nestled in the seaside town of Whitby, you can dine on kippers, gen up on its connections to Captain Cook and Count Dracula, then strike out along sandy shores and rugged cliffs to Robin Hood’s Bay, or wander over 800km of paths that wend through the North York Moors.
Blakeney and the North Norfolk Coast, Norfolk
Lose yourself in sand dunes, salt marshes and golden beaches along the 84-mile long North Norfolk Coast Path between Hunstanton and Hopton-on-Sea. To explore the best of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, base yourself in the seaside village of Blakeney, where you can pick up the coast path from the quayside and spot seals and seabirds at Blakeney Point, and discover the wildlife-rich section through Blakeney National Nature Reserve.
Jurassic Coast, Dorset and Devon
Another place you can walk in the footsteps of The Salt Path – and walk into deep time – is along the 96-mile sweep of the Jurassic Coast. This World Heritage Site stretches from Exmouth to Studland Bay, revealing 185 million years of Earth’s history in its cliffs, coves and crumbling fossil beds. Hunt for ammonites at Charmouth or Lyme Regis, stand on flower-fringed cliff tops looking out to Old Harry Rocks, or descend to the iconic arch of Dorset‘s Durdle Door. Whether you crave quiet coves or dramatic views, this ancient coastline offers some of the most varied and awe-inspiring coastal walking in Britain.
Isle of Wight, Hampshire
This little British island is a coastal walker’s delight, with its 68-mile coastal path and a web of footpaths. Over half of the Isle of Wight is an AONB, so it’s a photogenic prospect, whether you’re high up on the cliff tops staring out over the Solent, or gazing out to The Needles chalk stacks and Freshwater Bay. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an easy-going stroll, make sure you kick off your walking boots in time to take in the sublime sunset over the English Channel.
Book a Seaside Cottage for Your Own Salt Path Adventure
Inspired to follow your own salt path? Browse our collection of sea-view holiday cottages and find your base for a coastal walking break steeped in wild beauty, big skies and soul-stirring seascapes. Lace up your boots, hit the trail, and let the coast work its magic.
