With the London Marathon coming up on 27 April why not don your trainers and hit some of the best coastal running trails in the UK? Whether you’re marathon training or simply soaking up breathtaking sea views while you clock up the miles, these routes offer a mix of terrain – from sandy shores to rugged cliff paths – for runners of all abilities.
Here’s where to lace up and let the sea be your soundtrack. Which one will you run?
The South West Coast Path
Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
Best for: Long-distance training and challenging elevation
The South West Coast Path is a dream for trail runners, with over 630 miles of spectacular coastline to explore. And when you need a breather on its challenging terrain, there are stunning Atlantic views almost every step of the way.
The fastest known time for running the entire path is just over 10 days. If you’re a serious endurance runner looking for a shorter blast, see if you can tackle the roller-coaster section from St Ives to Zennor. Or for a gentler route, meander along Jurassic Coast scenery from Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton in Devon.
Choose your run on the South West Coast Path
The Norfolk Coast Path
Norfolk
Best for: Flat, long-distance running
If you prefer flat terrain, pack your running shoes and hit this 84-mile National Trail from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. The route keeps things interesting as it winds through dunes, pine forests, sandy beaches, and grassy paths, with only a few road sections.
The four miles from Holkham Beach to Wells-next-the-Sea route is a standout section, and perfect for endurance training, with vast, open sands and scenic woodland trails interspersed with gentle climbs that get the heart pumping.
Plan your run on the Norfolk Coast Path
Bamburgh to Seahouses
Northumberland
Best for: Beach running with castle views
Northumberland’s vast, golden beaches offer a unique running experience – whether you’re a first timer or on track for a marathon. This six-mile stretch from Bamburgh to Seahouses blends firm sand, dune trails, and coastal paths, making it ideal for mixed-terrain training. And the dramatic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle towering over the beach is a welcome distraction from the difficulty of running across sand.
Map your run from Bamburgh to Seahouses
Fife Coastal Path
Scotland
Best for: A mix of coastal villages, beaches, and cliffs
Fancy scenery that’s easy on the eye as you pace past hidden coves, fishing villages and craggy cliffs? Time then, to head north to Fife and warm up with a jog along the Fife Coastal Path. The Crail to Elie stretch is around 10 miles with a mix of firm trails and beach running, and is perfect for those seeking empty beaches for a bracing mid-run dip in the North Sea.
Plan your run on the Fife Coastal Path
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Best for: Scenic hill training
This undulating coastal trail is short but intense. Covering about three miles (one way), it’s an excellent hill session, with jaw-dropping views of the Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Door. Ideal for runners wanting a high-intensity workout in a world-famous setting.
Map a circular running route from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Rhossili Bay
Gower Peninsula, Wales
Best for: Barefoot running on sand
Consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches, Rhossili Bay offers no less than three miles of uninterrupted, firm sand – making it ideal for barefoot running. If you’re up for an added challenge, take the clifftop trail towards Worm’s Head and mix it up with trail and beach running.
Map your run along Rhossili Bay
Causeway Coast Path
Northern Ireland
Best for: A windswept run past the Giant’s Causeway
This 33-mile route from Portstewart to Ballycastle includes some of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic coastal scenery. For a manageable section, try the seven-mile stretch from Dunseverick Castle to the Giant’s Causeway, which offers clifftop paths, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking ocean views.
Plan my run along the Causeway Coast Path
The South Downs Way
East Sussex
Best for: Chalky coastal cliffs and rolling hills
One of the UK’s most famous coastal trails, the Seven Sisters stretch of the South Downs Way is challenging but rewarding. The undulating, chalky cliffs offer a spectacular but tough workout, perfect for runners looking to build stamina.
Map my run on the South Downs Way
Southwold Promenade
Suffolk
Best for: Flat terrain for the first time runner
Not every coastal run has to take you to giddy heights or world-famous landmarks. The pretty seafront promenade at Southwold is the perfect place for first-time runners and those looking for a less demanding route. And while it’s a flat, paved route that’s easy to navigate, the colourful beach huts, historic lighthouse and Suffolk coastline ensures it doesn’t come up short on stunning sea views.
Book a Holiday Cottage and Make a Weekend of it.
Check out Simply Sea Views for seaside stays near these incredible trails, and enjoy a running holiday by the coast.
