Best coastal hiking trails in England
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Best coastal hiking trails in England

Looking for trails where the ocean’s your soundtrack? These coastal routes let you hike with a sea breeze in your hair, waves lapping beside you, and unbeatable views of the horizon.

Here are some great trails to explore in England.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Wirral Way

Wirral, England · star 5.0 (2) · 19.7 km · Est. 4 hrs 7 min

2

Medium

Seven Sisters to Eastbourne

East Sussex, England · star 5.0 (3) · 12.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 59 min

3

Easy

River Wear Trail

Tyne and Wear, England · star 0.0 (0) · 17.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 53 min

4

Easy

Southwold

Suffolk, England · star 0.0 (0) · 6.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 21 min

5

Medium

Bigbury-on-Sea - Arymer Cove and Burgh Island

Devon, England · star 0.0 (0) · 8.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 4 min

6

Easy

Wirral Country Park - Caldy and Thurstaston

Thurstaston, England · star 5.0 (3) · 10.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 14 min

7

Easy

Helford Passage and Frenchman's Creek

Cornwall, England · star 0.0 (0) · 11.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 40 min

8

Easy

Snettisham Beach RSPB reserve from Shepherd's Port

Norfolk, England · star 0.0 (0) · 6.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 22 min

9

Easy

Saltburn by the Sea

Redcar and Cleveland, England · star 5.0 (1) · 5.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 19 min

10

Easy

Blakeney Point Coastal Walk - Blakeney - Norfolk

Norfolk, England · star 4.0 (1) · 11.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 21 min

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Reviews for coastal hiking trails in England

avatar

Wirral Way

MapleHollowtrekker14 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Jacob avatar

Seven Sisters to Eastbourne

lilrav · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Not a difficult experience and an easy day trip if you are in London. Lovely hike to spend the day and then grab a chippy. Recommend ending in Eastbourne for better views of the cliffs.

No reviews available for River Wear Trail.

No reviews available for Southwold.

No reviews available for Bigbury-on-Sea - Arymer Cove and Burgh Island.

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in England

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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