Man hiking along beach

10 of the Best Beach Walks in the UK: Coastal Escapes for Every Season

Few things clear the mind like a walk along the coast — the crash of waves, salt on the breeze, and endless horizons. Whether you’re in hiking boots or barefoot in the sand, the UK’s coastline offers some of the most rewarding and dramatic beach walks in the world.

From windswept Scottish bays to golden Cornish stretches, here are 10 of the best beach walks in the UK — perfect for a weekend adventure, vanlife stopover, or a mindful escape.

🏖️ 1. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales

Three miles of golden sand, rolling dunes, and sea cliffs — often voted one of the best beaches in the world.

  • Why walk it: Epic views, wild ponies, and sunsets over Worm’s Head.

  • Length: Up to 6 miles out and back.

  • Bonus: Spot seals and seabirds along the cliffs.

🏝️ 2. Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Backed by pine forests and dunes, this huge beach is perfect for peaceful, all-day wandering.

  • Why walk it: Open skies, wild feeling, and amazing light at golden hour.

  • Length: 4–8 miles depending on the route.

  • Bonus: Visit the Holkham National Nature Reserve nearby.

🌊 3. Formby Beach, Merseyside

With sand dunes, red squirrels, and distant views of Blackpool Tower, Formby is a beautiful and varied coastal walk.

  • Why walk it: Mix of woodland and beach, dog-friendly.

  • Length: 3–6 miles depending on loop.

  • Bonus: Fossilised footprints can sometimes be spotted at low tide.

🐚 4. Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Turquoise water, white sands, and hardly a soul in sight — it feels more Caribbean than Hebrides.

  • Why walk it: Utter peace and surreal beauty.

  • Length: As long or short as you like.

  • Bonus: Park up your van nearby for a night under star-filled skies.

🏞️ 5. Perranporth to Holywell Bay, Cornwall

Classic Cornish scenery with crashing waves, sea stacks, and golden sands.

  • Why walk it: A section of the South West Coast Path with dramatic views.

  • Length: 6-mile round trip.

  • Bonus: Surf’s often up — and there’s a pub at both ends!

🐾 6. Embleton Bay to Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland

A sweeping bay walk with the haunting ruins of a medieval castle in the distance.

  • Why walk it: History meets wild seascape.

  • Length: 4 miles return.

  • Bonus: Dog-friendly and usually quiet, even in summer.

🐬 7. Bantham to Thurlestone Sands, Devon

This walk links two of Devon’s prettiest beaches, with tidal pools, rock arches, and views of Burgh Island.

  • Why walk it: Ideal for a family or lazy day out.

  • Length: 3–4 miles.

  • Bonus: Great for paddleboarding or swimming en route.

🌿 8. Camber Sands, East Sussex

Famous for its dunes and golden open beach, it’s a dreamy walk especially in off-season light.

  • Why walk it: Long stretches, fresh breeze, peaceful.

  • Length: Up to 7 miles.

  • Bonus: Combine with a visit to historic Rye.

🧭 9. Balnakeil Beach, Durness, Scotland

Right at the edge of the Highlands, this wild beach is often deserted and framed by grassy dunes.

  • Why walk it: Stark, rugged beauty with a sense of isolation.

  • Length: Around 2–3 miles.

  • Bonus: Look for puffins and arctic terns in summer.

🌅 10. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Reachable only by foot, Barafundle Bay is a hidden gem tucked between cliffs and headlands.

  • Why walk it: Secluded and beautiful, especially early morning.

  • Length: 1–2 miles from Stackpole Quay.

  • Bonus: Pack a picnic — no facilities but pure peace.

🌬️ Walk Well, Walk Wild

Whether you're exploring the coast for a few hours or making it part of your vanlife route, these beach walks are perfect for:

  • Mindful movement

  • Fresh air and great sleep

  • Dog walks or family outings

  • Connecting with nature

And don’t forget — after a salty, sandy day out, your van might need a little freshening up. Our Wiffee reusable air fresheners are the perfect companion for coastal life: inspired by the outdoors, long-lasting, and made to travel well. Try Beach our sunny costal themed freshie.

🧼 Try These Scents for Your Next Coastal Trip:

Want more travel tips, vanlife ideas, and scent-matching inspiration?
Follow the Wiffee blog and take a breath of the wild with you wherever you roam. 🌊

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