Explore the stunning and diverse shoreline of England with Great Walks on the England Coast Path, a guide to some of the finest walking routes along the country’s longest National Trail. From sandy beaches and flat promenades to undulating cliff-top paths, saltmarshes and estuaries, this coastal path spans many different coastal landscapes around England’s shores.

Whether you’re seeking memorable day hikes or rewarding weekend journeys, the England Coast Path (ECP) offers walks to suit a wide range of fitness levels and interests. Great Walks on the England Coast Path is a comprehensive Cicerone guidebook featuring 30 classic walks that showcase the best of this 4500km (2800mile) National Trail, with routes arranged into North West, South West, South East and North East coastal sections.

• 27 day walks and three 2-day routes on the England Coast Path are included, ranging from 9–45km (5–28 miles) and suitable for everything from extended day hikes to longer coastal outings, many of which can be enjoyed year-round
• Routes are arranged into four geographic sections — North West, South West, South East and North East — helping you plan walks across England’s diverse shoreline
• 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey mapping is included for every walk, and GPX files are available to download for use with digital navigation tools to explore England's coast
• Walks take in a rich variety of coastal scenery, including sandy beaches, shingle bays, tidal estuaries, rugged cliffs and flat promenades, providing options for most abilities to enjoy day walks on the ECP 
• Each walk includes practical information on terrain, refreshments, public transport and local facilities, in places such as Padstow, Eastbourne, Bempton and Bamburgh, making planning easier and more enjoyable

From the wild cliffs of Northumberland and Yorkshire to the wildlife-rich shores of East Anglia, the dramatic headlands of Cornwall and Devon, and the peaceful stretches of sandy beach in the South East, the England Coast Path offers walkers an extraordinary way to experience the country’s maritime landscapes. Great Walks on the England Coast Path is the perfect inspirational guide, equipping you with clear routes, mapping and insight so you can savour England’s ever-changing coastline on foot.

Great Walks on the England Coast Path - Quick Facts

Guidebook name: Great Walks on the England Coast Path
Location: England, covering the full length of the England Coast Path National Trail
Number of walks: 30 walks (27 day walks and 3 two-day routes)
Distance: 9–45 km (5–28 miles) per walk
Typical duration: 3 hours to 2 days per walk
Terrain: Sandy beaches, shingle bays, tidal estuaries, cliffs, dunes, promenades and country lanes
Difficulty: Various; suitable for both family walkers and more difficult outings
Highlights: High cliffs of Northumberland and Yorkshire, wildlife-rich shores of East Anglia, dramatic headlands of Cornwall and Devon, historic coastal towns such as Padstow, Eastbourne, Bempton and Bamburgh
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps; GPX files available for digital navigation
Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs and public transport details included for key coastal towns
Best season: Year-round walking; spring to early autumn usually offers the best weather and wildlife viewing along England’s coastline

Author Highlight

“The 30 walks presented here reflect the amazing variety of habitats and scenery around the coast of England, which means there’s very likely something for everyone. Deserted sandy beaches, remote shingle spits, and wildlife-rich saltmarshes contrast with soaring headlands and rollercoaster cliff paths. There’s a little bit of cheeky promenade, some enticing tidal islands and several stunning coastal castles – in other words, the rich, complex and spectacular landscape that is England’s very, very long coast.”

- Andrew McCloy, author of Great Walks on the England Coast Path

Overview map

Map key

Route summary table

Introduction

Geological treasures and coastal landforms

An ever-changing coastline

Nature and wildlife

An island history

Trade and industry

A coastal culture

Evolution of the England Coast Path

How to use this guide

Getting around

When to go

What to take

Access and waymarking

Staying safe

North West

Walk 1 Whitehaven to St Bees

Walk 2 Walney Island

Walk 3 Arnside

Walk 4 Lancaster to Cockerham

Walk 5 Southport to Crosby

Walk 6 New Brighton to Heswall (the Wirral)

South West

Walk 7 Lynton to Combe Martin

Walk 8 Woolacombe and Croyde

Walk 9 Hartland Quay to Bude

Walk 10 Padstow to Porthcothan

Walk 11 Pendeen to Penzance

Walk 12 The Lizard

Walk 13 Portscatho and the Roseland Peninsula

Walk 14 Prawle Point and Start Point

Walk 15 Beer and Branscombe

Walk 16 Lulworth

Walk 17 Worth Matravers and St Aldhelm’s Head

South East

Walk 18 Bosham and Chichester Harbour

Walk 19 Seaford to Eastbourne

Walk 20 Dungeness

Walk 21 Deal to Dover

Walk 22 Tollesbury and the Blackwater Estuary

Walk 23 Orford

Walk 24 Walberswick and Dunwich

Walk 25 Burnham Deepdale to Sheringham

North East

Walk 26 Spurn Head

Walk 27 Flamborough Head

Walk 28 Scarborough to Staithes

Walk 29 Seaham to Hartlepool

Walk 30 Craster to Bamburgh

Appendix A Useful websites

Appendix B Further reading

Seasons

Options throughout the year, from long summer day hikes to shorter and more bracing winter outings

Centres

Walks are spread thoughout the country

Difficulty

Various levels of difficulty from energetic and adventurous outings along undulating clifftops to easy and family-friendly walks along flat coasts

Must See

Castles on the coast of Northumberland, the rollercoaster chalk cliffs on the English Channel, East Anglia's wildlife-rich shores, smugglers' coves in Cornwall and the vast sandy beaches and dunes of north west England

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