Coastal Hikes in Great Britain
Image courtesy of ©john47kent (Flickr)
Coastal walks can provide a necessary escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Gentle walks along one of the many beautiful coastal locations in the UK, joined by a significant other, can add an infusion of romance into a relationship. Day tripping to a fantastic coastal walk with the kids can be an inexpensive but enjoyable family getaway on a budget. Dramatic and breathtaking views of stone fortresses atop rocky isles on an unaccompanied nature walk can ignite a sense of discovery and adventure in one’s day to day life. The possibilities for a pleasurable coastal outing are truly endless, as a dose of fresh sea air can bring about a serenity that is often missing from the technological and fast pace of a twenty-first century life. As the UK is gifted in its abundance of beautiful coastal environments, your escape may only be a stone’s throw away.
Hiking Ramsgate to Broadstairs, Kent
Image courtesy of ©Annie Mole (Flickr)
This beautiful, 5 mile coastal walk running along the shore of Ramsgate to Broadstairs and then back again is a great introduction to the wonderful world of coastal walks. As this walk follows along the sea wall for its duration, it provides a very easy trail to manoeuvre for one not yet well-versed in coastal walks. At different times in the season, this sea wall walk can be quite windy, so be sure to bring along a windbreaker jacket for your trek. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours to fully enjoy all that Kent County has to offer.
There is really no better place to begin a costal walk than the Royal Harbour Marina on the English Channel in Ramsgate. With 700 berths, the marina is one of the largest in the south of England, providing a great atmosphere for a budding sailor or one with even just a slight interest in the open sea. Following the promenade north from the marina, pick up the Thanet Coastal Path, and begin to take in all that surrounds you. Feel free to stop at any point and admire the beautiful Royal Victoria Pavilion, the Ramsgate Sands, or the King George VI Memorial Park. On a clear day, looking out to your right will bring the north coastline of France into view, a great opportunity for amateur photographers to hone their skills. As the trail continues north, follow along the East Cliff. Depending upon the tide at the time of your walk, continue either on the cliff’s edge or down onto the beach at Dumpton Gap, both providing
uniquely beautiful costal views of Broadstairs. As your journey reaches its northern-most point at Viking Bay, you will see the 150 metre horse shoe shaped beach that is a favourite of bold surfers, locals to Broadstairs and tourists alike. Turn around at the Broadstairs pier, and retrace your steps home. With two opportunities to walk along the sea wall, be sure to keep an eye out for the little things you may have missed on your northern walk.
Hiking Whitesands to Solva, Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is one of only fifteen British National Trails that represent the best walking trails in the UK. The many varied landscapes that the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path take the traveller through, truly sets it apart. Along its 186 mile length from Poppit Sands to Amroth, the costal path crosses landscapes ranging from tall cliffs of limestone to dormant volcanic headlands, from bays of red sandstone to glacial valleys carved out during the last Ice Age that have since flooded. Quaint towns filled with relaxing bed and breakfasts line the costal path; each begs the
inquisitive traveller to explore what it has to offer. Named the second best coastal destination in the world by National Geographic in 2011, the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path has been called a “haven of wildlife” for the puffins, grey seals and, if you have a keen eye, peregrine falcons that call the coastal path home. As the sheer length of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path may be off-putting to some, rest assured that the Coastal Bus Services offer year round service for those looking to explore segments of the path at a time.
If you were to walk one segment of the coastal path, the stretch from Whitesands to Solva is a great introduction to the beauty of the Welsh coast, as the many access points and availability of bus service make for a great nature outing without a feeling of isolation. This 13 mile course begins in the low cliffs of Whitesands, providing great views of
Ramsey Island and beyond. Continuing along the coast brings with it varying plateaus and hills, with easy gradients between them. Highlights of your trek will surely include the wildflowers that line the coast as you near Treginnis, the magnificent view of Skomer Island across St Brides Bay, as well as the majestic horses that often graze the path between Caerbwdy and Porth y Rhaw. All in all, this beautiful section of the Pembrokeshire Costal Path will surely leave you eager to explore more.
Emma-Jane Swaffield published this on behalf of Beeches Holiday Lets who offer holiday lets in Broadstairs with a range of stunning accommodation across the Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate area in Thanet, Kent.
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License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source
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Kevin. I see you have a page on Google+. I have recommended your ‘site, to those from England, to connect with you.
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Thanks, Barry. Yes, I have a Google+ account, but I don’t use it nearly as much as I use FB, Twitter & Pinterest.
Hi Kevin,
I found myself spending too much time using social media ‘sites, in particular Facebook. Another ‘site you may be interested in is Springpad – http://www.springpad.com
Pembrokeshire Coastal Path: I’m adding that to my to-do list!
Thank you Audrey, it is simply beautiful there.
Have you done the Ramsgate to Broadstairs walk? 🙂