England Coast Path

This section follows the spectacular Northumberland Coast, starting at the Scottish border in Berwick-upon-Tweed. The path travels past sandy beaches, historic castles like Bamburgh and Warkworth, and charming fishing villages including Seahouses and Craster. It offers opportunities to visit wildlife-rich reserves and enjoy panoramic sea views, often on well-defined tracks and sandy footpaths.

Continuing south, this stage skirts the dunes and estuaries of Druridge Bay, then enters more populated stretches around Blyth and Tynemouth before passing through the vibrant city of Sunderland. Expect a mix of rural and urban walking, from remote saltmarshes to sea promenades, with access to seaside resorts and lively quays.

Leaving Sunderland, the trail follows the rugged Durham Heritage Coast, marked by dramatic cliffs and wildflower meadows, before entering North Yorkshire. Highlights include the headlands of Saltburn and the moody cliffs leading to the historic fishing port of Whitby. The route features a combination of cliff-top walking, wooded valleys, and sandy beaches.

From Whitby, the path traverses the dramatic North Yorkshire and Holderness coasts, passing through Scarborough, Filey, and the remote cliffs of Flamborough Head. The final stretch to Hull includes long beaches and nature reserves along the Humber Estuary. Occasional diversions may be needed for erosion, but the route offers a blend of seaside resorts, wildlife areas, and expansive North Sea views.

This stage moves into Lincolnshire and the flatlands of the Wash, passing through Cleethorpes, Skegness, and the saltmarshes and mudflats of the Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts. The walking is mostly flat, with dykes and embankment paths, occasional shingle, and wide open skies. This rural segment offers peace and an abundance of birdlife.

Following the North Norfolk and Suffolk coasts, this section highlights sandy beaches, saltmarshes, and pretty seaside towns like Cromer and Southwold. The trail mixes rural tranquility with vibrant holiday destinations, often running right beside the sea or slightly inland along quiet lanes and nature reserves. Some areas may be exposed, so check tide times for safe passage.

This section heads along the Suffolk and Essex coasts, passing through Felixstowe, Harwich, Walton-on-the-Naze, and the saltmarshes of the Blackwater Estuary. Expect tidal river crossings, shingle beaches, and historic port towns, with a balance of natural habitats and busy seaside spots. Watch for changes in the route due to estuary inlets and occasional diversions.

Continuing through Essex and Kent, the path follows the mouth of the Thames, passing busy ports like Southend and historic castles at Rochester and Deal before reaching the chalk cliffs of the Isle of Thanet. Frequent seaside promenades, beaches, and some urban stretches lead to Margate, a lively coastal resort with a cultural twist.

This dramatic stage includes the celebrated White Cliffs of Dover and promenade walking through Folkestone and Hastings. The route continues on through Eastbourne, where the South Downs rise abruptly from the coast, and on to Brighton. Expect continuous sea views, a mix of clifftop and seafront path, and vibrant coastal towns throughout.

Leaving Brighton, the path continues through popular seaside resorts such as Worthing, Bognor Regis, and Portsmouth before skirting around Southampton Water. There is a mix of urban promenade walking, quieter stretches along lagoons and saltmarsh, and views of the Solent. The route passes marinas, ports, and historic maritime sites.

The trail heads west past the New Forest’s coastal edge, then onto the Purbeck Heritage Coast and the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. From Lymington and Bournemouth to Swanage and along to Weymouth and Dorchester, walkers will encounter famous cliffs, fossil beaches, and unique geology.

Continue on the iconic Dorset and East Devon sections of the Jurassic Coast, through Lyme Regis and Seaton to Sidmouth and Exmouth. Expect a challenging up-and-down route, with dramatic headlands, shingle bays, hidden coves, and beautiful sea views. This area is renowned for its fossils and spectacular cliff formations.

The path skirts around Exeter, then continues along the Exe Estuary, through Dawlish, Teignmouth, and Torquay, following the rugged and beautiful South Devon coastline to Plymouth. From there, the Cornwall segment leads through the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the north coast towards Padstow, with sweeping views and remote sections.

Stretching along the wild Cornish coast, this dramatic stage traverses some of the most rugged and beautiful cliff paths in England. Pass through surfing hotspots, fishing harbours like St Ives, and seaside towns, finally reaching the iconic Land’s End. Be prepared for steep ascents, remote terrain, and some of the most memorable coastal scenery on the entire route.

The route follows the southern Cornish coast, passing through Penzance, Falmouth, and Looe, offering lush river valleys, sandy bays, and historic villages before reaching Plymouth. This section features a mix of quiet inlets, ferry crossings, and bustling harbour towns, perfect for those seeking a blend of nature and history.

Heading into Devon and Somerset, the path traverses the rocky South Hams coast with its river crossings and then continues through seaside villages, beaches, and the rugged cliffs of North Devon. The day finishes at Minehead, the official start of the South West Coast Path National Trail, having passed though spectacular Atlantic-facing coastlines and the wilds of Exmoor.

From Minehead, the route cuts along the Bristol Channel, through Quantock Hills and coast, skirting the edge of Exmoor before crossing the Somerset Levels. After Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea, walkers follow the Severn Estuary into Gloucestershire and on to Chepstow, where the England Coast Path meets the Wales Coast Path.

This extensive stage heads north along the Severn Estuary, then follows the River Mersey past industrial heritage sites, wetlands, and saltmarshes. The trail passes Bristol, Gloucester, and into the Wirral Peninsula before entering Liverpool. Industrial landscapes mix with pockets of nature reserves and bustling maritime areas.

The trail heads along the Irish Sea coastline, crossing the River Ribble, through seaside towns like Southport, Blackpool, and Morecambe. Expect beaches, resort promenades, and sections along wildlife habitats, finishing at Lancaster with easy walking terrain along the coast and estuary.

This final stretch heads into Cumbria, following the Morecambe Bay coastline, the wild expanse of the Solway Firth, and quiet country lanes. The route passes through Cumbrian coastal villages and nature reserves before turning inland to reach Carlisle, a city rich in Roman and border history and serving as a fitting close to the England Coast Path journey.