The 10 best coastal walks

Whether you want a short hike or more of a marathon, stretch your legs and enjoy some of Britain's best sea views

{1} Beer to Branscombe, Devon

This amble along the Jurassic Coast is perfect for dog-walkers. The South West Coast Path is canine-friendly and Branscombe and East Beach in Beer allow dogs on the sands. The Anchor Inn and the Mason's Arms, at the star and end of the route, are also recommended by DoggiePubs.org.uk.

5.3 miles, southwestcoastpath.com

{2} Craster to Low Newton, Northumberland

One for foodies. Drop in to the Jolly Fisherman in Craster (home of Craster Kippers) at the beginning, then follow the trail past Dunstanburgh and Embleton Bay. Top it off with a pint at the Ship Inn's brewery, Low Newton.

10 miles, www.yournorthumberland.co.uk

{3} Dunluce Castle to Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

See some of Northern Ireland's most beautiful coast, including the Giant's Causeway. Start at Dunluce Castle, pass through the fishing village of Portballintrae and end at the Causeway.

4 miles, causewaycoastandglens.com

{4} Dungeness Circular Walk, Kent

Nature lovers will enjoy this walk around the largest shingle spit supporting vegetation in Europe. The area boasts more than 600 types of plant and a host of rare insects.

7 miles, thehiker.co.uk

{5} Oliver's Mount and the Mere, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

The walk up Oliver's Mount offers fantastic views of the seaside town of Scarborough. Thought to have once been Oliver Cromwell's weapons station, there is now an impressive war memorial on the top.

4 miles, yorkshire.com

{6} Bouley Bay to Gorey, Jersey

Immerse yourself in Jersey's history on this walk around the northern coast, passing Mont Orgueil Castle and the Dolmen de Faldouet (an ancient tomb). There are some steep climbs, but the views of the Jersey coast and mainland France more than make up for it.

8.5 miles, jersey.com

{7} Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Norfolk is renowned for its sandy beaches and in Holkham film buffs may recognise the beach from Shakespeare In Love. There is a boardwalk suitable for wheelchair users or a longer circuit.

1 mile (boarded) or 3 miles, holkham.co.uk

{8} Lower Largo to St Monan's, Fife

It is the Year of Natural Scotland, so what better way to celebrate than exploring one of the country's finest, and wildest coasts? The route also takes in the pretty village of Elie, with its medieval tower.

8.75 miles, walkinghighlands.co.uk

{9} Oxwich Point Circular, GOWER PENINSULA, NEAR Swansea

Designated as the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower is a favourite destination for walkers. Points of interest along this route include the 13th-century St Illtyd's Church, Oxwich Castle and the Chain Home Low Radar site, part of the Second World War radar network.

4.5 miles, visitswanseabay.com

{10} The Cistercian Way, Cumbria

Looking for a longer challenge? Try this 24-mile section of the Cumbria Coastal Way. Starting at the Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands, the trail makes its way along the coast through lovely market and seaside towns, Cartmel being a particular highlight.

33 miles, ldwa.org.uk

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