At Luxury Cottages, our property experts are based throughout the UK and have put together some ideas for coastal walks, including some of their favourites. All either start pretty much from the doorstep of one of our luxury coastal cottages or are within easy reach. So, get ready to be inspired and dig out your hiking boots for your next holiday walking holiday by the sea.
We recommend that you check and plan your walking route in advance, to make sure it is suitable for you.
Our Property Portfolio Team Manager, Jane, lives on the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula and two of her favourite walks start in the lovely coastal village of Llanbedrog. Both can be done from the doorsteps of Ty Hir in Llanbedrog and 7 Pen y Bont, 8 Pen y Bont and Seascape Apartment in Abersoch, or from very close to Pen y Bryn and Plas Efailnewydd – all of which are fantastic cottages for coastal walks.
The first walk is from Llanbedrog to Pwllheli (easily done in reverse too) and is a reasonably flat and easy 3-mile stroll. Begin from either Llanbedrog beach or Cerrig y Defaid beach and follow the coastal path, stopping to watch the golfers on the greens at Pwllheli Golf Club, admire the sea views and breathe in the salty air.
Jane says that the best time to set out on this walk is early morning or late afternoon. Why? Well, when you reach the pretty market town of Pwllheli you can devour brunch or a portion of fish and chips – guilt-free! Afterwards, either retrace your steps or catch the number 17 or 18 bus ‘home’ and perhaps enjoy a final tipple at Llanbedrog Beach Bar, the Glyn y Weddw or The Ship.
The second walk, from Llanbedrog beach to Abersoch (or again, vice versa), takes you over the stunning headland before dropping down to Tal y Fan or the Quarry Road and joining the long sandy Warren beach. Quench your thirst with a drink on the beach at the Warren Sandbar or head into Abersoch to reward yourself with a bite to eat at one of the delightful cafes. To return, either retrace your steps or catch the number 18 bus.
Our Property Portfolio Manager for Cornwall, Kerry, advocates walks on the South West Coast Path. A selection of our luxury holiday properties to rent in Cornwall are within reach, including Millook View Farmhouse near Bude. If you are looking for a dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall the farmhouse is a fantastic choice, as it accepts up to four dogs and provides a range of treats for them.
Millook View Farmhouse is located in the Cornish countryside and while there are many scenic walking routes from the doorstep, the South West Coast Path is just 1.5 miles away. Millook Haven beach can be reached via a walk through stunning ancient woodland, that your four-legged friends are bound to enjoy too. Widemouth Bay and Crackington Haven, both of which boast a beautiful bay and a small village, are also within walking distance.
For a good stretch of your legs, there is a Crackington Haven Circular Walk of approximately 4 miles (that officially starts at Crackington Haven’s car park). As you face the sea, follow the road on the left uphill, then after the turning for Trevigue follow the first way-marked sign on the right.
The route will take you through riverside meadows, into East Wood, on footbridges over trickling streams, towards Sheepdip and through fields to Pengold, then onto the Coast Path back to Crackington. You will pass beautiful places including The Strangles beach, the Northern Door sea arch that rises from the sea and the striking headland of Cambeak.
The Ilfracombe to Woolacombe walk is part of the South West Coast Path in North Devon and is a particularly scenic section thanks to its rugged coastline, sea cliffs and bays. The walk is about 8.5 miles one way and starts at Ilfracombe Harbour – just follow the footprint signs to the coastal path.
The path then zig-zags uphill to the Ilfracombe Torrs where there are fantastic coastal views and you will come across a few steps up to a viewpoint next to a toposcope (that marks local landmarks) where there are great views over the sea.
Back on the walk, you will pass Freshwater Bay, the pretty village of Lee known for its abundant fuchsias, Bull Point with its lighthouse, beautiful Rockham Bay and Morte Point. Do take time to stop to look for seals and admire the views towards Lundy Island. Your final stop is the seaside resort of Woolacombe where you can enjoy lunch or rest on the 3-mile-long beach that’s recognised as one of the best in Europe.
We have a great selection of cottages in Ilfracombe, ranging from the one-bedroom Puffin Cottage to the eight-bedroom Partridge House. Both of these accept dogs too, so are perfect for a dog-friendly holiday in Devon.
Beadnell is a lovely village for a holiday on the Northumberland coast and has a stunning family-friendly and dog-friendly beach. From Beadnell Bay there are beautiful views across to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and Craster too.
There are many beautiful walks along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this one is from Beadnell, where we feature Sandy Toes and The Bay at Beadnell, to the village of Seahouses.
Enjoy the salty air as you follow part of the historic St Oswald’s Way on the Northumberland Coast Path for about 3 miles (6 miles with the return). You will pass beautiful scenery, sand dunes and beaches as you approach Seahouses, a lovely fishing harbour. Refuel with a bite to eat before heading back or why not time your arrival for the departure of a sightseeing boat trip to the Farne Islands.?
Other walks in the area include Beadnell to Low Newton where you can incorporate the National Trust’s Newton Pool Nature Reserve. Or you could start your walk in Seahouses and venture to Bamburgh which promises striking views of Bamburgh Castle.
The Oxwich Point Walk in Gower explores one of the most dramatic headlands on the stunning Gower Peninsula. The walk is about 4.5 miles long and starts (and ends) at the crossroads in Oxwich Village. You will soon discover the beautiful, wild seascapes that this part of Wales is renowned for.
Follow the narrow lane, passing the Oxwich Bay Hotel on your right, past the church and up the long flight of steps to a sign marked Oxwich Point. The route winds through woodlands carpeted in bluebells in spring, before opening up to heathland and stunning sea views beyond.
Continue towards Horton and stay on the Gower Coast Path for more impressive views and dramatic sea cliffs. After Slade Bay, the Gower Walks waymarks will guide you across fields and at the road continue to Oxwich Castle, that dates to the 16th century, then head back to your starting point.
Our Oxwich cottages for coastal walks, Ty Alice, Ty Megan, Ty Florence, Ty Gwawr and Ty Seren are the perfect place from which to start this walk and are also within a 5 to 10-minute stroll of Oxwich Bay and the beachside Beach House Michelin-starred restaurant.
Being an island, Anglesey is a fantastic place for a coastal walk, at any time of year. This beach walk follows the Anglesey Coast Path from the village of Benllech to Red Wharf Bay through part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Benllech is a tourist hotspot, so you’ll easily find a place for a coffee, snack or ice-cream at the start or end of your walk. In Red Wharf Bay, there is a pub where you can sit down, take the weight off your feet and enjoy a refreshing drink.
The walk is just over 1 mile long (one way) and averages about half an hour, so it is a good option for a family-friendly walk on Anglesey – stopping to build sandcastles along the way, of course. From Benllech, you can either walk along the promenade or the golden, sandy beach. The route passes interesting rock formations and promises charming sea views. Do check the tide though, as it may be necessary to leave the beach and follow the road at some points.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Slate Beach House is perfect for a family holiday in Anglesey and is just a 10-minute walk from Benllech village and beach.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
