Surrounded by superlative scenery and crisscrossed with countless walking trails, there is no better way to enjoy England’s green and pleasant land than on foot. From coastal paths to countryside rambles, Hollie Teague picks 8 of the best walks on England’s South Coast.
DK England's South Coast
View BookThe Seven Sisters
Best for: clifftop views
Distance: 13.5 miles
Time: 6 hours
The Seven Sisters, an undulating stretch of chalky white cliffs rising high above the sea, is one of England’s favourite, and most iconic, coastal walks.
Running from Eastbourne to Seaford, this walk kicks off the 160-km (100-mile) South Downs Way, which extends across Sussex into Hampshire. The path clings to the vertiginous clifftops, a breathless run of steep peaks and dips well rewarded with spectacular views of the coastline and out to sea.
Distance: 13.5 miles
Time: 6 hours
The Seven Sisters, an undulating stretch of chalky white cliffs rising high above the sea, is one of England’s favourite, and most iconic, coastal walks.
Running from Eastbourne to Seaford, this walk kicks off the 160-km (100-mile) South Downs Way, which extends across Sussex into Hampshire. The path clings to the vertiginous clifftops, a breathless run of steep peaks and dips well rewarded with spectacular views of the coastline and out to sea.
Burrator Reservoir
Best for: a Dartmoor introduction
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Wild, weathered Dartmoor National Park is a veritable adventure playground for hardy hikers skilled with a compass and map.
Beginners, however, should head to Burrator Reservoir, near Yelverton. A turn around this vast swathe of water is the perfect introduction to the beauty of the moors: flora and fauna abound, including Dartmoor ponies.
There’s opportunity to venture further. Join the old railway track that ran from Yelverton to Princetown, passing disused quarries and craggy tors. Alternatively, set out for Sheeps Tor and beyond, navigating familiar terrain for fans of War Horse – the moor had a starring role in Steven Spielberg’s epic film.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Wild, weathered Dartmoor National Park is a veritable adventure playground for hardy hikers skilled with a compass and map.
Beginners, however, should head to Burrator Reservoir, near Yelverton. A turn around this vast swathe of water is the perfect introduction to the beauty of the moors: flora and fauna abound, including Dartmoor ponies.
There’s opportunity to venture further. Join the old railway track that ran from Yelverton to Princetown, passing disused quarries and craggy tors. Alternatively, set out for Sheeps Tor and beyond, navigating familiar terrain for fans of War Horse – the moor had a starring role in Steven Spielberg’s epic film.
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Best for: beautiful beaches
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Gifted with white cliffs, extraordinary geology and stunning beaches, it’s not hard to see why the Jurassic Coast has UNESCO World Heritage status.
Obvious highlights are the iconic rock arch of Durdle Door and the scallop-shaped bay of Lulworth Cove. Gaze out to sea on the shingle beach of Lulworth Cove before hiking up to the headland. It’s a steep descent back down to Durdle Door but worth the effort for the picture-perfect views.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Gifted with white cliffs, extraordinary geology and stunning beaches, it’s not hard to see why the Jurassic Coast has UNESCO World Heritage status.
Obvious highlights are the iconic rock arch of Durdle Door and the scallop-shaped bay of Lulworth Cove. Gaze out to sea on the shingle beach of Lulworth Cove before hiking up to the headland. It’s a steep descent back down to Durdle Door but worth the effort for the picture-perfect views.
Bolderwood Circular
Best for: flora and fauna
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Encompassing open heath and ancient woodland, the New Forest is a sprawling national park teeming with roaming ponies, grazing cattle, a deer herd and countless bird species.
There are plenty of trails to choose from, but the circular route from Bolderwood is ideal for a mini adventure. Amble through the arboretum, admiring the Douglas fir and redwoods, then return to Bolderwood deer sanctuary for feeding time – a platform provides perfect views over the meadow.
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Encompassing open heath and ancient woodland, the New Forest is a sprawling national park teeming with roaming ponies, grazing cattle, a deer herd and countless bird species.
There are plenty of trails to choose from, but the circular route from Bolderwood is ideal for a mini adventure. Amble through the arboretum, admiring the Douglas fir and redwoods, then return to Bolderwood deer sanctuary for feeding time – a platform provides perfect views over the meadow.
Marazion to Porthleven
Best for: smugglers’ coves
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 5 hours
Passing through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trail from Marazion to Porthleven traverses sandy beaches and rugged Cornish scenery.
Begin with fantastic views of St Michael’s Mount. Jutting out of the sea, this craggy island is topped with an impressive centuries-old castle and a flourishing garden.
As the path winds along the cliff edge, look out for the rocky inlets between Perranuthnoe and Praa. Secluded Prussia Cove formed the headquarters of John Carter, the self-styled King of Prussia and a notorious smuggler of the 18th century.
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 5 hours
Passing through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trail from Marazion to Porthleven traverses sandy beaches and rugged Cornish scenery.
Begin with fantastic views of St Michael’s Mount. Jutting out of the sea, this craggy island is topped with an impressive centuries-old castle and a flourishing garden.
As the path winds along the cliff edge, look out for the rocky inlets between Perranuthnoe and Praa. Secluded Prussia Cove formed the headquarters of John Carter, the self-styled King of Prussia and a notorious smuggler of the 18th century.
Sevenoaks Circular Walk
Best for: a Sunday stroll
Distance: 9.5 miles
Time: 4.5 hours
This circular walk from Sevenoaks passes two impressive mansions: the grand Elizabethan Knole House, complete with a rambling deer park, and the medieval Ightham Mote, parts of which date to the 1320s.
But the real joy is the bountiful countryside. Traipse through rural farmland, fragrant lavender fields and bluebell-studded woodland as you wander through England’s back garden, stopping off at a village pub for a hearty lunch. This is what Sundays are for.
Distance: 9.5 miles
Time: 4.5 hours
This circular walk from Sevenoaks passes two impressive mansions: the grand Elizabethan Knole House, complete with a rambling deer park, and the medieval Ightham Mote, parts of which date to the 1320s.
But the real joy is the bountiful countryside. Traipse through rural farmland, fragrant lavender fields and bluebell-studded woodland as you wander through England’s back garden, stopping off at a village pub for a hearty lunch. This is what Sundays are for.
Boscastle to Tintagel
Best for: myths and legends
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Steeped in myth and mystery, Cornwall’s connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table echo throughout the county.
From the village of Boscastle, follow the South West Coastal Path – a trail that runs for some 1,014km (630 miles) around Cornwall, Devon and Dorset – to Tintagel, thought to be the birthplace of the legendary king. The walk to Tintagel’s ruined castle provides dramatic sea views and ample opportunity for birdwatching and seal-spotting.
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Steeped in myth and mystery, Cornwall’s connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table echo throughout the county.
From the village of Boscastle, follow the South West Coastal Path – a trail that runs for some 1,014km (630 miles) around Cornwall, Devon and Dorset – to Tintagel, thought to be the birthplace of the legendary king. The walk to Tintagel’s ruined castle provides dramatic sea views and ample opportunity for birdwatching and seal-spotting.
Margate to Broadstairs
Best for: a day at the seaside
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
After a morning riding the rollercoasters in rough-and-ready Margate, set off for the neighbouring seaside town of Broadstairs, the former stomping ground of Charles Dickens.
At low tide, much of the walk can be taken at sea level. Alternatively, follow the Viking Coastal Trail, a cycle path that hugs the cliff edge. Stop off at Botany Bay to admire the chalk stacks and at Kingsgate Bay for a quick swim or splash in the sea. An inevitable fish-and-chip supper rounds off the day.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
After a morning riding the rollercoasters in rough-and-ready Margate, set off for the neighbouring seaside town of Broadstairs, the former stomping ground of Charles Dickens.
At low tide, much of the walk can be taken at sea level. Alternatively, follow the Viking Coastal Trail, a cycle path that hugs the cliff edge. Stop off at Botany Bay to admire the chalk stacks and at Kingsgate Bay for a quick swim or splash in the sea. An inevitable fish-and-chip supper rounds off the day.
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