The Best Coastal Running Routes in the UK

In this guide, you’ll find 12 of the best coastal routes in the UK, grouped by region, with distance options and terrain notes, plus a selection of races to enter if you fancy a challenge.

What makes a coastal route worth the trip?

Not every coastal route is suitable for running. Some are poorly marked and have no obvious start point, while others will have you scrambling over rocks instead of focusing on running.

The routes in this guide all meet criteria that make them ideal for training. The ground is manageable, and the paths are well-marked, so you don’t have to spend time second-guessing the route. The start points have decent parking or public transport links, and most circular routes can be shortened if you need to adjust the distance.

The best coastal running routes in the UK

Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, Dorset

Image: iStock.com/JulieannBirch

Distance: 6.1km circular (shorter 4km out-and-back option available) | Terrain: Grassy cliff path, some rocky sections | Difficulty: Moderate

Start at Lulworth Cove car park. The first hill comes at you quickly; it’s steep, but the views back over the cove from the top make it worthwhile. From there, the path follows the clifftop west to Durdle Door, the limestone arch that many people come here to see. The best view of it is from above, looking down over Man O'War Bay. The circular route runs through the valley of Scratchy Bottom (yes, that's its real name) on the way back.

Looking for a coastal race in Dorset? The Lulworth Cove Trails offers distances from 10K to 53K ultra.

St Ives to Zennor, Cornwall

Distance: 10.5km one way | Terrain: Rocky cliff path, some scrambling | Difficulty: Challenging

Head west along the coast path from Porthmeor Beach in St Ives. The first section out past Clodgy Point is the easiest; after that, the route gets harder, with steep climbs out of coves, large boulders blocking the path in places, and loose shingle underfoot. The path passes hidden coves accessible only at low tide, and Seal Island is a common spot to see seals resting on the rocks.

If you’re looking for a local event, the Atlantic Coast Challenge takes on 78 miles of the Cornish coast over three days.

Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, Sussex

Image: iStock.com/coldsnowstorm

Distance: 21km point-to-point (Seaford to Eastbourne) | Terrain: Grass trails, hard-packed earth, chalk cliff edges | Difficulty: Challenging

For the best views, start at Seaford Esplanade and head east. The route goes down to Cuckmere Haven before climbing up into the Seven Sisters, a series of chalk cliffs that roll in peaks and troughs all the way to Birling Gap. Each climb is only 40-50 metres, but there are seven of them, so you'll have to work hard. The National Trust cafe at Birling Gap is a good place to stop if you need it. From there, the path continues past Belle Tout Lighthouse and up to Beachy Head before heading into Eastbourne.

The Run Whitstable & Herne Bay is a good entry point into coastal racing in the South East, with 5K, 10K and half marathon options along the Kent seafront.

Isle of Wight Coastal Path: Alum Bay to Freshwater Bay

Distance: 6.8km point-to-point | Terrain: Mostly grass, some rock and paved sections | Difficulty: Moderate

This is a short, exposed run along the western tip of the Isle of Wight. Start at Alum Bay and follow the path past the Needles Old Battery, where the views back towards the chalk stacks are at their best, before the route opens out into coastal grassland and heads down to Freshwater Bay. The return is either along the same path or across the grassland to the inland side. There's a cafe at Freshwater Bay where you can grab a coffee and a sweet treat at the end, if you fancy it.

The Sandown & Shanklin Seafront 10K is a good next step if you want to race the island, connecting the two towns along the seafront.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales: St David's Head

Distance: 6km circular | Terrain: Rugged coastal path, rocky sections, slopes and steps | Difficulty: Moderate

Whitesands car park, just outside St David's, is the starting point for this route. From there, go up past the site of St Patrick's Chapel onto the headland. The path is clear but fairly rugged, with rocky sections and a descent of around 70 steps. From the higher ground, you get views across to Ramsey Island, and on a good day, you might spot porpoises or dolphins offshore. The route passes Coetan Arthur, a Neolithic burial chamber, and an Iron Age coastal fort at the tip of the peninsula before looping back to Whitesands.

For a coastal race in Wales, the Pendine Sands Races in Carmarthenshire offer 5K, 10K and half marathon distances entirely on the beach.

Anglesey Coastal Path, Wales: Holyhead Mountain and South Stack Loop

Distance: 4.9km circular (up to 8km with the Holyhead Mountain summit) | Terrain: Rocky coastal paths, heathland trails, some paved sections | Difficulty: Moderate

Start near the Tŷ Mawr Hut Circles on South Stack Road and follow the clifftops past Elin's Tower, a 19th-century former summer house. South Stack Lighthouse sits on a small island just offshore and is the best view on this route. The path runs through the RSPB South Stack Cliffs reserve, so keep an eye out for puffins, guillemots, and the rare red-beaked chough nesting on the cliffs. The route winds around Holyhead Mountain (Mynydd Tŵr), the highest point on Anglesey.

Northumberland Coast Path: Bamburgh to Beadnell Loop

Image: iStock.com/darrenturner

Distance: 19km circular | Terrain: Sandy beach, coastal path, dunes, some farmland | Difficulty: Challenging

Head north along the beach from Bamburgh, away from the castle. The Farne Islands sit offshore to the east, and seals are a common sight on the rocks as you pass through Seahouses. The terrain changes as the loop turns inland through dunes and farmland sections that can get muddy after rain. It's an exposed stretch of coast and can be brutal in a north-easterly wind; I’d recommend checking the forecast before you head out.

The Run the Raid Lindisfarne Trail Half Marathon is worth entering if you want to race this stretch of coast, finishing on Holy Island.

Cleveland Way, Yorkshire: Robin Hood's Bay to Ravenscar

Image: iStock.com/khrizmo

Distance: 12.1km circular | Terrain: Clifftop path, farmland, woodland, beach and rocks | Difficulty: Challenging

Follow the Cleveland Way from Robin Hood’s Bay above the cliffs, through farmland and woodland, passing Boggle Hole on the way up to Ravenscar. The return leg drops down to a beautiful stretch of beach and heads back along the sand and rocks. If you’re lucky, you might see the colony of seals that often rests on the shore. Make sure to check the tide times before you set off; the beach section becomes impassable at high tide.

Looking for a local event? The East Coast Chuffer starts in Scarborough and follows the scenic Cinder Track in distances from 5K to marathon.

Fife Coastal Path, Scotland: Elie to Anstruther

Distance: 10.3km point-to-point | Terrain: Coastal path, some rough and rocky sections | Difficulty: Moderate

The East Neuk of Fife has a string of fishing villages along this stretch of coast, and this route passes through two of them - St Monans and Pittenweem - which breaks the run up nicely and gives you the option of stopping for a quick snack along the way. The path winds between them above the water, with views across the Firth of Forth.

For a coastal race in Scotland, the Scottish Half Marathon follows the East Lothian coast to a finish at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Stonehaven Coastal Walk, Aberdeenshire: Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle

Distance: 4.7km out-and-back | Terrain: Coastal cliff path, some rough sections | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Dunnottar Castle sits on a rocky headland above the North Sea, and the path from Stonehaven delivers incredible views of it. The route follows the clifftops south from the town, with dolphins and seals regularly spotted just offshore. There are also views of waterfalls near the castle as you approach. The final descent to the castle entrance is steep, so take care on the steps.

Causeway Coast Way, Northern Ireland: Giant's Causeway to Ballintoy

Image: iStock.com/MNStudio

Distance: ~15km point-to-point | Terrain: Clifftop grass path, rocky shore, beach, some road sections | Difficulty: Challenging

From the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, follow the clifftop path east, where you'll pass above basalt columns before climbing to Hamilton's Seat at Benbane Head. The path then heads down to Dunseverick Castle. The second half of the route goes through Portbraddan before reaching White Park Bay, a 2km stretch of sand that is the highlight of the run when the tide is out.

Norfolk Coast Path, East Anglia: Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham

Distance: ~11km circular | Terrain: Tarmac path, beach, sand dunes, pine forest boardwalk, parkland, some road | Difficulty: Easy

Follow the tarmac path from Wells harbour down to the beach, taking in views over the East Fleet channel on the way. The beach itself is wide and sandy, backed by colourful beach huts and flanked by pine forest. After about 2.5km along the beach, follow the boardwalk through the pines to Lady Anne's Drive. The route then heads inland through the Holkham Hall estate, where the parkland is easy underfoot, and there’s a chance you’ll see deer. The return to Wells runs through the town, with plenty of options for food and drink.

If you want to race the East of England coast, the Leigh-on-Sea 10K Classic is a flat, fast seafront option in Essex.

Coastal running tips

Check tide times before any run that includes beach or low-shore sections, because some routes become impassable at high tide, and on remote stretches, there may be no easy way off. Exposed headlands can be much colder and windier than the forecast indicates, so dress accordingly and consider bringing an extra layer.

As you’ll have gathered from these routes, trail shoes are almost always the right choice for running by the coast, as the ground can be unpredictable and is rarely smooth. On longer runs with no facilities en route, carry water and sun protection - coastal paths offer little shade, and sunburn is never fun.

Cliff edges offer a great view, but they’re often unstable, particularly on chalk and sandstone, so stay on the marked path and keep a safe distance from the edge. The same applies when running on the beach - be careful of landslides and falling rocks from above.

If your chosen route seems remote, tell someone where you're going and what time you think you'll be back. Finally, you'll be sharing coastal paths with walkers, so try to be considerate when passing in narrow places.

Coastal races worth entering

Image: Maverick Race, Jurassic Coast X-Trail

If the routes in this guide have given you the itch to pin on a race bib, there's no shortage of events to choose from. The Jurassic Coast alone has several, from the Lulworth Cove Trails (10K to 53K ultra) to the Maverick Jurassic Coast X-Trail and the multi-day Jurassic Coast Challenge.

For something shorter and more sociable, the Run Whitstable & Herne Bay and Leigh-on-Sea 10K Classic are great seafront options.

Further north, the Run the Raid Lindisfarne Trail Half Marathon finishes on Holy Island, and the East Coast Chuffer follows the scenic Cinder Track near Scarborough.

Scotland's Cramond Promenade offers a fast, flat route along the Firth of Forth, and on the Isle of Wight, the Sandown & Shanklin Seafront 10K takes in promenades and clifftop trails between the two towns.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best coastal running route in the UK?

The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head route in East Sussex is one of the most iconic, with dramatic chalk cliffs across its 21km point-to-point from Seaford to Eastbourne. The Giant's Causeway section of the Causeway Coast Way in Northern Ireland is hard to beat if you prefer wilder terrain. The best route ultimately depends on where you are and how hilly you want it to be.

Are coastal paths good for running?

Coastal paths are among the best places to run in the UK because they’re so varied - one mile you’ll be on the beach, the next you’re following a clifftop path looking out over the glittering sea. Most well-known paths are clearly waymarked, and the distances are highly flexible. The only downside is that you’re often more exposed to the elements.

Is it safe to run on coastal paths?

Coastal paths are generally safe to run on, but there are some hazards you need to be aware of. Stay well back from cliff edges, where the ground can be unstable; check tide times before any route with beach sections, as some become impassable at high tide; and on remote paths, let someone know your route before you set off.

What shoes should I wear for coastal running?

Trail shoes are the right choice for most coastal running. Rocky paths and muddy sections after rain make road shoes risky on anything other than a prom or beach run. A grippy sole gives you confidence on wet grass and loose ground, and most trail shoes are robust enough to handle the different surfaces a coastal route will throw at you.

Where can I find coastal running races in the UK?

Find a Race lists hundreds of coastal events across the UK, from seaside 10Ks and half marathons to multi-day coast path challenges. Search by location to find events near you, or browse by distance to find something that suits your level. Find coastal races on Find a Race.