The Most Dramatic Clifftop Walks in the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the best places in the world for walking, with miles of trails stretching over fields, moors, mountains and hills, but it’s the island’s coastline that really impresses. All around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, dramatic cliffs beckon keen hikers and sometimes strollers with their winding paths and epic views. Here are eight of the best clifftop walks in the whole of the UK.
1. White Cliffs of Dover, Kent
Natural Feature
2. Old Harry Rocks, Dorset
Seriously impressive views of the Jurassic coast beckon at the Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. Although the distinctive chalk rock formations are the highlight of any clifftop walk here, the towering cliffs provide epic views all along the coast, with opportunities to extend a hike to take in more of the view. Nature lovers should keep their eyes peeled for peregrine falcons, rare butterflies and pink pyramidal orchids along the route.
3. Porth Dinllaen, Llyn Peninsula
The walk here may start at a low level, leading you along beautiful beaches and flat terrain, but once you’ve passed the lifeboat station, the path climbs up the cliffs to offer dramatic views back toward the bay. As you continue along the cliffs, impressive views beckon in all directions, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
5. Duncansby Head, Caithness
If you like dramatic pinnacles jutting out of the sea, waves crashing around them, then you can’t get much better than Duncansby Head, the most northeasterly point of mainland Britain (yes, even further northeast than John O’Groats). The entire walk is filled with epic vistas, but it’s the sight of the black stacks rising out of the water that entices keen hikers.
6. Duirinish Peninsula, Isle of Skye
Skye is rife with dramatic clifftop walks, but perhaps the most impressive views are found on the Duirinish Peninsula to the northwest of the island. The Trotternish Peninsula may be home to impressive natural landmarks, such as the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, but the most awe-inspiring views are seen from the other side of this wild and wonderful island. The hike from Ramasaig to Orbost is one of the most challenging clifftop walks in the UK, but the views are worth it.
Duirinish Peninsula
7. Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
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8. Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
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