Your Cart is Empty
English
Standing sentinel on forbidding clifftops, rocky promontories and jutting headlands, Britain's lighthouses kept sailors safe from harm for centuries. These towering structures, built in rugged, remote and often lonely locations, make for prominent landmarks with a unique appeal that are a highlight of any coastal walk.
From the sun-bleached chalk cliffs of the South Downs to the rain-lashed headlands of the far northwest, the best lighthouse walks in the UK combine dramatic coastal scenery with a tangible sense of history and place. Whether you're planning a family stroll or a serious multi-day expedition, Britain's coastal walks have something for everyone – and a lighthouse at the end of them makes a more than worthy reward. Here are nine of the finest.
| # | Walk | Location | Distance | Difficulty | Route Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyne and Wear Coast | North East England | ~12 miles | Easy–Moderate | Linear |
| 2 | Rattray Head | Aberdeenshire, Scotland | ~5 miles | Easy | Linear |
| 3 | Strumble Head | Pembrokeshire, Wales | ~3 miles | Easy–Moderate | Circular |
| 4 | Beachy Head | Sussex, England | ~4 miles | Easy | Linear (with return) |
| 5 | Lundy Island | Devon, England | ~7 miles | Moderate | Circular |
| 6 | Twr Mawr, Ynys Llanddwyn | Anglesey, Wales | ~4 miles | Easy | Linear (with return) |
| 7 | Happisburgh | Norfolk, England | ~4–6 miles | Easy | Linear |
| 8 | Cape Wrath | Sutherland, Scotland | ~13 miles | Strenuous | Linear (overnight) |
| 9 | South Stack | Anglesey, Wales | ~4 miles | Moderate | Circular |
The stretch of coastline between the Rivers Tyne and Wear is one of the most treacherous parts of Britain's coast. That's why you pass so many lighthouses when walking along the coast path from Roker Pier in Sunderland to Whitley Bay in North Tyneside. The lights were constructed to help guide ships away from hazardous rocks and shoals on their way into and out of these two great rivers.
Approximately 12 miles (19km) end to end. Allow a full day – five to six hours of walking – plus time to visit the lighthouses and take the Tyne ferry crossing at South Shields.
Easy to moderate. The route follows well-maintained coastal paths throughout with minimal elevation. The ferry crossing at South Shields breaks the walk into two natural halves and is a pleasant addition to the day.
From Roker Pier, head along the coastal path, passing the iron lighthouse in Roker Cliff Park. Stick to the path to visit Souter Lighthouse, the world's first purpose-built electric lighthouse. Continue through South Shields to catch the Tyne ferry to North Shields. From Fish Quay, it's an easy route along the coast to reach St Mary's lighthouse, north of Whitley Bay. Perhaps the most impressive of all, St Mary's stands on a very small island, which can be reached at low tide via a causeway.
Sunderland and South Shields both have a good range of hotels, guesthouses and budget accommodation for those wanting to split the walk over two days. Whitley Bay itself has several seafront B&Bs, making it a pleasant overnight base for the northern half of the route. Souter Lighthouse also has a National Trust holiday cottage directly on site.
Rattray Head lighthouse was built in 1895 by the engineers and brothers David and Charles Stevenson, at the behest of the Northern Lighthouse Board. The project was backed by numerous ship owners, who had clamoured for a light on this notorious stretch of coast for years. Surrounded by the golden dunes of Rattray Head Beach, it is a photographer's dream, especially at high tide when the lighthouse becomes entirely cut off from land.
Approximately 5 miles (8km) return from St Combes. Allow two to three hours, though the remote beach and wildlife make it worth lingering. Check tide times before setting out – the lighthouse island is cut off at high water.
Easy. The route follows a beach and wide sandy tracks throughout, with minimal elevation change. Navigation is straightforward, though the inland detour around the Loch of Strathbeg adds a short but rewarding loop.
Start out at St Combes and head along the vast beach towards Rattray. You'll need to detour inland slightly to avoid a lagoon, passing over a bridge near the Loch of Strathbeg, Britain's largest dune loch. Walk between the loch and the beach, keeping a look out for wildlife. Follow the beach until you reach Rattray Head and the lighthouse.
The nearest town with a good range of accommodation is Fraserburgh, around 5 miles north of St Combes. Peterhead, to the south, is also a practical base. For something more atmospheric, a handful of self-catering cottages can be found in the villages along this stretch of Aberdeenshire coast.
The rocky outcrop of Strumble Head on the Pembrokeshire coast is well-known not just for its lighthouse, but also for its wildlife. The lighthouse itself is perched on a tiny island just off the coast, linked to the mainland via a suspension bridge. The birdlife is perched just about everywhere, from sooty shearwaters to arctic skuas. It's not unusual to catch a glimpse of harbour porpoises and grey seals either, and if you're really lucky, you might spot dolphins and orcas.
Approximately 3 miles (5km) for the circular route from Garn Fawr car park. Allow two hours, or longer if you want to spend time watching wildlife – Strumble Head is one of the best sea-watching points in Wales and rewards patience.
Easy to moderate. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path can be rocky and uneven underfoot in places, with a few short ascents, but nothing technically demanding. Good walking footwear is recommended.
From Gawn Fawr car park, turn right onto the road, looking out for a path on the right that skirts around the hillfort. Cross a road and turn right onto the coast path. Follow the path all the way to Strumble Head.
Fishguard, around 4 miles east, is the main town and has a good choice of B&Bs and guesthouses, as well as a ferry terminal if you're combining the walk with a trip to Ireland. The village of Goodwick, on Fishguard Bay, is another convenient base and has accommodation within easy reach of the headland.
The red-and-white striped lighthouse at Beachy Head is easy to pick out against the chalky white cliffs of the Sussex coast. It is a spectacular sight that has become an icon of Britain, appearing in everything from vintage postcards to Bond films. This walk also takes you past the Belle Tout lighthouse, now a B&B, as well as giving great views out over Beachy Head.
Approximately 4 miles (6.5km) return from Birling Gap to Beachy Head and back. Allow two to three hours at a comfortable pace, with time to take in the views at the headland. The Belle Tout lighthouse adds interest at the midpoint of the outward leg.
Easy. The South Downs Way is a well-maintained chalk path throughout, with no significant climbs. The main hazard is the cliff edge itself – keep well back, particularly in windy conditions or after wet weather when the chalk can be slippery.
Start from the car park at Birling Gap and look for the red phone box. From here a signed footpath takes you to the coast path. Follow the coast path to the left, making sure you don't stray too close to the edge. Pass Belle Tout lighthouse and carry on along the South Downs Way to reach Beachy Head. Take your time to enjoy views out over Beachy Head lighthouse before retracing your steps to the start.
Eastbourne, just a few miles east of Beachy Head, has extensive accommodation options at every budget. For something more memorable, the Belle Tout lighthouse itself operates as a B&B and is directly on the route – booking well in advance is essential. The village of East Dean, a short walk inland from Birling Gap, also has a pub with rooms.
Rugged Lundy Island lies at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. More than 200 shipwrecks have been recorded along this part of the coast, which is why Lundy has two lighthouses in operation – Lundy South and Lundy North. They replaced the original lighthouse, now known as the Old Light, which was built on the summit of Chapel Hill in 1819, but wasn't deemed sufficient to keep sailors safe. It has now been converted into accommodation for visitors seeking a unique stay.
Approximately 7 miles (11km) for a full circuit of the island taking in all three lighthouses. Allow three to four hours of walking, though most visitors choose to stay overnight and explore at a more relaxed pace.
Moderate. The tracks across Lundy are good underfoot but the terrain is open and exposed, and the northern end of the island involves rougher going. The short but steep climb from the landing bay to the plateau at the start is the most demanding section.
Take the boat to Lundy, which drops you at Landing Bay. From here, follow the track up the hill to reach the centre of the village. Pass farm buildings and turn left on a path through a field. Keep heading towards the old lighthouse, which you pass to reach the coastal path around the island. Take a slight detour here towards Lundy South Lighthouse, before retracing your steps and turn left onto the coast path to circumnavigate the whole island. You'll reach Lundy North Lighthouse at the top of the island, which seems to perch precariously on a narrow plateau of rock.
Staying on Lundy itself is a genuine highlight – the Landmark Trust manages a range of properties on the island including the Old Light lighthouse, several cottages and the Marisco Tavern. Day trips are possible from Bideford or Ilfracombe via the MS Oldenburg, but an overnight or multi-night stay is strongly recommended. Book well ahead as Lundy accommodation is in high demand.
Ynys Llanddwyn is a small islet set among a landscape of rolling dunes and rocky outcrops. You'll find it off the coast of the much larger island of Ynys Môn, better known in England as Anglesey, in North Wales. As well as Twr Mawr lighthouse, built in 1845 and modelled on traditional local windmills, this magical place also boasts a smaller lighthouse – Twr Bach – and the remains of an ancient church dedicated to Wales' patron saint of lovers.
Approximately 4 miles (6.5km) return from Llyn Rhos Ddu car park to the tip of Ynys Llanddwyn and back. Allow two to three hours, or longer if you choose the forest route through Newborough Forest on the return leg.
Easy. The route crosses sandy beach and well-worn paths throughout. The islet itself involves some rocky ground at the far end, but there are no serious ascents. Note that access to Ynys Llanddwyn can be cut off at very high tides.
Start from Llyn Rhos Ddu car park and either walk out along the beach or through Newborough Forest, one of the largest publicly accessible forests in Wales, which is an important habitat for red squirrels. Emerge close to Ynys Llanddwyn, which despite its name is really a narrow finger of land. This means it usually remains accessible except at very high tide. It's home to the two 19th-century lighthouses of Twr Mawr and Twr Bach, which stand at the island's tip, alongside two restored pilot's cottages. The men who lived here would row out to help ships negotiate the treacherous sandbars between Caernarfon and Abermenai point, as well as manning the local lifeboat. Don't forget to visit the remains of St Dwynwen's Church and the holy well nearby. Once you've soaked up the spectacular setting, simply retrace your steps back to your start point.
The village of Newborough (Niwbwrch) is the closest settlement and has a small selection of B&Bs and self-catering cottages. Rhosneigr, a short drive north along the coast, is a popular beach village with good holiday accommodation. Aberffraw, just a few miles away, also has a handful of characterful guesthouses within easy reach of the walk.
This is the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK, having been saved from closure by a group of volunteers. Built in 1970, the lighthouse marked safe passage around the southern end of Haisborough Sands, a sandbank that lies parallel to the northeast coast of Norfolk and has claimed many ships over the years. The pretty lighthouse is the oldest working light in East Anglia.
Approximately 4–6 miles (6.5–10km) depending on your chosen direction. Allow two to three hours for a comfortable out-and-back walk along the Norfolk coast path, with time to visit the lighthouse at the midpoint.
Easy. The England Coast Path here is flat and well-maintained, running close to the cliff edge along a gently eroding shoreline. The walking itself is undemanding, though it is exposed and can be bracing in a sea wind.
From Happisburgh car park, follow a footpath towards the cliff to join the England Coast Path. From here you can enjoy a walk in either direction, heading towards Sea Palling or up to Mundesley. Both routes offer a great walk along the beautiful north Norfolk coast, and give you a chance to explore the lighthouse either at the start or end of your walk.
Happisburgh itself is a small village with limited accommodation, but the Hill House Inn in the village centre is a characterful pub with rooms. The nearby market town of North Walsham has a wider range of hotels and B&Bs. For a coastal base with more going on, Cromer – around 8 miles to the north – is well worth considering and makes a good hub for exploring this stretch of the Norfolk coast.
Located at the very northwest tip of mainland Scotland, the lighthouse at Cape Wrath is remote and difficult to reach – all the more so since getting there involves crossing a military firing range. Yet its inaccessibility is perhaps part of its allure, and maybe that's why it's the endpoint for the 255-mile Cape Wrath Trail, one of the most challenging long-distance walks in the UK. The trail starts from Fort William and heads due north, taking most walkers anywhere between 14 and 21 days to complete.
Approximately 13 miles (21km) one way from Blairmore car park to Cape Wrath, via Sandwood Bay. This is best treated as an overnight or two-night walk rather than a day trip. Allow two days at a comfortable pace, with a wild camp or stay at the bunkhouse near the Cape. Add a mile each way if you want to stand on the clifftops above Clo Mor – the highest sea cliffs on the British mainland.
Strenuous. The walk to Sandwood Bay is straightforward on a good track, but the onward section to Cape Wrath crosses around 9 miles of largely trackless moorland with no waymarking. Strong navigation skills, a detailed map and compass are essential. The ground can be boggy in wet conditions. Always call the Cape Wrath Training Centre before you leave to check there is no planned military activity on the range (details below).
From the car park at Blairmore, follow the good track to spectacular Sandwood Bay (about 4½ miles). From there, walk along the beach and climb the hillside. It's another 9 miles or so to the Cape, across mostly trackless moorland (take a map and compass). Call the Cape Wrath Training Centre before you leave (Range Control: 01971 511242, 8am to 5pm) to check there is no planned military activity. Do not enter the range if the red flags are flying.
Wild camping is the classic option and is legal across this part of Scotland under the Land Reform Act, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. There is also a small bunkhouse and café near the lighthouse at the Cape itself, operated seasonally – check availability before setting out. For a pre- or post-walk base, the village of Kinlochbervie, close to Blairmore, has a hotel and a handful of B&Bs. The nearby Sandwood Bay area has no formal accommodation but is a spectacular wild camp in its own right.
Another lighthouse just off the coast of Anglesey, South Stack marks a tiny islet situated at the northwest tip of the island. The lighthouse itself was built in 1809. It can be viewed from the clifftops or reached via a descent of 400 stone steps. The cliffs are also home to thousands of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins. Tickets to tour the lighthouse can be purchased on the day from the kiosk in the RSPB car park, next to the café, but note there is no access to the island or the steps, outside of advertised opening hours.
Approximately 4 miles (6.5km) for the circular route from Ellin's Tower car park, including the descent to South Stack and the circuit via Holyhead Mountain. Allow two to three hours, plus additional time if you choose to tour the lighthouse – and factor in the 400-step descent and return ascent.
Moderate. The coast path involves some uneven, rocky ground and the 400 steps to the lighthouse are steep. The higher route via Holyhead Mountain adds a short but satisfying climb with wide views. A reasonable level of fitness is helpful.
From Ellin's Tower car park, cross the heath to reach the coast path. If you've got the stamina, tackle the 400 steps down to South Stack Lighthouse. Climbing back up the steps, follow the coast path signs towards Holyhead Mountain. The trail bends towards North Stack with Gogarth Bay below. Descend towards North Stack and the foghorn station, looking back across Gogarth Bay. Retrace your steps but instead of joining the coast path, take the higher route to meet the chough path. Below you are steps once used by donkeys carrying provisions to the foghorn station. Rounding the mount, you'll see Holyhead Breakwater. Above you at the summit is Caer y Twr, an Iron Age fort that was later occupied by the Romans. Below the path are several prehistoric hut circles, well worth a visit at the end of your walk. Finish with coffee and cake at the RSPB visitor centre, just north of the car park.
Holyhead, a short drive from South Stack, has the widest range of accommodation in the area including several hotels and B&Bs. For something quieter, the village of Trearddur Bay – a few miles south along the coast – is a pleasant base with holiday cottages and guesthouses. If you're exploring the wider Anglesey coast, the island has a good spread of accommodation from Beaumaris in the east to Rhosneigr in the south.
Coastal walking in the UK comes with its own particular set of demands. Even on a clear day, conditions at the cliff edge can be significantly windier and cooler than inland, and the weather along Britain's exposed headlands can change quickly. Packing the right kit makes the difference between a great day out and a miserable one.
A good waterproof jacket is non-negotiable – even in summer, coastal paths can be windy and exposed. Sea spray can also give you a drenching even if no rain is forecast. Layering is key: a mid-layer fleece or insulated jacket gives you added warmth when the sea breeze picks up. On your feet, a pair of supportive walking boots or trail shoes with good grip will handle everything from chalk paths to rocky scrambles with ease. For longer coastal routes or anything with an overnight element, a well-fitted hiking backpack (20 to 30 litres for a day hike, 35 litres plus for an overnighter) gives you the capacity to carry everything you need without weighing you down.
Don't underestimate sun exposure on coastal walks either – there is often little shade on cliff-top paths. Suncream, sunglasses and a hat are worth packing even on overcast days. Binoculars are an optional extra that quickly becomes essential on any walk where wildlife is part of the appeal – Strumble Head and South Stack in particular reward a slow pace and a good pair of lenses. Finally, a map and compass (or a GPS-equipped device with downloaded offline maps) is strongly recommended for any route that ventures off the beaten track – Cape Wrath being the most obvious example.
There is no single answer – the best walk depends on what you're looking for. For drama and remoteness, Cape Wrath in Sutherland is hard to beat: a multi-day expedition across trackless moorland to the very northwest tip of mainland Britain. For accessibility and iconic scenery, Beachy Head in Sussex is a classic, with the striped red-and-white lighthouse framed beneath the famous chalk cliffs. Lundy Island in Devon offers a uniquely self-contained experience, with three lighthouses on one small island and the option to stay overnight in one of them. For wildlife, Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire is exceptional, combining a dramatically sited lighthouse with some of the finest sea-watching in Wales.
Yes – many of Britain's most celebrated lighthouses are accessible on foot, and coastal walking is one of the most rewarding ways to reach them. Some, like Beachy Head, Happisburgh and Strumble Head, are straightforward to reach from a nearby car park via well-maintained coast paths. Others, like Cape Wrath and Rattray Head, require more effort but reward the journey in kind. A handful of lighthouses – including South Stack in Anglesey and Souter on the Tyne and Wear coast – can also be toured inside; check opening hours in advance. Some lighthouses are only accessible at low tide via a causeway (St Mary's, Rattray Head) so it's always worth checking tidal conditions before you set out.
Scotland has an exceptional lighthouse heritage – the Stevenson family of engineers built more than 80 lighthouses around the Scottish coast during the 19th century, many of them in extraordinarily remote locations. The walk to Cape Wrath in Sutherland is one of the great lighthouse walks anywhere in the UK, involving a multi-day crossing of wild Highland moorland. Rattray Head in Aberdeenshire is a completely different proposition – a gentle beach walk to a photogenic lighthouse surrounded by golden dunes. The island peaks of the Scottish west coast, particularly Ben More on Mull, also offer dramatic lighthouse sightings from above during cloud inversions. Trinity House manages the lights in England and Wales, while the Northern Lighthouse Board is responsible for Scotland and the Isle of Man.
The key is to dress in adaptable layers and always carry waterproofs, regardless of the forecast. A moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer and a windproof, waterproof outer shell covers most conditions you're likely to encounter on a British coastal walk. Stout footwear – either walking boots or grippy trail shoes – is important on rocky or uneven coast paths. Wear or pack a hat and gloves; exposed headlands can be significantly colder and windier than the weather forecast for inland suggests. In summer, sun protection is just as important: cliff-top paths offer little shade and the sea reflects UV. On longer or more remote routes, a rucksack with capacity for water, food and an emergency layer is always sensible. See our full waterproof jacket and walking boots ranges for kit that will keep you comfortable whatever the weather throws at you.
