7 EASY-ACCESS COASTAL PATHS

These shoreline paradises can be explored by everyone, says Duncan Haskell

01 HORDLE CLIFFS, HAMPSHIRE

This path is all about the views, which stretch across the Solent as far as the Isle of Wight. With trails in both directions from the Paddy’s Gap car park, these routes follow the coastline along a paved footpath that is dotted with useful bench seats and shelters, both wooden and brick.

02 ST BEES, CUMBRIA

The coastal village of St Bees is Cumbria’s most westerly point as well as the starting place of northern England’s famous Coast to Coast Walk, devised by Alfred Wainwright in 1973. Good parking and an accessible path to the beach and seawall make this an ideal spot for a short outing. Hartley’s Beach Café and Shop at nearby Seacote Beach has stunning views across to St Bees Head (below).

03 STAFFIN BAY, ISLE OF SKYE

Some 20 miles north of Skye’s capital Portree, Staffin Bay has an appealingly undiscovered feel about it. This route along the coastal road, occasionally used by cars wanting access to the slipway, provides ample opportunity for spotting whales and seals in the bay. Sturdier wheelchairs can gain access to the beach, with its fossilised dinosaur footprints.

04 GIANT’S CAUSEWAY GREEN TRAIL, COUNTY ANTRIM

A trail made with accessibility in mind and suitable for wheelchairs, prams and buggies. Complete with information signs and lovely picnic spots, this clifftop trail towards Runkerry is ideal on a clear summer’s day. Though the view of the causeway itself is the main draw, on a good day you can see over to Scotland.

05 GARTH PIER, BANGOR, GWYNEDD

This Grade II-listed pier in north-west Wales stretches from the town of Bangor towards the island of Anglesey. There is an honesty box asking for a small donation but it’s worth it for the chance to amble into the Menai Strait and relax on one of the many benches (helpfully, some are covered in case of unexpected summer downpours).

06 SAMPHIRE HOE, KENT

There are two distinct routes along this pretty section of Kent coastline: the one-mile stretch along the seawall follows a smooth concrete path, while the section through the middle of the Hoe has a hard, fine surface but contains some trickier gradients. Summer visitors will enjoy blankets of wildflowers, meadow pipits and skylarks while taking in Shakespeare Cliff, so named as it inspired a passage in King Lear.

07 SEFTON COASTAL PATH, MERSEYSIDE

Coastal routes provide opportunities to escape busy cities, and this path, just eight miles from Liverpool, is no exception. A well-paved path takes you alongside stunning sand dunes as you gaze across to Liverpool and North Wales. There’s also an opportunity to see the 100 life-size figures that make up Antony Gormley’s

Another Place installation on Crosby Beach.