Walking the Coast Path: Tides, Cliffs and Common Sense

There is something wonderfully unhurried about a coastal walk. The path winds along the cliff top, gulls wheel overhead and every corner offers a different view of the water. Yet the coast is also a place where a few simple precautions matter more than almost anywhere else. Here is how to enjoy it with a clear head.

The pleasure of long coastal paths

Britain has a remarkable network of waymarked coastal routes. The South West Coast Path, England's longest National Trail, runs for more than 600 miles, and there are coastal paths in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland too. You do not need to walk a whole trail to enjoy it. A single section, with a bus or a friendly lift at the other end, makes a perfect day.

Understand the tides

Tides are the biggest difference between walking on the coast and walking inland. Twice a day, the sea rises and falls, and the speed and range vary through the month. On some beaches, an incoming tide can cut off a route around a headland or fill a cove from behind.

Check local tide tables before you set out, and note high and low water times.
If your route includes a beach section, plan to cross it on a falling or low tide.
Beware of rocky platforms and sandbanks, where the water can come in from several sides.
Be extra careful during spring tides, which have the biggest range.
Carry a note of an alternative route inland.

Respect the cliff edge

Cliff edges are often undercut and softer than they look. Erosion is a natural process, and sections of path are moved inland from time to time for safety. Follow these habits:

Stay on the waymarked path and obey any warning signs or fencing.
Keep well back from the edge, especially on grassy slopes, where the ground can hide a drop.
Never stand beneath cliffs, as rock falls can happen without warning, particularly after heavy rain or frost.
Keep children and dogs close, and use a lead where the path is near a drop.
Avoid taking photographs near an edge while stepping backwards.

Wind and weather

The coast is often windier than inland, and wind can make a gentle walk feel like hard work. Strong gusts near cliff edges are a real risk. Wear a windproof outer layer even in warm weather, and bring a hat that will stay on. Sea fog can also roll in suddenly and cut visibility, so pay attention to the path and know your location on the map.

Slippery surfaces

Seaweed, wet rock and muddy steps can be treacherous. Footwear with a decent grip matters more than fashion. Take extra care on stone steps, boardwalks and slipways, which can be slick even on dry days.

If something goes wrong

In an emergency on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Try to give a clear location, using a map reference, a nearby landmark or your phone's location feature. Do not try to climb down cliffs to reach someone, since this puts more people at risk.

Small pleasures worth slowing down for

Once you have taken care of the basics, the coast rewards patience. Watch for seabirds riding the updraughts, wildflowers along the cliff top in spring and summer, and the sound of the sea changing from one cove to the next. A flask of tea on a bench with a view is hard to beat.

A brief pre-walk checklist

Tide times written down
Waterproof and windproof layers
Water, snacks and a charged phone
A paper map or downloaded route
A plan for where to turn back

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to walk on a beach as part of a coastal route? It can be, provided you check the tide times and allow plenty of time. Avoid sections where the way back could be cut off.

Why do coastal paths sometimes close or move? Cliff erosion, landslips and storm damage can make sections unsafe, so paths are diverted or closed. Check local notices before you go.

Can I walk the coast path with a dog? Usually yes, but keep your dog under close control, use a lead near cliff edges, livestock and nesting birds, and follow local signs.