There’s nothing like a good walk by the sea to lift the spirits. The ocean air, the cry of gulls overhead, the gorgeous views stretching away to the horizon – there’s so many positives to take away.

Here I’ve picked out five walks each starting and finishing at one of our Club Sites, so all you’ll need is your walking boots, suitable clothing, a map and compass, and your own two feet.
All the walks below are available on the Club’s walking page and on Viewranger, the walking route website and app.

Dunstan Hill Club Site – Craster coastal walk
6 miles – moderate terrain
This circular walk from Dunstan Hill Club Site visits the impressive ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle, managed by English Heritage, and the pretty Northumberland fishing village of Craster via coastal paths with great views. The return route takes in a hidden valley, then meanders along excellent elevated tracks with equally inspiring views along the coast. It makes for a wonderful hike on a sunny day, and the section between Craster and Dunstanburgh featured in the top ten of Britain’s Top 100 Walks.

West Runton Club Site – Cromer Pier walk     
4.84 miles – moderate terrain
Enjoy Neolithic remains, old railway embankments and viaducts and even a former zoo on this straightforward walk to the Victorian pier at nearby Cromer in Norfolk.
The Cromer coastline boasts a chalk bed reef nicknamed “Britain’s Great Barrier Reef” and numerous fossils – even the remains of a mammoth – have been discovered in the cliffs. The route returns via the clifftops and passes by the well-known Incleborough Hill.
Check the tide times if you intend to go on the beach.

Dartmouth Club Site – Sugary Cove walk
5.5 miles – moderate terrain
This Devon walk contains some steep sections but the hard work is worth it for the special views and for bringing you to the perfectly hidden beach at Sugary Cove, set among wooded cliffs at the mouth of the Dart Estuary.
It’s a great walk ideal for a summer’s day and you’ll get far-reaching coastal views in lots of sections.

Llanystumdwy Club Site – Criccieth coastal walk
5.36 miles – moderate terrain
One of the main highlights of this circular walk from Llanystumdwy Club Site in Gwynedd is a stretch along the coast near Criccieth, that sees you heading along the delightful beach towards the town’s castle.
You’ll already have passed the museum to David Lloyd George, British Prime Minister from 1916 to 1922, and you’ll later pass his memorial and grave. There’s a nice pub stop on the walk too.
But on a nice day, it’s the stretch by the sea that makes this walk a winner.

Kessingland Club Site – Benacre Nature Reserve walk
11.31 miles – moderate terrain
The Suffolk coastline is a charming haven for birdlife, and Kessingland Club Site is a great place to enjoy it from, not least on this lengthy walk from the site to the Benacre Nature Reserve.
Grab your binoculars and make your way south along the coast for the chance to see lapwings, marsh harriers, barn owls, golden plover, wheatear and even the booming bittern (more often heard than seen).