Top coastal walks for the bank holiday weekend
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Eastbourne
Eastbourne in East Sussex is full of attractions for the whole family, including some great walks to enjoy this Bank Holiday. With miles of coastline, woodlands and South Downs National Park right on the doorstep, it’s an ideal spot for walking enthusiasts. Whether it be a seafront stroll, wooded hike or a leisurely meander, there’s plenty of self-guided walks for everyone and every ability. Our pick is the Eastbourne to Birling Gap walk. Starting off at the famous Eastbourne pier, the trail takes you towards Beachy Head, Britian’s highest chalk cliff, to Birling Gap (a quaint coastal hamlet) and back again. The coastal route is full of spectacular views, including that of Beachy Head Lighthouse which was built in 1902. In total, this round-trip is around 11 miles, so not one for novices, and takes on average around 3-4 hours – but factor in more time for picture-taking… and a stop off at the local pub at Birley Gap!
Image credit: Birling Gap walk | Sussex | National Trust (Eastbourne to Birling Gap walk)
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Lyton and Lynmouth
Nestled in picturesque North Devon, right where Exmoor meets the sea, is Lyton and Lynmouth. A civil parish, the two towns are twinned, separated by idyllic valleys and hillsides, with Lynmouth sitting at sea-level. Providing stunning scenery and outstanding natural beauty, it’s clear why the area is a favourite with tourists and local walkers alike. Not only do we recommend the Victorian cliff railway (a cable cart that links the two towns), but one of several walks for beginners and pros alike. Hollerday Hill is a particular favourite, combining woodland and a coastal trail. The hill itself towers some 800ft (240m) above Lynmouth Bay, with breathtaking views over Lynton. The walk is also steeped in history: near the summit, used to sit Hollerday House, a grand mansion that burnt down in 1913, the remains of the building being demolished in WW11 and used later for local infrastructure re-building after the famous floods of 1952.
Image credit: Hollerday Hill: Historic Site and Walks - Visit Lynton & Lynmouth (visitlyntonandlynmouth.com) (Hollerday Hill walk Lynton & Lynmouth)
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Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a folly tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. Designed by architect Claugh Williams-Ellis, it features unique Italianate buildings, impressive tropical-like gardens and beautiful coastal views. It welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year, all coming to enjoy the architectural heritage and of course, surrounding walks. Close to this whimsical village is the Portmeirion to Black Rock Sands walk. Along the route you’ll take in pretty towns and harbours like Porthmadog, before leading you around a headland to Borth y Gest – a quaint fishing village that makes the perfect stop for a bite to eat along the way. From there, the walk to Black Rock Sands consists of sandy coves, panoramic views of the mountains and the Dwyryd estuary – just the thing to enjoying on a bright, clear day. Black Rock Sands itself is a vast sandy beach, again with beautiful views and fun activities for the whole family such as rock pooling – it’s also a great spot for a picnic!