We’re no strangers to a long walk here at Jane Smith Financial Planning (see Nicola’s Walking Marathon Challenge last year in support of Harry’s Rainbow), which is why a new 2,700-mile walking route caught our eye.
On 19 March 2026, King Charles III inaugurated the England Coast Path that bears his name, which, when finished, will become the longest managed coastal path in the world.
In celebration of this, and May’s National Walking Month, keep reading for a look at some of the UK’s most impressive National Trails, some of the towns and cities to visit for a short stay along the way, and a couple of local routes to begin your training.
1. The King Charles III England Coast Path
The UK already boasts miles of stunning coastal paths taking in the beauty and diversity to be found around our shores. But the aim of the King Charles III England Coast Path is to unite them all, adding around 1,000 miles of new access and improving infrastructure and conservation.
From jagged white cliffs to sleeping fishing villages and bustling ports, there’ll be plenty to see along the 2,700-mile route.
King Charles recently walked a 2-kilometre stretch in East Sussex, taking in the views of the iconic Seven Sisters.
At the other end of the country, another completed stretch runs all the way from the Scottish Border to the Humber Bridge, taking in Northumberland, Durham, and the beautiful North Yorkshire town of Whitby.
Whitby could prove the perfect destination for your summer travels, combining a sandy beach with culture and history. Visit the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.
2. South West Coast Path
Formerly England’s longest waymarked footpath, the modest 630-mile route includes the 95 miles between Exmouth and Studland known as the “Jurassic Coast”.
This world heritage site is home to beautiful views and around 185 million years of history. Notable and iconic landmarks include Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Chesil Beach, the inspiration for Ian McEwan’s novel On Chesil Beach.
You might also pass Lyme Regis. The so-called “Pearl of Dorset” is famous for its harbour wall, known as the Cobb. It was also here that British palaeontologist Mary Anning discovered the fossilised remains of England’s first complete ichthyosaur.
3. North Downs Way
Running 153 miles from Farnham to Dover, the North Downs Way lies through two areas of outstanding natural beauty (the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs), taking in beautiful rolling countryside as well as stately homes, castles, and cathedrals.
In part, it follows the ancient Pilgrim’s Way from Winchester to Canterbury Cathedral and takes in historic sites dating back to Neolithic, Roman, and Napoleonic times.
If you’re looking for a base for a walking holiday this summer, you could do worse than Winchester.
4. Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
The 186-mile-long Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs from St Dogmaels to Amroth, hugging the jaggedly undulating coast and featuring around 35,000 feet of ascent and descent. Long sections are best tackled by seasoned walkers with good overall fitness.
There are plenty of short stretches to enjoy, too, though. The route takes in quaint seaside towns like Tenby and St Davids, the smallest city in the UK (at less than a quarter of a square mile).
Just north of Tenby and south of Amroth is Saundersfoot, a small village and popular holiday resort perfect for travelling further along the route.
5. Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way covers the 102 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath, taking in Broadway Tower, the Somerset Monument, and Sudeley Castle. Expect beautiful Cotswold stone villages and rolling hills.
The obvious staycation destination along the route is the UNESCO world heritage site of Bath, where you’ll find stunning and historic accommodation options. But there are more beautiful options along the route.
Roughly halfway along the route, the town of Painswick has hotels dating back to the 1500s as well as more recent cultural history. Just 10 minutes outside of town is the small village of Slad, once home to Cider With Rosie author Laurie Lee. You can also sit in his former seat at the Woolpack Inn, his local village pub.
Local routes to enjoy this National Walking Month
If you’re looking to book a summer walking holiday and want to dust off your walking boots, the local area has some beautiful walks.
You might consider The Olney Railway Trail Circular, a 4.8-mile route that begins in Olney, heads down to the River Ouse, and then follows the trackbed of the former Northampton-to-Bedford railway. You’ll find riverside wildlife, old railway crossings, and the moat and earthworks of the 12th-century Lavendon Abbey.
Likewise, you might follow in Nicola’s footsteps and head 45 minutes north-east of Olney to Grafham Water. England’s third-largest reservoir – and Site of Special Scientific Interest – sits in 1,500 acres of countryside with a 280-acre nature reserve at its western end. A nine-mile track provides the perfect route for a summer waterside walk.
Or for a gentler stroll, head to Waddesdon Manor. This Grade I-listed National Trust property resembles a French chateau, and its grounds and gardens offer a fine example of Victorian horticulture, perfect for a sunny day.
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