Walking to the sea – six coastal destinations Back to News

For those of us who grew up inland, the most exciting moment of a childhood visit to the seaside was when the glistening waters eventually came into view, with the expectation of ice cream and all sorts of treats. That sense of delight in reaching the sea never really wanes, and to make the journey on foot only adds to the sense of anticipation.

As well as On Foot’s coastal walking holidays, several more will lead you through mountains and meadows to a triumphant finish on the seashore, where you can celebrate with a paddle or a swim and a seafood dinner. Here’s a selection to inspire your next hiking vacation.

After your long walk along the Lighthouse Way in Galicia, reach the final lighthouse at Finisterre (‘the end of the world’) to sit on the rocks and watch the sunset. Stay at O Semaforo in the old lighthouse buildings to make the most of the view before departing for home.

Hiking through the Alpes Maritimes in southeast France is mostly about the mountains and the rural ‘villages perchés’ where you’ll stay. But on the final day the pastel-coloured town of Menton draws ever closer, until you eventually reach its palm-fringed promenade.

Walk through bucolic fields and villages in Dorset, where Thomas Hardy’s fictional characters trod. After a final day along the Jurassic Coast, your destination is the pretty town of Lyme Regis, a popular film location, where small boats bob gently behind the protecting wall of The Cobb.

Our Basque Pyrenees route along the western ridges of this mighty mountain range reaches the sea at Hondarribia, on the border between Spain and France. From there the final triumphant day along the Jaizkibel coastal ridge ends at San Sebastian – and foodie heaven!

Lycia – Mountain and Sea does exactly what it says – beginning with three days of mountain paths before reaching the long beach at Cirali on Turkey’s southern coast. The last walk is the most remote, to the lonely lighthouse at Gelidonya and glorious views to complete your holiday.

The River Dart carries the rains from Dartmoor down to the sea, and you’ll keep encountering it on our Devon walk. As it widens towards the historic naval town of Dartmouth, you’ll finish your route by taking the little ferry across the water, to arrive in true seafarers’ style!