Year of the Coast: 5 English walking festivals by the sea this autumn

With a history stretching back 185 million years, the English coastline is one of the most exciting, intriguing and beautiful in the world. Home to rare flora and fauna, vibrant port cities, cosy smuggling villages, and a variety of seascapes, it’s heaven for keen coastal walkers.

This year has been named England’s Year of the Coast, celebrating the creation of King Charles III Coast path, a trail that will follow the entire 4,400km coastline of England. It’s been opening in sections over several years, with the path expected to be entirely walkable by the end of 2024.

As we approach autumn – one of the most popular seasons for walkers – we’ve picked some of the stand-out walking festivals taking place along the English coastline. But be quick to book onto your favourite guided walks, as places are selling out fast.

Many of the guided walks pass the village of Tollesbury (Alamy Stock Photo)

When: 8-17 September 2023

This 10-day walking festival is packed full of guided and self-guided walks around the Maldron District’s fascinating 120km Saltmarsh Coast, with the event focus on the area’s rich heritage. Rambling enthusiasts will enjoy the Goldhanger to Tollesbury guided walk, a 14km challenging trek along a seawall between the two maritime villages, taking in wonderful views of Blackwater Estuary en route. The Riverside and Historic Maldon guided walk offers a more leisurely 2.5km stroll, highlighting the town’s nautical history. For those wanting more, a programme of talks and entertainment are set to take place during the evenings.

More information:visitmaldondistrict.co.uk

During the festival’s two-day coastal walk, you’ll pass Flamborough Head (Shutterstock)

When: 9-22 September

Picture Yorkshire and images of rolling green countryside may spring to mind. But in the Year of the Coast, the East Yorkshire Walking Festival want to make it known it has a wonderful heritage coastline to explore as well. Take part in the guided two-day hike along a new section of the King Charles III Coast Path between Bridlington and Filey (9-10 September), covering nearly 40 kilometres. This strenuous walk rewards walkers with views of lighthouses, beaches, castles and an abundance of wildlife – everything you could possibly hope to see along an English coastline. If a weekend of walking is a little too much for your feet, there are plenty of shorter, gentler walking events, including a maritime tour of Hull, or a fossil hunting expedition.

More information: walkingeastyorkshirefestival.co.uk

Those who take on the festival’s more challenging walks likely see Beachy Head Lighthouse (Shutterstock)

When: 15-24 September

Offering walks for people of every age and ability, the Eastbourne Walking Festival celebrates its 10 year anniversary in 2023, so expect it to be the best one yet. Guided walks are marked easy, moderate or challenging, with many of the harder events taking place along the stunning yet steep South Downs Way – but ramblers will be rewarded with breathtaking views across Belle Tout, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. Those interested in the region’s history can join a walk led by a heritage expert and travel back 5,000 years with tales of Eastbourne’s past, or follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror in a walk from Pevensey Castle to Battle.

More information: visiteastbourne.com

A view of Anstey’s Cove along the South West Coast Path (Shutterstock)

When: 23-30 September

The English Riviera is one of the country’s most sought-after holiday spots, made up of the South Devon towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. This week-long walking festival has around 20 scheduled events to choose from – many of its walks are situated along the South West Coast Path, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year, so there’s really no better time to walk it. Choose to follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie, take a nature ramble along the shoreline, explore a UNESCO Geopark, or roam the hidden history of Devon’s coastal towns.

More information: rivierawalking.co.uk

Walkers admire St Mildred’s Church along one of the Isle of Wight’s heritage trails (Alamy Stock Photo)

When: 7-15 October 2023

So you might have hopped on a ferry over to the Isle of Wight before to enjoy a beach break or admire the iconic Needles, but the Isle of Wight Walking Festival helps visitors explore off the beaten path. With 55 scheduled walks, a great selection of them cover sections of the glorious 92km coastline, and are led by the locals who know these paths best. History enthusiasts can join a guided trek along the Charles Dickens Trail in Bonchurch, celebrating 175 years since the author’s visit. There’s also a handful of wellbeing walks for women. Each walk is graded for its pace and its difficulty, so you know if it’s right for you before you book.

More information: isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk