It’s not difficult to understand the attraction of the UK’s coastline. Wonderful, delightful, lovely, fabulous ever-changing views. The chance to spot an array of amazing land and water wildlife. Plus the fun of playing on beaches and in sand dunes. Wait a minute, why are we still in the office when we could be walking along Britain’s shoreline?

Well, if you’d like to keep you job but you’re still hankering after some coastal hiking, we suggest you pack your rucksacks, pull on your walking boots (and don’t forget the waterproof jacket) for a forthcoming weekend of coastal walking.

Here we bring you five great coastal walks in the UK

Hartland Quay to Hartland Point, Devon

This six-mile circular walk takes in a wild-style stretch of the southern coast and often features more than its fair share of wild weather. But, if you’re dressed for all the seasons, the weather actually makes the walk seem moodier and far more fun. You’ll take in a pretty quay, a romantic abbey, a lighthouse and you can’t help but wonder at the big grey lump set out to sea. That’s Lundy Island, by the way.

See: southwestcoastpath.com

Pittenweem to Elie, Fife 

The East Neuk coastal villages of Fife are a truly fantastic discovery. Tiny villages with wee harbours strung like sparkling pearls on a sublime coastline. Need we say more? The Fife Coastal Path actually heads from the Forth Estuary in the south, to the Tay Estuary in the north, for some 100 miles but this six-mile section will give you a real taster for more. The walk is perfect for families and takes in the pretty village of Elie, two ruined castles, numerous rockpools, a restored windmill and the wonderfully named village of Pittenweem.

See: fifecoastalpath.co.uk

Craster to Dunstanburgh, Northumberland

Apparently, Craster has England’s best kippers. But, first, you need to work up an appetite for the tasty fish. The six-mile circuit
 features seacliffs, the ruins of Dunstanburgh castle, a host of birdlife, Newton beach and Newton Pool nature reserve.

 See: Walk

Boggle Hole to Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire 

Boggle Hole is a lovely cove that is often overlooked by tourists who head instead for much busier Baytown, just up the coast. You will need to check the tide times if you’re heading to the beach but this walk is one of the best ways to reach Robin Hood's Bay. The three-mile walk also heads along one of the UK's leading “fossil coasts”.

See: clevelandway.co.uk

Hilbre Island, Wirral 

Walk to a haven of migrating birds and grey seals, but make sure you stick to the paths and check the tide times. Hilbre is the biggest of three isles off the Wirral peninsular, and reached from Dee Lane slipway in West Kirby when the tide is out. You can stay on the island over high water, but that means being marooned for five hours with little shelter. The total circular walk is three miles. 

See: hilbreisland.org.uk

Happy weekend coastal walking!