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Neptune walks

Discover some of the National Trust's finest coastal landscapes with our Neptune Walks. They're all guaranteed to offer a day out full of history, wildlife and great views. Download and print out our web walk leaflets here.

The National Trust cares for over 1000km of coast. Much of this land has been acquired thanks to massive public support for our Neptune Coastline Campaign.

Images of National Trust coastline
© NTPL / Joe Cornish

Arnside Knott, Cumbria

A 2 mile walk up to a hill ridge with fantastic views overlooking Morecombe Bay on one side and the Lake District on the other.

View of Silverdale and Morcambe Bay from Arnside Knott
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Arnside Knott walk
  • Listen for the loud 'pichoo' call of the marsh tit in the woodland
  • Limestone landscape home to a wealth of wildlife
  • Fantastic displays of orchids in late spring

Brownsea Island, Dorset

Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour and is home to a large variety of wildlife. Along this 1 mile walk you may be lucky enough to spot a rare red squirrel or the timid sika deer.

Brownsea Island, Dorset
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Brownsea walk
  • Sweeping views of Studland, Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills
  • Many species of wader bird and duck
  • Keep a look out for red squirrels!

Castle Ward and Strangford Lough, County Down

This gentle 2.5 mile walk along the shores of Strangford Lough takes you through the Castle Ward estate, one of Northern Ireland's finest parklands.

Strangford Lough
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Loughside walk
  • Ruined castle offering spectacular views across the estate and Castle Ward Bay
  • Home to a colony of breeding common seals

Craster to Low Newton by-the-Sea, Northumberland

The Northumberland coast is famed for its wide-open spaces and dramatic skies. Along the 6 mile walk you'll pass the majestic Dunstanburgh Castle and witness a rich variety of birds and flowers.

Waves crashing on the rocky coastline with Dunstanburgh Castle in the background
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Northumberland
coast walk
  • Long beach of fine silver sand
  • Great spot for bird watching from the beach or hide at Newton Pool
  • Pretty little fishing village at Low Newton Square

Cubert, Cornwall

An amazing summer display of bright poppies and marigolds is one of many reasons to enjoy this 6 mile walk along a stunning stretch of Cornish coast. If you're very lucky you might even spot grey seals.

Grey seal
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Cubert walk
  • Rich in insect life, like the rare silver studded blue butterfly
  • Look out for buzzards or skylarks overhead

Farne Islands, Northumberland

The rocky shores of the Farne Islands are a haven for seals and sea birds, but there is also a fascinating history to unearth on this gentle 0.5 mile circular route.

A tern perchs on a warden's hat in the Farne Islands
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Farne Islands walk
  • Home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including Puffin, during the summer
  • Chapel of St Cuthbert, who died here in 687
  • Keep an eye out for the dive-bombing terns!

The Lizard, Cornwall

The Lizard on the South Cornish coast is Britain's most southerly point. Along this 4.5-mile walk you'll see an array of wildlife and you can stop for refreshments at the eco-friendly visitor centre at Kynance Cove.

The Lizard
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Lizard walk
  • Magnificent display of wildflowers in summer
  • Dramatic coastal scenery with beautiful serpentine stone in the cliffs
  • Wireless staion used for Marconi's pioneering radio experiments

Rhossili Bay, South Wales

Rhossili Bay on the Gower, South Wales, has a sweeping golden beach. This 5-mile walk allows you to take in the sea air and wonderful views.

Rhossili Bay
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Rhossili Bay walk
  • Bronze Age burial sites and Neolithic burial chambers
  • Stunning coastal views out towards the Bristol Channel and beyond

Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire

Either 3.5 miles one-way or a 6 mile circular walk set in the stunning scenery of Pembrokeshire National Park. See and smell colonies of breeding seabirds at Stackpole Head. If you're lucky you might also spot an otter at the tranquil lilyponds.

Cliff scenery around Stackpole Head
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Stackpole walk
  • Beautiful sandy beaches
  • A variety of natural habitats, home to many different species
  • Keep an eye out for dragonflies around the lakes

The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent

The White Cliffs of Dover in Kent are one of the most iconic stretches of coast in the UK. Wandering along this 4 mile route will give the walker a sense of military history through the centuries.

The White cliffs of Dover
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White Cliffs
of Dover walk
  • Magnificent views across the channel to the French coast
  • A wealth of flora and insect life reside on the chalk downland
  • South Foreland Lighthouse built in 1843