With a combined total of more than 10,000 miles waterproof boots. to explore, our coastal paths are some of the most epic walking routes in the world. Alex Ellis-Roswell, almost 8 months into his 2-year coastal walk that will take in every UK lifeboat station, agrees. Where will a stroll by the ocean take you?

£10,000: Fundraising target
24 MONTHS: Station-to-station tour
6,500: Approximate miles on foot

From wild and windy clifftop castles and tranquil coves packed with wildlife, to wide open beaches with mind-stilling views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a coastal walk – and it’s all for free. But walking a coast path isn’t without its dangers. In 2013 the RNLI rescued many walkers, including people who had been cut off by the tide, fallen down cliffs and even been overcome by waves while stormwatching.

RNLI supporter Alex Ellis-Roswell knows a thing or two about walking the coast. Since setting off from his home in Minnis Bay, Kent, in August 2014, the 21-year-old has visited more than 30 of the UK’s lifeboat stations, camping and bunking up with friendly hosts along the way. When Lifeboat went to press, Alex had already raised more than £3,000 through donations and sponsorship. With a £10,000 target in mind, he doesn’t expect to finish his coastal trek until August 2016, just over 6,500 miles later.

Alex explains: ‘Walking the coast was just one of the things on my bucket list, and we’re blessed to have so many utterly beautiful places to visit so I just thought “why not?” Now, 166 nights of camping later, I can tell you it’s not for the faint-hearted.

‘When you’re trekking long distances on your own, little things get you through the day. A sunrise over the ocean after a cold night, a hot meal at a cosy pub, or meeting amazing people who welcome you into their lives for a night or two. Contrary to what you hear on the news, most people really are very nice.’

But for the more casual walker, those considering 2 hours or 2 days rather than Alex’s 2 years on the hoof, what can you expect from a coastal stroll?

‘One of the great things about our coastal paths is that there are routes to suit everyone’s abilities and requirements’, says Alex. ‘You can potter to a seaside pub on an afternoon’s wander, or push yourself to the limits up rugged cliffs and hills for miles. Organisations such as National Trails and the Ramblers are mines of inspiration and practical information, but you must be responsible for some basic precautions to ensure your own safety near the sea.’

WALK THIS WAY

Keep yourself safe and have these five top tips in mind when you’re out walking by the coast this Spring:

1 Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back – mobile phone reception can be patchy by the coast.

2 Take something to eat and drink – walking can be more tiring than you expect, especially up steep gradients and over uneven ground.

3 Stick to designated paths – unmarked paths might look interesting but can often lead to dangerous situations. If you are crossing a beach, make sure you know the tide times so you won’t be cut off.

4 Dogs are great company on a walk and welcome on coast paths, as long as they behave themselves. Always keep your dog in sight, and use a lead near cliffs. Someone avoiding a boisterous dog can easily lose their footing. Don’t go into the sea after your dog.

5 Love your shoes: the right footwear is vital when walking the coast. If you’re planning to put in some serious miles, be sure to get a sturdy pair of well-fitting, w With a combined total of more than 10,000 miles aterproof boots.

FIND OUT MORE

Coast paths are managed by different authorities in different areas. Search the following websites or buy a local guide to find the best information for your area.
• nationalcoastalpath.co.uk for Scotland
• walkni.com for Northern Ireland
• irishtrails.ie for the Republic of Ireland
• walescoastpath.gov.uk for Wales
• nationaltrail.co.uk for all of the major England and Wales coast paths.