The best walks and hikes around Cliftonville

Yes, Cliftonville is a great starting point for circular hikes. While many routes follow the coast, you can easily create loops by combining clifftop paths with inland trails or promenades. For a shorter, accessible loop, consider the Country Park loop from Espieside, which is just over a mile long.

The area is very suitable for beginners and families. Many paths, like the main Viking Coastal Trail, are well-surfaced and relatively flat. You can find several easy options, such as the Country Park loop from Townhead, which offers a pleasant walk of about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) without significant climbs.

Most of the outdoor trails and coastal paths around Cliftonville are dog-friendly. The long stretches of beach and clifftop paths offer plenty of space for dogs to explore. However, be aware of seasonal restrictions on some beaches, especially during summer, and keep dogs on a lead near cliff edges and livestock.

The Viking Coastal Trail is a 32-mile (51.4 km) circular route around the Isle of Thanet, popular with both walkers and cyclists. You can easily access it directly from Cliftonville. From there, you can head east towards Broadstairs or west towards Margate, enjoying fantastic sea views along the way.

The trails cater to a range of abilities, but most are considered easy to moderate. The majority of the 55 easy routes feature gentle gradients and well-maintained paths. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, there are nearly 30 moderate hikes, like the Country Park loop from Coatbridge Central, which involve more distance or varied terrain.

Yes, many coastal walks pass through or near towns like Margate and Broadstairs, where you'll find a wide selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. It's common for hikers to plan a route that includes a stop for lunch or a drink, especially on the popular stretches of the Viking Coastal Trail.

The primary scenic draw is the dramatic white chalk cliffs and expansive views over the English Channel. Key highlights include the iconic chalk stacks at Botany Bay, the sandy stretches of Palm Bay and Joss Bay, and the historic North Foreland Lighthouse. The walk along Princes Walk between Palm Bay and Botany Bay is particularly noted for its beautiful clifftop scenery.

The routes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal views, the well-marked paths of the Viking Coastal Trail, and the unique landscape of chalk cliffs and sandy bays.

There is a wide variety of options to explore. You can find over 80 curated hiking routes around Cliftonville, ranging from short, easy strolls along the promenade to longer, more challenging sections of the coastal path.

Parking is available in Cliftonville itself, with both on-street options and public car parks. For specific walks, you can often find parking near popular bays like Botany Bay or in the nearby towns of Margate and Broadstairs, which serve as excellent start and end points for coastal hikes.

The coastal walk from the heart of Cliftonville to Margate's Old Town is a short and pleasant stroll, typically around 1.5 miles (2.4 km). It's an easy walk along the promenade and clifftop path that can be completed in about 30-40 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Absolutely. For a more substantial day hike, you can tackle a longer section of the Viking Coastal Trail. A popular choice is the route from Cliftonville to the charming town of Broadstairs, which is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) one way. For an even longer trek, consider the 9.5-mile Country Park – Gartcosh Nature Reserve loop from Coatbridge Sunnyside.