
Viking Coastal Trail
A scenic 51.5km circular route in Kent, UK, offering stunning coastal views, charming towns, and beaches for walking and cycling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access beach paths

Viking Coastal Trail
Best Time
Access beach paths
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 51.5km circular route in Kent, UK, offering stunning coastal views, charming towns, and beaches for walking and cycling.
"Beautiful cycling route with stunning landscapes along the coast."

Check Tide Times
Crucial for beach sections! High tide can cut off paths. :warning:
Cycle Prepared
Unsuitable gear can make it tough. Allow ample time for cycling. :bike:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadstairs to Margate Stretch
Kent Coast
Iconic coastal walk with spectacular views and plenty of spots to pause for refreshments.

Ramsgate Harbour to Margate Clock Tower
Kent Coast
An 8-mile walk along good paths, offering sea views, interesting features, and refreshment stops.

Fern Grotto Beach
Wilder Ranch State Park, California
A unique cave with ferns, accessible via a flat trail with beautiful coastal views and wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Coastal Adventure
Cycling vs. Walking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times
Crucial for beach sections! High tide can cut off paths. :warning:
Cycle Prepared
Unsuitable gear can make it tough. Allow ample time for cycling. :bike:
Break it Down
The full route is long; consider shorter sections for a relaxed trip. :hiking_boot:
Photo Opportunities
Spectacular views abound, perfect for capturing memories. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times
Crucial for beach sections! High tide can cut off paths. :warning:
Cycle Prepared
Unsuitable gear can make it tough. Allow ample time for cycling. :bike:
Break it Down
The full route is long; consider shorter sections for a relaxed trip. :hiking_boot:
Photo Opportunities
Spectacular views abound, perfect for capturing memories. :camera:
Refreshment Stops
Plenty of cafes and pubs along the way to refuel. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Viking Coastal Trail's stunning coastal scenery and the charm of the seaside towns it connects. The trail is highly praised for its accessibility for both walking and cycling, with plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments. Some find certain cycling sections challenging if unprepared, and tide times are crucial for beach access.
"Not sure of the location here, but the Viking Coastal Trail I did went from Ramsgate Harbour to Margate Clock Tower. Great little walk along good paths with option to use Promenades and Beach (beware of tide as parts of the beach get cut off at high tide). It's about 8 miles and takes approx 3 hours at a reasonable pace. Good views, some interesting nature, features and architecture along the way and plenty of places to stop for food and drink."
Dez Cass
"I took the walk from Margate to Broadstairs. The view was spectacular and plenty of places to stop for a drink. Lots of photo opportunities along the way."
J Etn
"So lovely to cycle by the sea without vehicles to worry about."
Maura Murphy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Viking Coastal Trail is primarily located in Kent, UK, with popular starting points in Margate and Ramsgate. You can reach Margate from London St Pancras by train in about 1.5 hours. For other sections, driving or local bus services are options.
Yes, many sections are accessible. Trains connect London to towns along the trail like Margate and Ramsgate. Local buses also serve the coastal towns, making it feasible to do sections without a car.
While you can cycle to the trail from London, it's a significant distance. Most visitors take a train from London to a coastal town like Margate and then begin their cycling journey on the trail.
Parking is available in the various seaside towns and villages along the trail, such as Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. Availability and cost can vary, especially during peak season.
Popular starting points include Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate, offering easy access to different sections of the trail and amenities. The Ramsgate Harbour to Margate Clock Tower stretch is a well-loved segment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Viking Coastal Trail is a public path and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the trail itself is free.
The trail is free to access. However, you may incur costs for parking in towns, public transport, or any refreshments and activities you choose along the way.
As an outdoor trail, it is accessible at all times. However, daylight hours are best for visibility and safety, especially if walking or cycling.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Viking Coastal Trail, especially on the walking paths. Always keep them on a lead where required and be mindful of other users and wildlife.
Yes, guided tours, particularly cycling tours, are available. For example, Ride Margate offers pop-up fun rides along the trail.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can walk or cycle the trail. Cycling is popular for covering longer distances, while walking allows for a more immersive experience of the scenery and stops.
Walking the entire 51.5km circular route can take several days. However, popular sections like Ramsgate to Margate are around 8 miles and take approximately 3 hours. The Margate to Broadstairs stretch is about 6.5 miles and takes 2-3 hours.
Walking sections are generally easy to moderate. Cycling can be challenging for novices, especially with unsuitable equipment, as there are uphill sections.
Expect beautiful coastal views, seaside towns, villages, bays, and beaches. Some inland sections also offer lovely landscapes.
Yes, the trail passes through towns and villages that offer amenities such as cafes, pubs, and restrooms.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers numerous photo opportunities, especially along the coast with sea views, beaches, and cliffs. The stretch from Ramsgate to Margate is noted for its spectacular views.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for coastal photography. Late afternoons are also great for enjoying the sunset views.
Look out for interesting architecture in towns like Margate and Broadstairs, diverse wildlife, and the dramatic coastal landscapes. Fern Grotto Beach in California offers a unique cave formation.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive coastal scenes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures of the sea.
Drone regulations vary by location. Always check local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone, especially near populated areas or nature reserves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists
🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Viking Coastal Trail
Several operators offer cycling experiences. For instance, Ride Margate hosts pop-up fun rides, making it easier for visitors to explore the trail. For those planning their own ride, having a reliable map or GPS is advisable, as some sections might require referring to a trail map. Remember to check the tides if your route involves beach sections, as they can become inaccessible at high tide.
Walking the Viking Coastal Trail
When planning your walk, checking tide times is crucial, as parts of the beach can be cut off at high tide. The trail is considered easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer day hike, the Viking Coastal Trail provides a rewarding experience with its blend of natural beauty and coastal charm.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit