Viking Coastal Trail - Image 1
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Viking Coastal Trail

4.6
·63 reviews·Minster, United Kingdom

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Access beach paths

CrowdLow
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Viking Coastal Trail - Image 1

Viking Coastal Trail

Best Time

Low tide

Access beach paths

CrowdLow

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.

4.6
(63 reviews)

"Beautiful cycling route with stunning landscapes along the coast."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadstairs to Margate Stretch

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

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

Fern Grotto Beach

Wilder Ranch State Park, California

A unique cave with ferns, accessible via a flat trail with beautiful coastal views and wildlife.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Coastal Adventure

The Viking Coastal Trail offers stunning seaside views and charming towns. Consider breaking it into sections for a more relaxed experience, especially if cycling. Always check tide times if planning to walk along the beach.

Cycling vs. Walking

While a fantastic cycling route, some sections can be challenging for novice riders with unsuitable equipment. Walking offers a more leisurely pace to soak in the scenery and stop at various points.

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Access beach paths
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Pop-up events and tours
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Viking Unst Project in Shetland, Scotland
@chrislawlor
57.4K likes • 481.2K views

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:

Cloudy days at Crystal Cove >Coastal trails, ocean breeze, and just the right amount of sunshine. Nature therapy always hits different.🌊🪼🥾⛅️ #CrystalCove #HikingVibes #OceanViews #NatureTherapy #CoastalTrails #SoCalHikes #ChillDay #TrailTime #BeachHike #GetOutside
@lilianayo28
25.7K likes • 305.7K views
With this guide to the Viking Coastal Trail, our next day out along the Kentish coast is sorted! Thanks to @holly_osullivan for sharing 🌊
visitkent
557 likes • 12K views

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:

One of the most beautiful coastal walks in Kent 🌊 Follow the part of the Viking Coastal Trail from Broadstairs to Margate - make sure to check the tides! If the tide is low you can follow the beach the whole way. Or you can take the cliff top route 🥾 One of our favourite walks as you can stop for a drink on the way or even a dip in the sea 👙 The walk is around 6 miles and mainly flat - most of...
buckingham_mews
0 likes • 540 views

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

4.6
(63 reviews)

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

Spectacular coastal views
Charming seaside towns
Great for cycling and walking

What People Dislike

Challenging cycling sections
Tide dependent beach paths

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.Instagram 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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.Instagram

🎫 🚶 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.InstagramReddit

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.Reddit The Margate to Broadstairs stretch is about 6.5 miles and takes 2-3 hours.Instagram

Walking sections are generally easy to moderate.Instagram Cycling can be challenging for novices, especially with unsuitable equipment, as there are uphill sections.Reddit

Expect beautiful coastal views, seaside towns, villages, bays, and beaches.Instagram Some inland sections also offer lovely landscapes.Reddit

Yes, the trail passes through towns and villages that offer amenities such as cafes, pubs, and restrooms.InstagramReddit

📸 📸 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.Reddit

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for coastal photography. Late afternoons are also great for enjoying the sunset views.Reddit

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.TikTok

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

The Viking Coastal Trail is a fantastic option for families. Many sections are accessible and offer engaging scenery for children. The walk from Ramsgate to Margate provides a good balance of walking and points of interest.Reddit Consider shorter segments like Margate to Broadstairs, which are manageable for younger legs and offer plenty of opportunities for ice cream stops or beach play.Instagram Cycling is also an option, but ensure children are confident cyclists and that you have appropriate gear. Some sections are relatively flat, making them suitable for family bike rides.Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists

The Viking Coastal Trail is a cyclist's paradise, particularly the sections that run along the coast without vehicle traffic.Reddit It's a beautiful cycling route with stunning landscapes.Reddit However, be aware that while generally flat, there are uphill sections that can be demanding for unprepared novice riders.Reddit For a more relaxed ride, consider breaking the 51.5km circular route into smaller segments. Guided cycling tours are also available, offering a hassle-free way to explore the trail.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Hikers

Walking the Viking Coastal Trail offers a more intimate connection with the scenery. The trail is well-signed and provides breathtaking coastal views, charming towns, and access to beaches.Instagram Popular walks like Ramsgate to Margate (approx. 8 miles) or Margate to Broadstairs (approx. 6.5 miles) are perfect for day trips.InstagramReddit Remember to check tide times if your route includes beach sections, and wear comfortable footwear as some paths can be uneven.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Cycling the Viking Coastal Trail

The Viking Coastal Trail is a dream for cyclists, offering a mix of dedicated paths and scenic coastal roads. Many sections are relatively flat, making it accessible for various skill levels.Reddit However, be prepared for some uphill climbs, which can be challenging for novice riders with unsuitable equipment.Reddit It's recommended to have a well-maintained bicycle and to allow ample time, as what might take a serious rider 2-3 hours could take a more leisurely cyclist up to 5 hours.Reddit Popular cycling routes include the stretch from Margate to Broadstairs, and the full 51.5km circular route provides a comprehensive experience of the Isle of Thanet's diverse landscapes.Instagram+1

Several operators offer cycling experiences. For instance, Ride Margate hosts pop-up fun rides, making it easier for visitors to explore the trail.Instagram For those planning their own ride, having a reliable map or GPS is advisable, as some sections might require referring to a trail map.Reddit Remember to check the tides if your route involves beach sections, as they can become inaccessible at high tide.Instagram

Walking the Viking Coastal Trail

For walkers, the Viking Coastal Trail presents a more intimate way to experience the stunning Kentish coastline. The trail is generally well-signed, guiding you through charming seaside towns, along sandy beaches, and over dramatic cliffs.Instagram Popular walking segments include the 8-mile route from Ramsgate Harbour to Margate Clock Tower, which takes about 3 hours at a reasonable pace,Reddit and the 6.5-mile walk from Margate to Broadstairs, estimated at 2-3 hours.Instagram These walks offer spectacular views and numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments at local cafes and pubs.InstagramReddit

When planning your walk, checking tide times is crucial, as parts of the beach can be cut off at high tide.Reddit The trail is considered easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for most fitness levels.Instagram 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.

Beyond Kent: Other Coastal Trails

While the Viking Coastal Trail in Kent is a highlight, the name also evokes similar coastal experiences found elsewhere. For instance, the Viking Unst Project in Shetland, Scotland, features a reconstructed Viking longhouse and a replica longship, offering a glimpse into Norse history.TikTok In California, Crystal Cove State Park boasts beautiful coastal trails with ocean breezes and stunning views, providing a different but equally therapeutic nature experience.TikTok Further south in Santa Cruz, California, Fern Grotto Beach in Wilder Ranch State Park offers a unique cave and a relatively flat trail with lovely coastal vistas and wildlife sightings.TikTok These locations, while geographically distinct, share the common thread of offering memorable coastal exploration.

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