The best UK coastal walks: how many have you done?

Whether it's a hot sunny day, a crisp winter's morning or there's a wind brisk enough to blow your hat off, walking by the sea is great for our bodies and our minds. Scientists say that sea air actually boosts our brains and helps them repair as we age.

We've teamed up with the national mapping agency Ordnance Survey to put together eight of the best circular coastal walks in the UK.

How many have you ticked off your walking list?

1. Gower, South Wales

Distance: 6.9km (4.3 miles)

Difficulty: moderate

Rhossili Bay (pictured above) is the jewel in the Gower’s crown, and was recently ranked 11th in a list of the most beautiful coastal locations in the world.

This walk takes you from Rhossili village up onto the crest of the hill before returning on a clear path to walk behind the sandy beach. Don’t forget to leave time for a swim or surf – and obligatory ice cream.

Walk details & map

2. Hengistbury Head, Dorset

Distance: 10.4km (6.4 miles)

Difficulty: moderate

This is a lovely walk along the coastline, with a slight incline up Hengistbury Head, taking in views of Southbourne Beach and the River Stour.

The walk also has useful amenities, such as car park, toilets and places to eat close by.

Walk details & map

3. Seven Sisters, Sussex

Distance: 12.75km (7.9 miles)

Difficulty: moderately challenging

This circular walk takes in Birling Gap, the famous Seven Sisters and the Friston Forest.

The first hour is the hike along the coastal cliff path and is stunning. It is undulating with a lot of ups and down and it can be slippery in wet weather. The rest is through fields and forest and still enjoys great views.

Walk details & map

4. Holy Island, Northumberland

Distance: 8km (5 miles)

Difficulty: leisurely

This walk takes in one of the most unique places in Britain: the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This historic island is accessed by a tidal causeway (check tide times) and is rich with history, heritage and nature.

If you're lucky, you may even spot a grey seal.

Walk details & map

5. Shieldaig Peninsula walk, Scotland

Distance: 5.1km (3.2 miles)

Difficulty: leisurely

A stunning stroll around the An Aird peninsula along the shores of Loch Torridon.

Start your walk in one of the most picturesque villages in the Highlands, Shieldaig. You’ll discover shingle beaches, birch copses, heather moorland and sea cliffs.

Keep your eyes peeled for otters, herons and porpoises.

Walk details & map

6. Ravenglass, Lake District

Distance: 3.5km (2.2 miles)

Difficulty: leisurely

Did you know the Lake District has a coastline and a pretty seaside village called Ravenglass?

It’s well worth a visit and on a clear day you can see across to the Isle of Man. This walk goes along the coastal path, beach and tree-lined tracks. You’ll see the remains of the Roman bath house, the village and the estuary.

The 150-yard section of the route beside the River Esk floods at exceptionally high tides.

Walk details & map

7. Moelfre, Isle of Anglesey

Distance: 8.28km (5.1 miles)

Difficulty: moderate

This is a beautiful section of the north-east coast of Anglesey, starting in the pretty seaside village of Moelfre.

You’ll walk along the coastal cliff path before returning inland via the remains of Roman round houses and a Neolithic burial chamber.

If the weather is nice, you can stop for a dip at Traeth Lligwy Beach.

Walk details & map

8. Padstow, Cornwall

Distance: 4.57km (2.95 miles)

Difficulty: easy

This walk starts right by the harbour. The stroll along the Camel Estuary takes in the Doom Bar sand bank and a World War II battery before heading back over farmland to Elizabethan country house Prideaux Place.

Walk details & map