A coastal path (or a littoral path) is a trail along a sea shore or a lake shore for pedestrians, and sometimes for cyclists or equestrians.
Some coastal paths were originally created for use by customs or coastguard officials looking out for smugglers landing illicit goods. In modern times some routes have been developed for tourists, with facilities such as benches, waymarks and information boards.
Examples of coastal paths
- California Coastal Trail, designed to connect the entire coast of California, United States1
- GR 34, a path that runs along almost the entire coast of Brittany, France
- King Charles III England Coast Path, a long-distance trail that follows the coastline of England2
- South West Coast Path, a trail from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset, England3
- Wales Coast Path, a long-distance trail which follows, or runs close to, the coastline of Wales
References
References
- "Official site". California Coastal Trail. Archived from the original on 1 June 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- Rowlatt, Justin (19 March 2026). "King opens world's longest coastal path around England". BBC News. Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- "Official site". South West Coast Path Association. Retrieved 15 February 2017.