Coastal Walking Essentials: What to Wear from Windy Beaches to Clifftop Trails
There is nothing quite like a day out by the seaside to clear the cobwebs away!
From the White Cliffs of Dover to family-favourite Anglesey holidays, the UK has no shortage of spectacular coastal walks for us all to make the most of. And having a great selection of coastal walking clothing on hand in your wardrobe will keep you ready for everything from relaxed beach walks to longer days out.
Below, we're here to help by running you through what to wear for a coastal walk and the clothing we'd pack to keep you happy, warm, and free to enjoy those magnificent sea views.
Pictured: The stunning Southern coast of England
Key Takeaways
- The Three-Layer System: Combining a baselayer, mid-layer, and outer jacket gives you total flexibility to adapt to changing seaside temperatures.
- Prioritise Wind Protection: Sea breezes create a cooling wind chill, making windproof or wind-resistant layers essential even on sunny days.
- Choose Purpose-Built Outdoor Clothing: Dedicated walking trousers and supportive footwear ensure a comfortable day in variable coastal weather.
Coastal Walking vs Hiking: What's the Difference?
Before we get into the clothing itself, it's worth taking a moment to consider how coastal walking differs from a typical hiking day out, because the two can call for slightly different approaches.
On a coastal walk, you are usually dealing with:
- Open, exposed landscapes: beaches, cliffs, harbours, and headlands
- Strong sea breezes and occasional sea spray
- Terrain that can switch between flat stretches and steep cliff paths
- Plenty of sun exposure, often with little shade for long periods of time
On a hiking trail, however, conditions tend to be:
- Hills, valleys, woodland, and moorland
- More sustained, steeper climbs, making the whole day more physically demanding
- Muddier underfoot, especially through winter
- Weather that can shift quickly at higher elevations
And the biggest difference at the coast tends to be the wind. A calm, sunny day can feel considerably colder than the temperature suggests when you are out on an exposed cliff path with a sea breeze behind it. It also works the other way: walking on a coastal path in direct sunlight can feel warmer than you would expect, even well outside of summer.
If you're planning hill walks and countryside adventures as well as coastal routes, take a look at our guide to What to Wear Hiking. As for today, we're keeping our feet firmly planted by the ocean as we explore the best coastal walking clothing for your outdoor wardrobe.
What to Wear for a Coastal Walk
As with most outdoor activities, the reliable clothing approach is a simple three-layer system:
- Baselayer worn next to the skin
- Mid-layer for insulation when you need it
- Outer jacket for wind and weather protection
The beauty of this lies in its flexibility. You might start the morning wrapped up against a cool sea breeze, remove a layer as the day warms up, then pull your jacket back on while enjoying fish and chips overlooking the beach later in the afternoon. Whatever weather or conditions you end up facing, you're prepared and can match the temperature.
So let's have a look at each layer in more detail.
Start with a Baselayer
This is one of the most important pieces in your coastal walking wardrobe, and the job of your baselayer is to:
- Help manage moisture
- Support temperature regulation
- Keep you comfortable throughout the day
For many walks you do along the coast, a lightweight long sleeve top or a technical T-shirt will be all you need as your foundation layer.
A long sleeve top has the obvious benefit of covering the lower half of your arms, so this helps protect your skin from the sun and wind exposure we mentioned before. Plus, if being worn under mid and outer layers, it adds warmth on that part of your arm too. However, some people may find long sleeves too warm on some of the hotter days of the year.
We'd say it's a good idea to have a mix of short and long sleeved base layers in your walking wardrobe, so you can match your choice to the conditions you'll face. You may also want to add some thermal baselayers (such as the Regatta Mens Long-Sleeve Thermal Baselayer Top) into the mix too, particularly for when walking in winter.
If you'd like to go for some with long sleeves, we'd point you in the direction of something like these from Craghoppers:
Craghoppers Womens NosiLife SolarShield+ Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Craghoppers Mens NosiLife Nour Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Add a Mid-Layer When Needed
A lightweight fleece is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor clothing you can own! It's the perfect mid-layer for coastal walking, as it's got that easy on/off attribute, plus the soft, warm fabric helps tackle any chilly sea air.
These Regatta fleeces below can slip on over any of the earlier baselayers, and are great for all sorts of other outdoor adventures too.
Regatta Mens Thompson Marl Quick Drying Half Zip Fleece
Regatta Womens Sweethart Lightweight Marl Half Zip Fleece
Then, you've got the option of a gilet in addition to, or instead of, your fleece.
When would you pick a gilet?
- If the temperature sits somewhere between T-shirt weather and full jacket weather, a gilet is a great choice. Instead of wearing your outer layer, you switch it out with this bodywarmer style of garment, and you get the core warmth, still with your arms exposed to help regulate your overall body temperature.
- It's really chilly or wind whipped outside on the coast, and you need more warmth than a baselayer, fleece, and waterproof can provide. A gilet sits over your fleece and under your jacket, as that extra barrier against the cold air.
These two picks below are lightweight and perfect for the job!
Regatta Mens Anderson Hybrid Padded Gilet
Finish Off With a Weatherproof Jacket
When people think about outdoor jackets, rain is often the first thing that comes to mind, and when walking in the UK, we naturally have to be prepared for wet weather to appear at any moment!
However, when walking by the coast specifically, windy weather becomes equally as important to take into consideration.
Sea breezes create what is known as wind chill: moving air pulls heat away from your body much faster than still air does, which is why you can feel considerably colder at the coast than the temperature alone would suggest.
So a good coastal walking jacket should ideally offer:
- Protection from wind chill
- Resistance to sea spray and light showers
- Lightweight packability
- Enough breathability for active walking
To get the best combination of rain protection and comfort, these are excellent options for keeping the downpours out while staying cool on the move:
Dare 2b Womens Torrek III Waterproof Jacket
Regatta Mens Moutdale Waterproof Softshell Jacket
Alternatively, if it were during the summer months when you wouldn't necessarily need to wear a thicker jacket like those above, you could choose to bring a specifically-designed windproof jacket/windbreaker (plus packable waterproof jacket) in your backpack.
This then goes on over your baselayer or mid layer, with its main purpose being to combat that windy weather.
Craghoppers Mens Ovis Reversible Windbreaker
Craghoppers Womens NosiLife Golf Driver Windbreaker
That completes the upper body setup, and it shows exactly why the three-layer system is so reliable for the coast:
- Your baselayer manages moisture
- Your mid-layer keeps the warmth in
- Your outer jacket blocks the wind and rain
Because you can add or remove these pieces as you go, you stay perfectly comfortable whatever rules the coastal weather plays by that day!
Pictured: Scarborough in all its coastal glory!
Legwear: Walking Trousers or Shorts
Choosing what to wear on your lower half is just as important as your windproof jacket or fleece.
We all have a favourite pair of jeans or comfy joggers that we default to for a casual day out. However, a proper coastal walk is one occasion where swapping your everyday clothes for specialist walking trousers makes a massive difference to your comfort.
Think about how your favourite jeans feel when you are climbing a steep set of stairs or getting into the car. Have you ever felt the heavy fabric pulling tightly against your knees or digging into your waist? That restriction is exactly what you want to avoid when you are walking for a few hours.
Proper walking trousers solve this problem because the fabric is often woven with stretch materials like elastane. This means the clothing moves with your body rather than fighting against it, allowing you to step over obstacles or climb steep paths easily.
Walking Trousers
If you want the ultimate setup for the coast during the spring/summer months, we highly recommend a pair of zip-off trousers.
They give you a brilliant two-in-one wardrobe option: you get full leg protection against the biting wind when you are up on the exposed clifftops, and you can quickly zip the lower legs off into shorts the moment you descend into a sunny, sheltered bay.
Travel and outdoor brand Craghoppers do fantastic styles in this range, such as:
Craghoppers Womens NosiLife Pro III Zip Off Walking Trousers
Craghoppers Mens NosiLife Pro III Zip Off Walking Trousers
Alternatively, you could go for a pair of sports leggings, which have become a popular option for wearing on a coastal walk in recent years. They're flexible and stretchy, they can be worn under overtrousers easily due to the streamlined fit, and modern styles now often come with pockets too!
Again, Craghoppers brings you plenty of choice, like this bestseller in their Kiwi Pro collection:
Craghoppers Womens Kiwi Pro Leggings
Walking Shorts
However, when the sun is shining and temperatures are climbing, walking shorts will likely become the obvious choice.
Similar to with your walking trousers, we'd also recommend going for proper walking shorts, like these ones below, rather than, say, a pair of jogger-style shorts or board shorts. Although these may give off the vibe of being beachy and coastal, they are designed for your swims and relaxation time, not a hike!
Craghoppers Mens NosiLife Cargo III Walking Shorts
Dare 2b Womens Melodic III Stretch Walking Shorts
Quick note: As we discussed in our waterproof trousers vs walking trousers guide, you've got different choices for how you approach weather protection on your walks.
With all these suggestions here, you'll notice that they aren't waterproof, so we would always recommend bringing a pair of waterproof overtrousers in your backpack to keep you protected if you do run into any rain!
Choosing Footwear for Coastal Walking
When you are heading out for a proper walk, it is well worth switching your everyday trainers for a proper pair of walking shoes.
Standard trainers are fine for a quick wander to a beach cafe, but they do not have the grip or the support you need when you are out for a few hours. A dedicated walking shoe keeps your feet comfy and stops you slipping about on loose gravel, rocky sections, or steep paths.
As a great bonus for coastal walkers, choosing a proper walking shoe means you can easily find a pair with excellent waterproofing. You might spend part of your day walking across sand, wet grass, or muddy stretches following a spell of rain, so going for something waterproof just keeps you on the safe side.
Regatta is always a go-to for walking footwear, offering up options like these two below:
Regatta Womens Lady Vendeavour Waterproof Walking Shoes
Regatta Mens Samaris III Waterproof Walking Shoes
However, if it's going to be a dry day, you could choose a pair of walking sandals instead. They offer the cool airflow of a classic summer sandal, but with adjustable straps and a shaped footbed designed to support your feet across long distances.
Teva sandals are always a popular choice of footwear for coastal walking, with the Hurricane style a regular bestseller and summer adventure favourite:
Teva Womens Hurricane XLT3 Walking Sandals
Teva Mens Hurricane XLT3 Walking Sandals
Pictured: Morecambe Bay makes for a beautiful coastal walk with the family
Coastal Walking Accessories
Once you have sorted your clothing and footwear, there are just a few extra essentials worth packing to make sure your day goes as planned.
Sun Protection
Sun exposure catches a lot of walkers out at the coast. Long, open stretches of path offer little shade, and the light reflecting off the water can intensify things further.
Sunglasses, a good sun cream applied before you set off (and more in your bag for reapplication), and a hat (with a secure fit) are the trio worth getting into the habit of packing, year-round.
For your hat, a classic baseball cap is usually the easiest choice here because you can tighten it up to make sure it does not blow away in the windy weather.
Craghoppers NosiLife Multi Active II Baseball Cap
That said, you might prefer a bucket hat to keep the sun off your neck in the summer, or a warm beanie if you are out in the colder months.
You'll also need to make sure you take plenty of water with you in any type of weather, but even more so in the summer. Walking uphill along windy clifftops can take a lot out of you, and you will not always find a shop nearby to top up. Having a sturdy, reusable bottle with you means you can stay hydrated easily throughout the day.
Stanley water bottles are a great option, such as the IceFlow below:
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 2.0 Water Bottle 0.7L
Safety and Navigation
While most coastal trails are straightforward and easy to follow, it is always smart to be prepared for the odd spot with no phone signal or a walk that takes a bit longer than planned.
Packing a few simple bits of gear means you can just relax and enjoy the views without worrying.
- Tide times: If your route takes you near beaches or cliff paths that border tidal areas, check tide times before you set off. Download them or note them on your phone so you have them to hand throughout the day.
- Printed map: A backup that works without signal or battery, useful on coastal paths in areas where mobile coverage can be patchy.
- Walking poles: These can give you extra confidence on the descents and take a noticeable amount of strain off your knees.
- Basic first-aid kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and blister treatments cover the most common minor issues. A small kit takes up almost no space in a bag.
- Headtorch: A headtorch is a bright idea (sorry) for any coastal walk that might run into low light. It keeps your hands free, helps you stay aware of steep edges, and is particularly valuable on unfamiliar paths where you might not know every twist, turn, or unexpected drop.
L-R: Trespass Navigator Headtorch and Regatta Ultra Lightweight Walking Pole
Backpacks and Storage
Of course, you are going to need somewhere to put your extra layers, snacks, and water bottle while you walk!
A simple walking backpack like this one from Trespass is perfect. You get the different storage compartments, a side pocket for your bottle, and the padded straps sit comfortably on your shoulders and back.
Trespass Unisex Albus Multi-Function Adventure Backpack
But if you're only out for a short stroll, or if you're hiking in a pair perhaps and only one of you needs the full backpack, you could go for something like this:
Regatta Blackfell III With Bottle Waist Bag
You get the storage you need for vital bits and pieces (like the safety and navigation section we covered before), and you've also got the space for the bottle too, so you can still carry water with your hands kept free.
A Simple Year-Round Coastal Walking Clothing Wardrobe
Getting ready for the coast is all about versatile items that work well in the layering system we've talked about:
- Long-sleeve baselayer or lightweight T-shirt
- Walking trousers or leggings (shorts for warmer days)
- Waterproof jacket and/or windbreaker
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Hat or cap with secure fit
- Reusable water bottle, sunglasses, backpack
Having a few core pieces ready to go makes it simple to pick the right outfit for the day's conditions, whether it's a summer beach stroll or a chilly winter cliff-top walk!
See You by the Sea?
The British coastline has so many incredible spaces to explore, and half the fun of a family day out is seeing what is around the next corner! Getting your clothing and footwear sorted is simply about making sure you can stay out for as long as you like, staying completely comfortable from that morning coffee right through to afternoon ice creams or chips on the pier.
If you are sorting out your kit bag before your next trip down to the shore, come and take a look at our full range of coastal walking clothing and gear. We have plenty of weatherproof, comfy layers, practical accessories, and sturdy footwear ready for your next weekend adventure by the water.
About the Author
Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.