Standing sentinel on forbidding clifftops, rocky promontories and jutting headlands, Britain's lighthouses kept sailors safe from harm for centuries. These towering structures, built in rugged, remote and often lonely locations, make for prominent landmarks with a unique appeal that are a highlight of any coastal walk.

3. Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire
The rocky outcrop of Strumble Head on the Pembrokeshire coast is well-known not just for its lighthouse, but also for its wildlife. The lighthouse itself is perched on a tiny island just off the coast, linked to the mainland via a suspension bridge.

The birdlife is perched just about everywhere, from sooty shearwaters to arctic skuas. It's not unusual to catch a glimpse of harbour porpoises and grey seals either, and if you're really lucky, you might spot dolphins and orcas.

Getting there: From Gawn Fawr car park, turn right onto the road, looking out for a path on the right that skirts around the hillfort. Cross a road and turn right onto the coast path. Follow the path all the way to Strumble Head.

4. Beachy Head, Sussex
The red-and-white striped lighthouse at Beachy Head is easy to pick out against the chalky white cliffs of the Sussex coast. It is a spectacular sight that has become an icon of Britain, appearing in everything from vintage postcards to Bond films.

This walk also takes you past the Belle Tout lighthouse, now a B&B, as well as giving great views out over Beachy Head.

Getting there: Start from the car park at Birling Gap and look for the red phone box. From here a signed footpath takes you to the coast path. Follow the coast path to the left, making sure you don't stray too close to the edge.

Pass Belle Tout lighthouse and carry on along the South Downs Way to reach Beachy Head. Take your time to enjoy views out over Beachy Head lighthouse before retracing your steps to the start.

5. Lundy Island, Devon
Rugged Lundy Island lies at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. More than 200 shipwrecks have been recorded along this part of the coast, which is why Lundy has two lighthouses in operation – Lundy South and Lundy North.

They replaced the original lighthouse, now known as the Old Light, which was built on the summit of Chapel Hill in 1819, but wasn't deemed sufficient to keep sailors safe. It has now been converted into accommodation for visitors seeking a unique stay.

Getting there: Take the boat to Lundy, which drops you at Landing Bay. From here, follow the track up the hill to reach the centre of the village. Pass farm buildings and turn left on a path through a field. Keep heading towards the old lighthouse, which you pass to reach the coastal path around the island.

Take a slight detour here towards Lundy South Lighthouse, before retracing your steps and turn left onto the coast path to circumnavigate the whole island. You'll reach Lundy North Lighthouse at the top of the island, which seems to perch precariously on a narrow plateau of rock.

6. Happisburgh, Norfolk
This is the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK, having been saved from closure by a group of volunteers. Built in 1970, the lighthouse marked safe passage around the southern end of Haisborough Sands, a sandbank that lies parallel to the north east coast of Norfolk and has claimed many ships over the years. The pretty lighthouse is the oldest working light in East Anglia.

Getting there: From Happisburgh car park, follow a footpath towards the cliff to join the England Coast Path. From here you can enjoy a walk in either direction, heading towards Sea Palling or up to Mundesley. Both routes offer a great walk along the beautiful north Norfolk coast, and give you a chance to explore the lighthouse either at the start or end of your walk.

Words: Matt Jones
Images: Lundy North (c) Pete O'Shea, Rattray Head (c) Gordon Robertson, St Mary's (c) Ellie Clewlow, Strumble Head (c) Phil Dolby, Beachy Head (c) Neil