South West Coast Path – Full

Arrive in Minehead, a popular seaside town and the official start of the South West Coast Path, and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Your journey begins with a climb up North Hill and a walk along the highest cliffs in England. You have the choice to begin your walk with a leisurely stroll or take the rugged coast path for a more strenuous start to your walk.

Visit Bossington, a picturesque hamlet in the Selworthy Parish, renowned for its ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottages.

Today’s walk from Porlock Weir is challenging as you cross the Somerset / Devon border. Visit the smallest complete parish church in England, Culbone Church, before zig-zagging your way into the picturesque village of Lynmouth.

Kick your day off with an invigorating climb up the other side of the valley to enjoy a remote and quiet stretch of the path. The coastal landscape is spectacular today as you pass The Valley of Rocks, climb the steep cliffs at Woody Bay, and along to the valley of Heddon’s Mouth.

Enjoy impressive views from the highest point on the entire coast path, the Great Hangman, before descending into Combe Martin.

Today’s walk is never too far from the road but is full of impressive rocky inlets. This short distance allows you time to enjoy the changing landscape as you pass Watermouth Cove, Widmouth Head, and Rillage Point. Visit the oldest lighthouse in the UK, St Nicholas Chapel, proudly perched on the top of Lantern Hill.

Your route today is along many grass-topped cliffs, which, after crossing two steep valleys, will eventually lead you to Bull Point Lighthouse. Continue around Morte Point, where you can spot seals, before hugging the coast past beautiful sandy bays, which lead you into Woolacombe.

Enjoy an abundance of wildlife and interesting geology today as you depart Woolacombe and walk a 3-mile stretch of golden sands to Baggy Point. The short distance today will provide you with an opportunity to rest your legs and enjoy time relaxing on the beach or visiting Sandleigh Tea Rooms & Gardens.

This section of the path takes you to the Braunton Burrows Nature Reserve – a rich habitat for flowering plants, small mammals and butterflies. Take the opportunity to appreciate the wildlife before heading inland to Braunton.

Follow the Tarka Trail all the way to Barnstaple along the former Barnstaple to Ilfracombe Railway line. This section is, naturally, low level and continues like this as it passes through marshland and pastures. For those fond of birdlife, this section holds great value, interest and character.

The final leg of the Minehead to Westward Ho! section of the South West Coast Path gives the option to take a foot passenger ferry from Instow over Appledore, cutting 6 miles off today’s mileage. The path follows the estuary of the River Torridge, passing through the old fishing town of Appledore.

A beautiful long beach and tasty ice-cream await in the seaside village of Westward Ho! – the only town in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name!

Enjoy a relatively easy walk along clifftops and through woodland, before dropping down into the rocky, secluded cove of Bucks Mills. The path continues onto Hobby Drive, where it moves away from the coast and arrives at the unique village of Clovelly.

The path leads you along the rocky shoreline to Hartland Point. Spend a night in this remote setting, perched on one of the greatest defining headlands along the South West Coast Path.

Start your day by passing St Catherine’s Tor before reaching the dramatic 15-metre high Spekes Mill waterfall, leading you to the Cornish Border. Stay overnight in the small village of Morwenstow – the most northerly parish in Cornwall.

Today is a less strenuous day, which takes you past many irresistible beaches. After leaving Morwenstow, look out for the small clifftop hut known as Hawker’s Hut, which Reverend Robert Hawker regularly visited to seek peace and tranquillity. The path finally eases off as you approach Bude along Crooklets Beach.

Follow a scenic path along Widemouth Bay before descending steeply into Millook Haven. Two deep and steep valleys await before you reach Castle Point, where you will be rewarded with tremendous views. Enjoy a rest in the unspoilt, hidden village of Crackington Haven.

Ahead of you looms High Cliff – the aptly named highest cliff in Cornwall, which has a very steep path falling on the south side. Visit the beautiful harbour inlet of Boscastle for refreshments before descending into Tintagel Haven, a hive of activity for all those eager to visit magnificent Tintagel Castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur.

Today’s walk is quite challenging. There are a large number of valleys to climb up and immediately back down after leaving Trebarwith Strand, followed by a gentle, picturesque clifftop meadow that will lead you through Port Gaverne and onto the fishing village of Port Isaac.

A rollercoaster of a path will lead you to Port Quin, before the path opens up, leading you to the headland of The Rumps and Pentire Point. The final leg of your walk passes through Polzeath, hugging the coast all the way to Rock, where a ferry will transport you over to Padstow. 

A well-deserved rest awaits you in Padstow. As the ‘foodie’ capital of Cornwall, excellent food and drink are plentiful.

Enjoy a day of easy walking along low cliffs, with beautiful, tempting beaches below. The path passes the sheltered beach of Hawker’s Cove before leading you out to the Atlantic Coast.

If you can resist the sandy beaches on your journey, you will have more time to enjoy the sheltered dune-backed beach of Porthcothan at the end of today’s walk. Transport from Porthcothan back to Padstow for accommodation is then provided.

Follow the coast to Bedruthan Steps – a popular tourist spot since Victorian times, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the huge slate outcrops scattered along the beach.

The trail then winds between little coves and headlands before leading you into the popular seaside town of Newquay.

After leaving Newquay Harbour, cross the famous surfing hotspot of Fistral Beach and the picturesque tidal inlet of The Gannel.

Your destination this evening is Perranporth – an idyllically located village surrounded by golden sands and spectacular cliffs.

The hustle and bustle of Perranporth quickly disappears as the trail heads into an ancient coastal mining district, following rugged clifftops and narrow paths. There are a handful of little villages to stop for refreshments and sandy beaches where you could enjoy a picnic.

Seals are a common sight around the waters today, and sunfish and basking sharks have been spotted from the North Cliffs. The dunes behind the spectacular beach, which stretches from Godrevy Point to the entrance of the Hayle estuary, are also rich with wildlife.

Your overnight stop this evening is St Ives. As one of the prettiest towns in Cornwall, it has attracted artists for centuries. It’s home to some of the finest art galleries in Britain, including The Tate and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.

This relatively short walk between St Ives and Zennor is one of the most challenging sections of the South West Coast Path due to the rocky and sometimes boggy ground, and several steep ascents and descents between the headlands.

The tricky walking is made up for with spectacular coastal views and a feeling of remoteness unlike any other part of the coast path. Transport from Zennor back to St Ives for accommodation is then provided.

More challenging walking awaits today as you journey through Cornwall’s mining landscape, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is littered with stunning rock formations and former tin mines, which soon give way as you make your way to beautiful Cape Cornwall – once thought to be the most westerly point in England before Land’s End stole the accolades.

Your overnight stop of St Just, one mile inland from Cape Cornwall, is an attractive former mining town with some excellent pubs and restaurants.

A couple of star attractions of the South West Coast Path await today – Land’s End and the Minack Theatre. Land’s End is the most westerly point on the English mainland and the closest point to North America. The excellent Wildlife Discovery Centre has telescopes to help you identify local seabirds and wildlife (look out for basking sharks and dolphins), and the view out to the distant Scilly Isles is nothing short of spectacular.

The trail continues alongside attractive cliffs and stacks, including the arch of the Armed Knight, before more wonderful cliff-top walking leads to the amazing open-air Minack Theatre and the picturesque village of Porthcurno. Transport from Porthcurno to Penzance for accommodation is then provided.

Explore the clifftop castle of Treryn Dinas, which was thought to have been occupied as early as the Mesolithic period (9000 – 5500 BC), and the pretty village of Lamorna.

The trail leads you into the picturesque village of Mousehole, which poet Dylan Thomas called “the prettiest village in England”. The last native Cornish speaker, Dolly Pentreath, died here more than 200 years ago.

From Mousehole, the scenery becomes increasingly urban, and a stretch of road walking will take you into the bustling town of Penzance, where you can enjoy views of distant St. Michael’s Mount.

Begin your walk with stunning views of Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount beyond. You will then follow the cliff-top path and enjoy wonderful coastal views, before reaching the turquoise waters of Prussia Cove and your destination of Praa Sands. Transport back to Penzance for accommodation is provided at the end of the day.

From Praa Sands, you will continue around the coast, enjoying the views as the trail traces the outline of the shore forged by the Cornish cliffs below.

Pass Giant’s Rock (a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its unusual composition) and explore the picturesque fishing village of Porthleven.

The stretch from Porthleven to Mullion is generally easy, making for a pleasant end to the day’s walking.

With a shorter walking day ahead, you can afford to take your time to enjoy the stunning scenery you will pass. Scenic coves are dotted along the coastline, some of which you can access from the trail and which make for wonderful sheltered spots for a break or a picnic with a view.

Some challenging walking awaits today with numerous steep climbs and descents, but you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery of the entire South West Coast Path.

A point of geographical extremes, the Lizard Peninsula is home to deserted turquoise coves and golden sands, jagged cliffs, and vibrant wildflowers, all of which you will pass today.

This section of the trail is just above sea level, making for a pleasant change of perspective from the previous cliff-top walking. It begins with a short inland section before once again joining the coastal route at Porthallow, where you’ll find the South West Coast Path halfway marker, showing the 315-mile mid-way point between Minehead and South Haven Point. Gillian Creek is an oasis of shelter and lush greenery after the exposed isolation of the Lizard Peninsula.

At Helford, you will take the ferry (*) across the Helford River, before walking slightly inland to your overnight stop in the pretty village of Mawnan Smith.

* Please note that the ferry operates from April to October. Taxi transfers are included in your package outside this period.

This section features relatively easy hiking, as you cross fields and picturesque clifftop paths leading into Falmouth. At Pendennis Point, enjoy the stunning views back along the coast towards Rosemullion Head.

Pendennis Castle dominates the Point, and from here there’s a final stretch of coastal walking into the attractive port town of Falmouth.

Today’s journey on the South West Coast Path begins slightly differently, with two wonderful ferry journeys across the River Fal to reach the pretty town of St Mawes.

At St Mawes, your walk starts off with generally easy cliff-top walking, boasting wonderful views back towards St Mawes and Falmouth. Some steep ascents and descents lead you to your overnight stop in the charming village of Portloe.

This morning’s climb along dramatic cliff-tops offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs. You are sure to be rewarded with awe-inspiring views. On a clear day, you can see as far as Devon!

Before reaching Mevagissey, you will pass the small village of Gorran Haven, nestled on the coast. On your way. You will also walk past the stunning property of Chapel Point, which featured in Daphne Du Maurier’s novel ‘The House on the Strand’.

From Mevagissey, the trail hugs the coast, leaving the cliffs only to skirt around Sconhoe and Pentewan Beaches. Despite the short distance, this section has plenty of ascent and descent, which makes for a challenging day. Ropehaven Cliffs Nature Reserve is a great place to spot nesting fulmars amongst the trees.

Your destination in Charlestown is home to a lovely Georgian harbour, used in the filming of the period drama, Poldark.

Today’s walk offers some respite from the steep ascents and descents of the previous sections of the trail. A stunning horizon stretches ahead of you as you make your way past sandy coves and into the sheltered estuary of Fowey, where you can end your day with some bird watching.

Before entering Fowey, you may wish to take a small detour to visit St Catherine’s Castle, a small 16th-century artillery fort built by Henry VIII.

This is one of the most exceptional sections of the South West Coast Path, epitomising the combination of isolation and fantastic scenery that the trail is known for. You will begin your day with a short and relaxing ferry journey across the River Fowey.

Whilst the walking that follows is not easy, you will be rewarded for your efforts with truly magnificent views.

A shorter and easier walking day makes this section of the trail popular with walkers and provides an opportunity to explore the lush woodland and rocky coves along the trail. Your destination of Looe has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times and remains a busy fishing port today.

The trail once again climbs up to the cliff-tops and traces their outline, providing fantastically diverse walking all the way down to the traditional fishing village of Crafthole.

Your walk on the South West Coast Path today is a varied one, as you enjoy more stunning coastal walking, pass the ruins of a medieval chapel, and wander through secluded woodlands.

This section ends with fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and a short ferry journey across the River Tamar, into your overnight stop of Plymouth.

Your day begins along the Waterfront Walkway through the historic streets of the largest city on the trail.

From the end of the walkway, the trail offers easy walking close to the sea, past the old naval gunnery school of HMS Cambridge and onto Wembury. 

This section is a mixture of easy, open walking. Some strenuous climbs up and down the coastal slopes are always rewarded with spectacular coastal views.

You will largely follow the Erme Estuary and enjoy views over to Burgh Island as you approach Bigbury-on-Sea. Transport from Bigbury-on-Sea to Modbury for accommodation is then provided.

Today’s walk begins with a ferry crossing (*) across the River Avon to Bantham. From here, the trail offers fairly easy walking past Thurlestone Golf Course until it begins to dip up and down on the way to Hope Cove. 

The following section from Hope Cove to Salcombe is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful sections of the entire 630 miles of the South West Coast Path.

* Please note that the ferry operates from Easter to September. Taxi transfers are included in your package outside this period.

Your walk today begins with another ferry crossing from Salcombe to East Portlemouth. Once over the water, this section of the South West Coast Path is fairly challenging.

The trail crosses high cliffs to Prawle Point, Devon’s southernmost headland, before following the cliff edge to Peartree Cove and on towards Start Point Lighthouse.

Today’s section takes you through a varied and striking landscape. The path traverses through woodland and then, in contrast, passes along steep, grassy slopes leading down to the sea before reaching the beautiful coastal town of Dartmouth.

Another ferry trip awaits you today, as you cross the River Dart. From Kingswear Castle, the trail ventures through a series of valleys, making this section rather challenging but equally rewarding with lovely views throughout.

Today, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Berry Head National Nature Reserve, where you can explore an Iron Age fort, two Napoleonic forts, and a lighthouse.

Your day starts with easy walking along the seafront, past Paignton pier and onto Torquay. Unfortunately, the route today includes long sections of road walking, but there is little alternative for this section.

The trail then follows the headland around past Thatcher Point and onto Hope’s Nose. It then winds its way through densely wooded areas with many steep ascents and descents, before reaching clifftop paths all the way down to Shaldon, where another ferry trip awaits across to the town of Teignmouth.

Enjoy easy walking along the promenade at Teignmouth, leading to a limestone sea wall which you follow round to Dawlish. From Dawlish Warren, the trail then follows the National Trail Cycleway along the main road through Easton, Cockwood and into Starcross.

You will then make a final ferry crossing (*) over the Exe Estuary to Exmouth.

* Please note that the ferry operates from April to October. Taxi transfers are included in your package outside this period.

The South West Coast Path leaves the town along its Esplanade and follows the cliff-tops to Orcombe Point. Here, the Geoneedle, unveiled by Prince Charles in 2002, marks the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Take in the incredible cliffs and red Triassic rocks as you make your way towards the delightful village of Budleigh Salterton. Its mix of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian sea-front houses is a real treat. Ladram Bay awaits you with its impressive red sandstone stacks and caves.

After passing an Iron Age fort and an award-winning park, you will arrive in the bustling seaside resort of Sidmouth.

The path leaves Sidmouth and climbs up to the viewpoint at Salcombe Hill. From here, Dunscombe Cliff awaits, and your efforts are rewarded with marvellous views. Detour slightly to the charming village of Branscombe before emerging at the charming fishing village of Beer with its colourful pebble beach. 

Take time to explore the coves and caves – after all, the men of Beer were known as ‘the kings of smugglers’ in times gone by!

Today you’ll head back to the cliff tops and continue over the Axe Estuary via the Axe Bridge, before the walk takes an interesting turn through the Undercliff National Nature Reserve. This jungle-like woodland stretch offers occasional coastal glimpses and excellent wildlife spotting – keep an eye out for badgers, foxes, and roe deer among the rich flora and fauna.

Emerging from the trees, the final section follows the coastline into the delightful town of Lyme Regis, situated at the heart of the Jurassic Coast and framed by the iconic Cobb harbour.

The South West Coast Path leaves Lyme Regis and initially heads inland, passing what’s left of the largest coastal mudslide in Europe. There is another opportunity for fossil hunting at Charmouth Beach, and from here the path leads to the cliffs towards Golden Cap. This is the highest point on the south coast, and the views are dramatic and impressive.

The path goes inland again along the Brit River valley and into the village of Bridport with its thatched brewery.

After leaving Bridport, the route quickly returns to the coast as you continue onwards to the pretty village of Abbotsbury with its 600-year-old swannery.

A highlight today is the beginnings of Chesil Bank, a 17-mile stretch of shingle and pebbles, and one of the best-known landmarks on this coast. You’ll pass by the picturesque village of Burton Bradstock, known for its spinning mills and thatched cottages.

A varied day of walking today from Abbotsbury, initially heading to woodland before emerging once again on the coast with Fleet Lagoon in view. Pass by the remains of old Fleet Church, almost entirely destroyed by waves during a tempest in 1824.

At 8 miles long, Fleet Lagoon is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the wide variety of wildlife and 150 different species of algae to be found here.

Over the Ferry Bridge, with dramatic views of the Isle of Portland, and onto Weymouth and its fine 18th-century seaside facade, to hopefully catch a spectacular sunset over Fleet Bay and the south coast.

On leaving Weymouth, another famous landmark awaits – Durdle Door, where you can stop and admire how nature has formed this perfect arch.

Today’s walk ends in picturesque Lulworth Cove, one of the prettiest harbours on the south coast.

Be prepared for challenging walking today as you tackle the undulating headlands of the Lulworth Ranges. The spectacular scenery more than makes up for the demanding terrain.

Your walk continues into Kimmeridge Bay with its plentiful fossils, before more climbing takes you to St Aldhelm’s Head and one of the oldest Norman churches in England.

Some classic clifftop walking will lead you to the small village of Worth Matravers, home to one of the quirkiest pubs in England. Transport from Worth Matravers to Kingston for accommodation is then provided.

Your final day on the South West Coast Path will take you past Dancing Ledge, with its small swimming pool cut into the rock by quarrymen at the beginning of the 20th century.

You will then arrive at Durlston Country Park and Castle, where there is a visitor centre for the Jurassic Coast. As you head towards Swanage, there will be spectacular views of the chalk cliffs to Old Harry Rocks and the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

Follow the beach at Studland Bay before arriving at the blue marker celebrating the end of the South West Coast Path at South Haven Point. You can then take the chain ferry across to Sandbanks with its impressive houses and onwards to Poole for the last night of your walk.

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the South West Coast Path.