Discover 630 Miles of Stunning Coastal Walking

The South West Coast Path offers some of Britain’s most spectacular coastal scenery and should be on every walker’s bucket list.

Stretching 630 miles along the breathtaking south-west coast of England, the trail is packed with awe-inspiring scenery, picture-perfect fishing villages, rich local heritage and incredible sandy beaches – from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole in Dorset.

Minehead to Westward Ho!

88 MILES / 142 KM

The first stage of the South West Coast Path begins in Minehead in Somerset and travels along the unspoiled coastline to Westward Ho! The route passes incredible natural wonders such as Braunton Burrows, at the heart of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and spectacular Valley of the Rocks, renowned for its impressive geology and Exmoor ponies.

Westward Ho! to Padstow

78 MILES / 126 KM

This section of the South West Coast Path runs from Westward Ho! in Devon to Padstow on the north coast of Cornwall, stretching along dramatic cliffs and valleys carved by the wild Atlantic Ocean. Considered one of the most challenging sections of the entire trail, the path is steep and undulating but offers wonderful views of the magnificent coastline.

Padstow to Penzance

107.5 MILES / 172 KM

The stretch of the South West Coast Path between Padstow and Penzance is considered one of the finest sections of the entire trail, and offers some of the best coastal walking in the British Isles. Highlights including Land’s End, the Minack Theatre, and the artists’ town of St Ives. Breathtaking headlands and pristine sandy beaches make this a truly unmissable experience.

Penzance to Falmouth

63.5 MILES / 100.5 KM

The section of the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Falmouth covers a variety of landscapes, from the magnificent approach to St Michael’s Mount to the tranquil Lizard Peninsula. Every day offers a different adventure with remarkable contrasts as you walk past golden beaches, through lush woodlands and along dramatic clifftops.

Falmouth to Plymouth

77 MILES / 122.5 KM

This delightful section on the southern edge of the South West Coast Path begins in the foodie town of Falmouth in Cornwall and runs to the maritime city of Plymouth in Devon, taking in idyllic harbour towns such as Polperro and Mevagissey. Indulge in fresh Cornish seafood as you venture through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Plymouth to Exmouth

101.5 MILES / 164 KM

This stretch of the South West Coast Path passes through dramatic headlands, steep coastal valleys and bustling seaside towns as it winds it way from Plymouth to Exmouth along the captivating coastline of south Devon. The route traverses one of the most spectacular sections of the entire trail from Hope Cove to Salcombe and visits a number of traditional seaside resorts.

Exmouth to Lyme Regis

30 MILES / 48 KM

The section of the South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Lyme Regis takes in part of the Jurassic Coast – England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastline is renowned for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, wildlife and coastal villages. It begins at the iconic red rocks of Exmouth and travels along a varied coastline to Lyme Regis in Dorset.

Lyme Regis to Poole

75 MILES / 120 KM

The final section of the South West Coast Path offers wonderful coastal walking with sweeping panoramic views and towering white cliffs. Travelling from the ‘Pearl of the Dorset Coast’ – Lyme Regis – to the vibrant town of Poole, the trail explores the incredible Jurassic Coast and takes in natural wonders such as the famous limestone archway of Durdle Door.

South West Coast Path Route

South West Coast Path Blogs

Our team are passionate about the great outdoors and are constantly seeking new discoveries. Read about our adventures on the South West Coast Path in our blog posts below.

The Ultimate Guide to Walking the South West Coast Path

How long is the South West Coast Path? How hard is it? Which is the best section? Read on to find out all you need to know about walking this wonderful long-distance trail ... Read more

Read more
Walkers on the South West Coast Path

A Hike Through North Devon on the South West Coast Path

The epic South West Coast Path officially begins in Minehead in Somerset, with the first 88 miles venturing through Exmoor National Park and over the highest coastline in England to Westward Ho! CJ from the Absolute Escapes team set off to hike this demanding but spectacularly beautiful stretch of England's coastline ... Read more

Read more
Sunset over Porlock Bay, Exmoor

Hiking England’s Most Jaw-Dropping Coastline

The section of the South West Coast Path from Westward Ho! to Padstow offers staggering scenery and idyllic villages away from the crowds. Caitlin from the Absolute Escapes team continued her South West Coast Path love affair with a hike from north Devon into Cornwall ... Read more

Read more
Caitlin from Absolute Escapes walking from Bude to Boscastle

A South West Coast Path Adventure from Padstow to Penzance

In a country full of epic walking trails, the longest of them all - the South West Coast Path - runs for 631 miles along the amazing coastline of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The section between Padstow and Penzance offers one of the most incredible stretches of coastal walking anywhere in the British Isles, as well as taking in St Ives, Land's End, and the unbelievable Minack Theatre. Scott from the Absolute Escapes laced up his walking boots to check it out ... Read more

Read more
Scott from Absolute Escapes at the Minack Theatre

South West Coast Path: Walking Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula

Sandy beaches, hidden coves, cliff-top paths and idyllic fishing villages - the stretch of the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Falmouth offers a staggering variety of landscapes. Megan from the Absolute Escapes team set off on a walking holiday through the isolated beauty of Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula ... Megan from the Absolute Escapes team set off on a walking holiday through the isolated beauty of Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula ... Read more

Read more
Megan from the Absolute Escapes team walking to Falmouth

Cornish Charm: A Walking Holiday from Falmouth to Plymouth

Megan from the Absolute Escapes team continues her journey on the South West Coast Path from Falmouth to Plymouth. This section begins in the foodie hub of Falmouth before stretching for 77 miles through wonderful coastal scenery and lovely fishing villages. Visit picturesque Portloe and historic Charlestown, which features in the TV series Poldark ... Read more

Read more
Megan from Absolute Escapes walking towards Rame Head

Discovering the South West Coast Path from Plymouth to Exmouth

Starting in the maritime city of Plymouth, this section of the SWCP walking trail ventures over incredible cliff tops, down deep coves, and through tranquil fishing villages on the way to Exmouth - one of the oldest seaside towns in England. Join Fern from the Absolute Escapes team on a hike along the stunning south coast of Devon. Read more

Read more
Fern from Absolute Escapes on a ferry from Salcombe

Walking Back in Time on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is one of the most popular stretches of the South West Coast Path, with 185 million years of Earth’s history embedded within the dramatic cliffs, caves, and coves. Discover some of the treasures you can see along the way. Read more

Read more
Corfe Castle in Dorset, South West Coast Path.