UK — Exeter
The South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail, a 1014km coastal traverse of dramatic maritime landscapes from Somerset to Dorset. This demanding, 8-10 week walk offers a diverse experience through Devon and Cornwall's rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and heather-clad moorland. Expect varied terrain, from sandy beaches to steep ascents, with breathtaking panoramas at every turn.
Distance: 1014.0 km
Elevation Gain: 35000 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 8-10 weeks
The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is the longest of England's National Trails, stretching a formidable 1,014 kilometres from the Somerset town of Minehead to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset. This is not merely a walk; it is a monumental journey through some of the most diverse and dramatic maritime landscapes in Europe. Traversing the entire coastlines of Devon and Cornwall, as well as parts of Somerset and Dorset, the path offers an immersive experience into the geological history of the Earth, from the ancient red sandstones of Exmoor to the Jurassic fossils of the eastern reaches. With a total elevation gain of approximately 35,000 metres—equivalent to climbing Mount Everest nearly four times—the SWCP is a world-class thru-hiking challenge that tests the endurance of even the most seasoned walkers while rewarding them with unparalleled coastal vistas, hidden coves, and historic fishing villages.
The South West Coast Path is a masterclass in coastal topography. It follows the undulating edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, providing a front-row seat to the raw power of the sea. The trail is characterised by its "rollercoaster" nature; walkers rarely find a flat stretch of path for long. Instead, the route consists of a relentless series of steep descents into wooded "mouths" or "combes" followed by immediate, lung-busting climbs back onto the cliff tops. This constant change in elevation is what gives the path its legendary difficulty rating, far exceeding what the modest maximum height of 244 metres might suggest.
The journey is divided into several distinct geographical regions, each with its own unique character. The North Devon and Somerset section features the highest cliffs in England, where the moorland of Exmoor meets the sea in a dramatic wall of rock. Moving into North Cornwall, the landscape becomes more rugged and exposed, with jagged slate cliffs and world-famous surfing beaches like Bude and Newquay. The far west of Cornwall, around Land's End and the Lizard Peninsula, offers a wild, granite-hewn landscape where the Atlantic swell is at its most ferocious. The South Coast of Cornwall and Devon provides a softer, more sheltered environment with deep-water estuaries, subtropical gardens, and historic naval ports like Plymouth and Dartmouth. Finally, the trail concludes along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, a UNESCO World Heritage site where 185 million years of geological history are exposed in the crumbling limestone and chalk cliffs.
Walking the SWCP is as much a cultural journey as a physical one. The path passes through dozens of quintessential English villages where life has revolved around the sea for centuries. From the narrow, cobbled streets of Clovelly to the artistic enclave of St Ives and the bustling harbour of Brixham, the trail connects the dots of England's maritime heritage. Whether you are seeking the solitude of a remote cliff-top or the warmth of a traditional pub at the end of a long day, the South West Coast Path delivers an experience that is both humbling and deeply life-affirming.
The origins of the South West Coast Path are rooted in the necessity of law enforcement rather than recreation. Much of the current route was originally created by the Coastguard to facilitate the patrolling of the shoreline to catch smugglers. In the 18th and 19th centuries, smuggling was a major industry in the South West, with tea, brandy, and silk being brought ashore in remote coves to avoid heavy government taxes. The Coastguards needed a path that followed the very edge of the cliffs, providing a clear view into every hidden bay and inlet. This explains why the path often hugs the cliff edge so closely, even when a more direct route inland might have been easier to construct.
As the threat of smuggling diminished, the paths remained, used by local fishermen and villagers. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that the idea of a continuous long-distance trail for walkers began to take shape. The South West Coast Path was officially designated as a National Trail in 1978, though it took many more years to negotiate access and link all the various sections together. Today, the path is managed by the South West Coast Path Association in partnership with the National Trust, Natural England, and local authorities.
The cultural impact of the path is immense. It has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets. From the "Wessex" of Thomas Hardy in Dorset to the haunting landscapes of Daphne du Maurier in Cornwall, the coast has long been a muse for the British creative imagination. The path also passes through areas of significant industrial heritage, including the Cornish Mining World Heritage site, where the iconic engine houses of tin and copper mines still stand as sentinels on the cliffs, reminding walkers of the region's hardworking past.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The South West of England enjoys a maritime climate, which means it is generally milder than the rest of the UK, but also significantly wetter and windier. The weather can change with startling speed; a morning of brilliant sunshine can easily transition into a misty afternoon with horizontal rain and gale-force winds.
Spring (March to May): This is arguably the most beautiful time to walk. The cliff tops are carpeted in wildflowers, including sea pinks (thrift), gorse, and bluebells. Birdlife is at its most active, with puffins, razorbills, and guillemots returning to the cliffs to breed. The weather is often crisp and clear, though the ground can still be muddy from winter rains.
Summer (June to August): The most popular time for walking. The days are long, with twilight lasting until nearly 10:00 PM in June. The sea is at its warmest for those brave enough to swim, and all seasonal ferries and amenities are fully operational. However, the path can be crowded in popular areas, and accommodation must be booked months in advance. Heatwaves can occur, making the steep climbs particularly taxing.
Autumn (September to November): September is often the "golden month," offering settled weather, fewer crowds, and warm seas. As autumn progresses, the landscape turns to shades of ochre and gold. This is a prime time for spotting grey seals and their pups in the secluded coves of North Cornwall and Devon. However, the risk of Atlantic storms increases significantly from October onwards.
Winter (December to February): Only recommended for experienced, well-equipped walkers. The path can be extremely muddy and slippery, and short daylight hours limit the distance that can be covered. Many seasonal ferries and cafes close during this period. However, for those who enjoy the raw power of the ocean, winter storm-watching on the SWCP is a spectacular experience.
Week 1: Minehead to Westward Ho! (The Exmoor & North Devon Coast)
Week 2: Westward Ho! to Padstow (The Rugged North Coast)
Week 3: Padstow to St Ives (The Surfing Coast)
Week 4: St Ives to Falmouth (The Far West & The Lizard)
Week 5: Falmouth to Plymouth (South Cornwall's Hidden Coast)
Week 6: Plymouth to Exmouth (The South Devon Riviera)
Week 7: Exmouth to Weymouth (The Western Jurassic Coast)
Week 8: Weymouth to Poole (The Eastern Jurassic Coast)
Important Notes:
Planning a full thru-hike of the South West Coast Path requires significant logistical coordination. Unlike many mountain trails, the SWCP passes through or near towns almost daily, meaning you do not need to carry weeks of food. However, the sheer length of the trail means that physical preparation is paramount. You should be comfortable walking 20–25 kilometres per day with a loaded pack over hilly terrain. Training should focus on repetitive ascent and descent to condition the knees and calves.
Logistically, you must decide whether to walk the path in one go or in sections. For a thru-hike, Minehead is the traditional starting point, accessible via train to Taunton and then a bus (No. 28). The finish at South Haven Point is a short ferry ride from Sandbanks, which has bus links to Bournemouth and Poole railway stations. If you are not carrying your own gear, several luggage transfer services operate along the entire length of the path, moving your bags from one accommodation to the next for a fee.
The South West Coast Path offers a wide variety of accommodation, but availability varies significantly by region and season. Because the path is a National Trail and not a wilderness route, there are no "huts" in the alpine sense. Instead, walkers rely on commercial accommodation.
Accommodation Types:
Booking Requirements: During July and August, booking accommodation weeks or even months in advance is essential. In the shoulder seasons, you may have more flexibility, but popular villages like Clovelly, St Ives, and Padstow always fill up quickly.
One of the great advantages of the South West Coast Path is that no permits or fees are required to walk the trail itself. As a National Trail, it is a public right of way, open to everyone at no cost. However, there are several logistical "costs of entry" that walkers must plan for.
Ferry Costs: The path crosses numerous rivers and estuaries. While some have bridges, many rely on small passenger ferries. These typically cost between £3 and £10 per crossing. Key ferries include the Karrek Dhu (Padstow), the King Harry Ferry (River Fal), the Dartmouth Lower Ferry, and the Sandbanks Ferry (Poole). Most operate seasonally (April to October), so winter walkers must plan for significant inland detours.
Lulworth Ranges: A section of the path in Dorset passes through the Lulworth Ranges, a military firing range. This section is only open at weekends and during major public holidays. If the range is closed, a long inland detour is required. Always check the "Lulworth Ranges firing times" online before reaching Weymouth.
National Trust Parking: If you are doing day hikes and driving to trailheads, parking can be expensive. Many coastal car parks are owned by the National Trust. Membership (£80–£90 per year) provides free parking at these sites and is often more cost-effective than paying daily fees for a multi-week trip.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the South West Coast Path (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the South West Coast Path, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The South West is England's premier holiday destination, offering a wealth of activities to complement your walk:
Cliff Safety: The most significant danger on the SWCP is the cliff edge. Coastal erosion is a constant process, and cliff falls can occur at any time, especially after heavy rain. Always stay on the marked path, never climb over fences, and keep dogs on short leads. Do not stand near the edge to take photographs, as the ground can be undercut and unstable.
Tides: Several sections of the path involve crossing beaches or tidal estuaries. The River Erme and River Yealm in South Devon are famous for requiring low-tide crossings (wading). Attempting these at high tide is dangerous. Always carry a tide table or check the "tide times" for the local area daily.
Weather and Exposure: On the high, exposed cliffs of North Devon and Cornwall, wind speeds can be significantly higher than inland. In gale-force winds, it is safer to take an inland route. Heat exhaustion is also a risk in summer, as there is very little shade on the cliff tops. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person.
Livestock: The path frequently passes through fields with cattle and sheep. Always close gates behind you. If walking with a dog, keep it under close control. If cattle approach you aggressively, let your dog off the lead so it can run away, and move calmly to the nearest exit.
Emergency Services: In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Because mobile signal can be patchy in remote coves, it is wise to tell someone your planned route and expected arrival time each day.
Lundy Island: Located 19 km off the North Devon coast, Lundy is a granite outcrop famous for its puffins, seals, and unique flora. A day trip via the MS Oldenburg from Ilfracombe or Bideford is a fantastic addition to the Week 1 itinerary.
Tintagel Castle: While the path passes right by it, taking 2–3 hours to explore the ruins and the spectacular new footbridge is essential. The site is managed by English Heritage and offers incredible views of the "Island" and Merlin's Cave below.
The Lizard Wireless Station: Located at Bass Point, this is where Guglielmo Marconi conducted his pioneering radio experiments. It is a fascinating stop for those interested in the history of technology.
Chapman's Pool: A remote and beautiful cove in Dorset, accessible via a steep side path from the main trail. It is much quieter than Lulworth Cove and offers a sense of true coastal isolation.
The South West Coast Path Markers: Look out for the various "halfway" and "finish" markers. The official halfway point is at Reach Brake, near Porthallow in Cornwall, marked by a large stone monument. The finish at South Haven Point features a beautiful bronze sculpture of the path's various landscapes.
The South West Coast Path passes through numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), National Parks, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The ecosystem of the maritime turf and cliff-top heathland is extremely fragile and easily damaged by foot traffic and litter.
Your responsibility as a walker:
