South West Coast Path
Description
- Length of trail 1,014 km, 630 miles
- Length in days 52 days
- Start of trail Minehead
- End of trail Poole
- Traildino grading MW, Moderate walk, backpacking trail
- Hut tour grading T1, Walk
630 miles, 1014 km, 52 days
National Trail
The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest National Trail. The path includes two UNESCO World Heritage sites; The Jurassic Coast plus the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
With it's 598 miles / 962 kilometers along the South Western edge of England, this National Trail is the classic English coast walk. The trail starts in Minehead, Exmoor, runs south without loosing the sea out of sight, and ends in Poole, Dorset. As long as your legs can bear it, this means endless enjoyment of sea, high cliffs, bizarre beach resorts, huge caravan parks. And do not forget to have a chat with the people on the track, or do practise a little in some crowded pub. If you bring your own tent, you are independent.
Prepare for an abundant encounter with the sea. Old and new villages living from all the sea's has to offer.
The cliffs pose some real danger, so keep an eye on the signs. The endless climbing and descending can make even an hardy walker desperate. And again, and again you will have to cross streams, climb down all the way and climb back on the next hilltop. Keep an eye on the weather too, and cater for warm clothing and good rain gear.
The walk is possible all year round. The storms in autumn and winter hit hard on the coast, however, and will have you forget all your previous bad-weather experiences. Spring is a wonderful time, with many birds and bluebells, not many tourists, and only an occasional storm.
Opinions
Rate
9.0 |
2 votes |
No 1. in United Kingdom
- Oranginas, hiking trails Europe May 2010
- Rate 9
- Positive Well marked paths, with continuously great views at the cliffs, the rocks, the beaches and the highlands. And, at the end of some hikes, arriving at an old port town with the relics of former times…….. The B&B system.
- Negative The food.
- Henk Nouws May 1998
- Rate 9
- Positive Everything. Even these enormous caravan holiday camps were fun. The coast is very rugged in places. Some days it was quiet. Other days storms blew one from the cliffs. Pretty villages and funny resorts.
Map
Links
Facts
- South West Coast Path Association
Keeps track of everything concerning the path. Diversions, accomodation, trail shop.
- Wikipedia on South West Coast Path
Very thorough description. Handy short day-to-day like story.
- Long Dinstance Walkers Association page on South West Coast path
Consise, useful information.
- National Trail description of South West Coast Path
Main things to know about the trail.
- Ramblers Association Path Information
Consise information.
- Ramblers | S | South West Coast Path National Trail
- South West Coast Path National Trail - LDWA Long Distance Paths
- The official guide to the South West Coast Path
National Trail Website dedicated to South West Coast Path.
- South West Coast Path on AboutBritain.com
Reports
- Oranginas - Walking and hiking trails Europe
Walking hiking trails Greece Czech Republic, Poland, Slowakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Italy, Tuscany, Sardinia, France, Corsica, Basque Countrie, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Denmark, and more ...
- South West Coast Path - The Only way is Up! A walk through the Bluebell Woods from Peppercombe to Bucks Mills
Lots of pictures, give you the feeling of diving into the real thing.
- Chuck and Gwen Koehler's 2006 South West Coast Path Journal
Two Americans in England, hiking the South West Coast Path, and here is there journal from journals.com.
- Explore the South West Coast Path
A veritable digital mine. The presentation is a bit awkward, but browse on, and you'll find every stretch of the coast path described and photographed.
- Log of Jenneke and Eric (Dutch)
..who walked parts of the path in 2007
- Maria's European Hiking Tour Start
Your spoilt for choice for accommodation in Paignton. There is a large range of hotels available in the area to suit all tastes and budgets. There is also a good range of self catering accommodation in the area, especially towards Goodrington and Broadsands.
- South West Coast Path
This happy story is from 1998.
- South West Coast Path
This report has some nice gallery's.
- South West Coast Path, July 2003
This is where Pete Lockey got addicted to walking, just to help his knees recover from hiking.
- The South West Coast Path
David Cotton gives you the full details of the SWCP.
- Walking the South West Coast Path in Devon and Dorset
With Peter's complete picture series, you can save yourselve the trouble of going there.
- Extreme rambling: the South West Coast Path
Some impressions from the trail
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2013
Netherlands
2013
- Wandelgids The South West Coast Path National Trail Guide: Exmouth to Poole | Aurum Press |
- Goede beschrijving van een deel van het beroemde South West Coast path in Cornwall. Men heeft gebruik gemaakt van zeer gedetailleerde kaarten van Ordnance Survey. The South West Coast Path is the spectacular 630-mile (1008-km) National Trail around the westmost tip of Britain. This volume covers the fourth and final section, 116 miles (186km)... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- South West Coast Path: Exmouth to Poole
- National Trail Guide Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2013
Netherlands
2013
- Wandelgids The South West Coast Path National Trail Guide: Minehead to Padstow | Aurum Press |
- Goede beschrijving van een deel van het beroemde South West Coast path in Cornwall. Men heeft gebruik gemaakt van zeer gedetailleerde kaarten van Ordnance Survey. Part one of the official four-part series covering Britain´s longest National Trail in detail. Contains easy to follow Ordnance Survey mapping for individual sections, detailed... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- South West Coast Path: Minehead to Padstow
- National Trail Guide Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- South West Coast Path: Padstow to Falmouth
- The second part of the South West Coast Path, a 169-km/271 mile section along the Cornish coast from Padstow to Falmouth, in a series of walking guides to the National Trails in England and Wales with colour extracts from the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series at 1:25,000 showing points along the route cross-referenced to the text. The maps also... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2013
Netherlands
2013
- Wandelgids The South West Coast Path National Trail Guide: Padstow to Falmouth | Aurum Press |
- Goede beschrijving van een deel van het beroemde South West Coast path in Cornwall. Men heeft gebruik gemaakt van zeer gedetailleerde kaarten van Ordnance Survey. Part two of the official four-part series covering Britain´s longest National Trail in detail. Contains easy to follow Ordnance Survey mapping for individual sections, detailed... Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- South West Coast Path: Padstow to Falmouth
- National Trail Guide Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2012
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids The South West Coast Path Guide 2012 | SWCP association |
- > The 2012 annual guide has been completely re-designed and is now in full colour. The book is 196 pages and contains everything a walker needs to know to walk the whole 630 miles, and includes comprehensive accommodation; a trail description of the trail; suggested itineraries; river crossings; tide tables; local bus details and train... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2012
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids The South West Coast PAth | Cicerone | Paddy Dillon
- Goede wandelgids van het langste gemarkeerde wandelpad van Groot Brittanië; 1015 km! Uit de bekende Cicerone serie, dus met mooie foto´s en duidelijke routebeschrijvingen en kaartjes. The South West Coast Path is Britain´s longest way-marked trail, measuring a staggering 1015km (630 miles). Written by the well-known outdoor writer, Paddy... Read more
- Also available from:
- eBooks.de, Germany
- Cicerone Press , United Kingdom
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
eBooks.de
Germany
2012
Germany
2012
- Dillon, Paddy: The South West Coast Path
- From Minehead to South Haven Point. 1st edition. Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2012
United Kingdom
2012
- The South West Coast Path
- A handy guidebook for anyone planning to walk the South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for a staggering 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this remarkable and varied long distance coastal walk could be completed within four weeks. Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2012
United Kingdom
2012
- The South West Coast Path
- From Minehead to South Haven Point Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2012
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids Cornwall Coast Path | Trailblazer | Edith Schofield
- This fully revised new edition has now been considerably expanded to cover the full length of the Cornwall coast, 280 miles. This second part of the South West Coast Path around the south-western tip of Britain, includes some of the best coastal walking in Europe. With constantly changing scenery, the footpath takes in secluded coves, tiny... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2012
United Kingdom
2012
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2011
United Kingdom
2011
- South West Coast Path - Falmouth to Exmouth
- National Trail Guide Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2011
Netherlands
2011
- Wandelgids The South West Coast Path National Trail Guide: Falmouth to Exmouth | Aurum Press |
- Goede beschrijving van een deel van het beroemde South West Coast path in Cornwall. Men heeft gebruik gemaakt van zeer gedetailleerde kaarten van Ordnance Survey. The South West Coast Path is the spectacular 630-mile (1008-km) National Trail around the westmost tip of Britain. This volume features the 172-mile (277-km) section of the Path... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2011
United Kingdom
2011
- South West Coast Path: Falmouth to Exmouth
- The third part of the South West Coast Path, a 277-km/172 mile section from Falmouth in Cornwall to Exmouth in Devon, in a series of walking guides to the National Trails in England and Wales with colour extracts from the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series at 1:25,000 showing points along the route cross-referenced to the text. The maps also... Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2009
United Kingdom
2009
- The National Trails
- This inspirational guidebook looks at each of the UK's 19 National Trails. Presenting the information in a way that allows ease of comparison and contrast, with practical details to help you plan your walk. Some Trails are short and easy, others much longer, many have strong themes - they may follow a coastline, or traverse ranges of hills. Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2009
United Kingdom
2009
- The National Trails
- Complete Guide to Britain's National Trails Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2009
Netherlands
2009
- Wandelgids the National Trails - Great British Walks - Engeland, Wales en Schotland| Cicerone |
- Guidebook to Britain´s National Trails - 19 long-distance walking routes through England, Wales and Scotland, describing what makes each of them so special and providing the practical information to help you plan your route. A definitive reference to the best of British walking. England South West Coast Path South Downs Way North Downs Way The... Read more
The Book Depository
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- A Boot Up The South West Coast Path
- North Cornwall and Hartland Read more
Maps
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- South West Coast Path: Padstow to Falmouth
- The second part of the South West Coast Path, a 169-km/271 mile section along the Cornish coast from Padstow to Falmouth, in a series of walking guides to the National Trails in England and Wales with colour extracts from the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series at 1:25,000 showing points along the route cross-referenced to the text. The maps also... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2011
United Kingdom
2011
- South West Coast Path: Falmouth to Exmouth
- The third part of the South West Coast Path, a 277-km/172 mile section from Falmouth in Cornwall to Exmouth in Devon, in a series of walking guides to the National Trails in England and Wales with colour extracts from the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series at 1:25,000 showing points along the route cross-referenced to the text. The maps also... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Truro & Falmouth
- Map sheet number 204 in the OS Landranger map series is the perfect map for planning a trip to Truro, Falmouth and the Roseland Peninsula. The area boasts great scenery, including Falmouth Bay which is reputedly the third largest natural harbour in the world. Highlights of the area include:- Truro Cathedral- The Lost Gardens of Heligan-... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
.jpg)
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Engeland Landranger 204 Truro & Falmouth, Roseland Peninsula | Ordnance Survey |
- Zeer goede detailkaart met topografische ondergrond. Hierop zijn toeristische symbolen van bezienswaardigheden ingetekend, daarnaast staan bijvoorbeeld campings en jeugdherbergen vermeld en - voor wandelaars het belangrijkst - alle right of way paden en Lange afstands Wandelpaden zijn er op te vinden. De ideale kaart voor het wandelen in... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Exmoor
- Map sheet number OL9 in the Explorer map series is the perfect walking companion for those wishing to experience the beauty of Exmoor. Exmoor national park has1000km of footpaths and bridleways, meandering through woodlands, by rivers and on open heather covered moorland. Walkers, cyclists and runners alike will love the variety of terrain and... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- 09 Topografische kaart en Wandelkaart Exmoor OLM 09 | Ordnance Survey |
- Een van de beste detailkaarten die er op de wereld gemaakt worden: zeer gedetailleerd, prachtig helder kleurgebruik, veel topografische aspecten en - zeer belangrijk - allerlei toeristische en recreatieve aspecten zijn ingetekend. De perfecte kaart voor vakantie en vrije tijd: wandelen, fietsen of gewoon de omgeving verkennen. Door de grootte... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Falmouth & Mevagissey
- Map sheet number 105 in the OS Explorer map series is the ideal map for walks, hikes and rides around Falmouth, Mevagissey, Truro and St Mawes. The South West Coast Path is an ideal way to explore the coastline in this part of Cornwall.Highlights of the area include:- Pendennis Point- Lost Gardens of Heligan- Mevagissey- Falmouth Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
.jpg)
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- 105 Wandelkaart - topografische kaart Falmouth & Mevagissey - Explorer 105 | Ordnance Survey |
- Met zijn 4cm voor 1 km (2 ½ cm voor 1 mijl) schaal, is de OS Explorer kaartenserie de ideale en meest gedetailleerde kaartenreeks voor mensen die graag outdoor-activiteiten zoals fietsen, wandelen, paardrijden, klimmen en watersporten. Deze kaart is nog gedetailleerder dan de ´gewone´ Landranger maps. Voor- en achterzijde bedrukt! Zeker op de... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Exmoor
- OS Explorer Map - Active is a new encapsulated product that is tough, durable and weatherproof. The maps are covered in a protective plastic coating that can be written on, so your favourite routes can be easily highlighted. They are also lightweight and compact; just right for the active map user. Highlights include: Barnstaple, Wimbleball... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Falmouth & Mevagissey
- Map sheet number 105 in the OS Explorer map series is the ideal map for walks, hikes and rides around Falmouth, Mevagissey, Truro and St Mawes. The South West Coast Path is an ideal way to explore the coastline in this part of Cornwall.Highlights of the area include:- Pendennis Point- Lost Gardens of Heligan- Mevagissey- Falmouth Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South Devon
- This laminated waterproof edition of the OS Explorer map sheet OL20 of South Devon contains the same information as our standard map. Covered with a durable lightweight protective plastic coating and ideal for wet weather conditions, it can also be written on with washable ink, making it simple to highlight your favourite routes and then wipe... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Truro & Falmouth
- Map sheet number 204 in the OS Landranger map series is the perfect map for planning a trip to Truro, Falmouth and the Roseland Peninsula. The area boasts great scenery, including Falmouth Bay which is reputedly the third largest natural harbour in the world. Highlights of the area include:- Truro Cathedral- The Lost Gardens of Heligan-... Read more
Ordnance Survey
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Exeter & Sidmouth
- OS Landranger Map - Active is a new encapsulated product that is tough, durable and weatherproof. The maps are covered in a protective plastic coating that can be written on, so your favourite routes can be easily highlighted. They are also lightweight and compact; just right for the active map user. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Exeter and Sidmouth OS ACTIVE Map
- Map No. 192, Exeter and Sidmouth, in the waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of the Ordnance Survey Landranger series at 1:50,000, including Exmouth, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton, Ottery St. Mary, Honiton, Little Silver, Willand, Blackborough, Yarcombe, Upottery, Bickleigh, Cullompton, Luppitt, Stockland,... Read more
Walking holidays
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Exmouth to Lyme Regis
- Walking holiday from Exmouth to Lyme Regis along the South West Coast Path. This section of the South West Coast Path is one of contrasts - from red sandstone, to lush green countryside to white chalky cliffs. Explore the varied coastline and enjoy a geological walk through time as you take in part of the Word Heritage Site - the Jurassic... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Westward Ho! to Padstow
- Walking holiday from Westward Ho! to Padstow on the Atlantic Coast. This 79 mile stretch of the South West Coast Path takes in the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Reserve and the rough and rugged beauty of Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast. This section of the South West Coast path from the wonderfully... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Penzance to Falmouth
- A walking holiday on the South West Coast Path from Penzance to Falmouth. Starting in the bustling seaside town of Penzance, this less travelled section of the South West Coast Path stretches round the remote and wild Lizard Peninsular. The trail follows rugged cliff tops taking you past deserted coves and whitewashed cottages. Feast your... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Minehead to Westward Ho!
- Walking holiday from Minehead to Westward Ho! on the South West Coast Path. The varied coastline between Minehead and Westward Ho! is the first stretch of the South West Coast Path which offers some spectacular walking and incorporates the highest coastline in Britain. The walk starts in the small coastal town of Minehead, famous for its... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Lyme Regis to Poole
- Walking Holiday from Lyme Regis to Poole along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coastline from Lyme Regis to Poole is a unique stretch of the South West Coast Path which offers some spectacular walking. Gaining World Heritage Status in 2001, the area has a fascinating history dating back millions of years. Search for traces of... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Plymouth to Brixham
- Self-guided walking holidays on the South West Coast Path from Plymouth to Brixham. Taking in exposed headlands and coves, golden beaches, stunning harbours and fishing ports , you will enjoy seven days of spectacular and sometimes challenging cliff top and trail walking. Your journey starts in the bustling city of Plymouth, rich in Britain's... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Padstow to St Ives
- Walking holiday from Padstow to St Ives on the Cornwall Coast Path. Stretching between the fishing villages of Padstow and St Ives, the Atlantic South Coast of the Cornwall Coast Path is one of the best sections of the 630 mile South West Coast Path. Smell the crashing Atlantic rollers, taste freshly caught fish and chips and eat up the cliff... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - St Ives to Penzance
- Self-Guided Walking Holiday on the South West Coastal Path from St Ives to Penzance. St Ives to Penzance is the most remote section of the South West Coast Path so be prepared for some exhilarating walking! Its rugged path hugs the coastline on its way down to Lands End which is the most westerly tip of the UK. The beauty of the area is hard to... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path - Falmouth to Plymouth
- Self-guided walking holidays on the South West Coast Path from Falmouth to Plymouth. The varied coastline between Falmouth and Plymouth encapsulates the best of what South Cornwall has to offer. Everything from medieval castles and dramatic coastlines to colourful harbours and quint unspoilt fishing villages. The warm climate of the South of... Read more