South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is the longest National Trail in the UK, stretching for 630 miles (1,014 km) along the stunning coastline of England’s southwest. The path offers a diverse and dramatic walking experience, passing through four counties—Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset—and showcasing some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country. From rugged cliffs and secluded coves to sandy beaches and historic fishing villages, the South West Coast Path is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Facts:

  • Length: 630 miles (1,014 km)
  • Start and End Points: The trail starts in Minehead in Somerset and ends at Poole Harbour in Dorset.
  • Designated: The South West Coast Path was designated as a National Trail in 1978.

Route Overview:

The South West Coast Path takes walkers on a journey through an incredibly varied landscape of coastal cliffs, beaches, harbors, and heathland. The trail includes significant elevation changes, making it a challenging walk with some steep ascents and descents, but it rewards with breathtaking views, historic sites, and an abundance of wildlife.

Main Sections of the South West Coast Path:

1. Somerset Coast (Minehead to Combe Martin):

  • Distance: 53 miles (85 km)
  • Highlights:
    • Minehead: The official starting point of the trail, marked by a sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map.
    • Exmoor National Park: Walkers enjoy dramatic cliff-top walking with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
    • Culbone Church: England’s smallest church, nestled in a remote wooded valley.

2. North Devon (Combe Martin to Hartland Quay):

  • Distance: 80 miles (128 km)
  • Highlights:
    • Ilfracombe: A popular seaside town and gateway to the rugged North Devon coastline.
    • Clovelly: A picturesque, historic fishing village known for its steep cobbled streets and traditional whitewashed cottages.
    • Hartland Quay: Wild and dramatic cliffs, with spectacular geology and crashing waves.

3. Cornwall (Hartland Quay to Plymouth):

  • Distance: 300 miles (482 km)
  • Highlights:
    • Tintagel Castle: The legendary birthplace of King Arthur, perched dramatically on the cliffs.
    • St Ives: A beautiful harbor town known for its art scene, sandy beaches, and clear waters.
    • Land’s End: The most westerly point of mainland England, offering sweeping ocean views and a sense of accomplishment for reaching this iconic landmark.
    • Lizard Point: The southernmost tip of mainland Britain, known for its wild beauty and unique wildlife.

4. South Devon (Plymouth to Lyme Regis):

  • Distance: 115 miles (185 km)
  • Highlights:
    • Salcombe: A charming seaside town with sandy beaches and scenic estuaries.
    • Dartmouth: A historic naval town on the banks of the River Dart, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning coastal views.
    • Start Point: A dramatic headland with views over the rocky coastline.

5. Dorset (Lyme Regis to Poole Harbour):

  • Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
  • Highlights:
    • Jurassic Coast: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its fossil-rich cliffs and geological formations such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
    • Old Harry Rocks: Spectacular chalk sea stacks marking the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast.
    • Poole Harbour: The second-largest natural harbor in the world, and the official end of the South West Coast Path.

Highlights:

  • Diverse Landscapes: The South West Coast Path offers a mix of dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, peaceful estuaries, and rolling hills. The route passes through picturesque harbors, wild headlands, and tranquil woodlands.
  • Historic Sites: Along the trail, walkers encounter ancient tin mines, Iron Age forts, medieval castles (such as Tintagel), and historic fishing villages, providing a deep sense of connection to the region’s rich history.
  • Wildlife: The path is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to see seals, dolphins, seabirds, and wildflowers, as well as rare plant species on the cliff-tops and in the heaths.

Terrain and Difficulty:

  • Challenging: The South West Coast Path is known for its strenuous ascents and descents, as it follows the rugged contours of the coastline. Some sections are very steep and require good physical fitness. However, the path is well-maintained and signposted.
  • Total Elevation: Walkers on the South West Coast Path ascend and descend a total of approximately 115,000 feet (35,000 meters) over the entire trail, equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times.

Walking Duration:

  • Full Route: It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to walk the entire trail from Minehead to Poole Harbour, depending on pace, fitness, and weather conditions.
  • Short Sections: Many people choose to walk smaller sections of the trail, taking advantage of the many access points and coastal towns to do day walks or multi-day hikes.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring and Summer: The most popular times to walk the South West Coast Path are from late spring to early autumn (April to September), when the weather is milder, and the wildflowers are in bloom. Summer also brings long daylight hours, although some areas may be busy with tourists.
  • Autumn: Offers quieter paths and beautiful autumnal colors, with slightly cooler temperatures, making it ideal for walking.
  • Winter: The path can be walked year-round, but winter storms and wet weather can make some sections more challenging, especially on exposed cliffs.

Accessibility:

  • Public Transport: The trail is well-served by public transport, with train stations and bus routes connecting many of the towns and villages along the coast. This makes it easy to plan day walks or split the route into manageable sections.
  • Accommodation: There is a wide range of accommodation available, including B&Bs, hotels, campsites, and hostels, particularly in popular coastal towns like St Ives, Penzance, and Lyme Regis.

Popular Short Walks on the South West Coast Path:

  • Lizard Point Circular Walk: A 7-mile (11 km) walk around the southernmost tip of mainland Britain, with stunning coastal views.
  • Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove: A 2.5-mile (4 km) section along the Jurassic Coast, passing iconic rock formations.
  • Bude to Crackington Haven: A 10-mile (16 km) stretch along the wild, rugged cliffs of North Cornwall.

Summary:

The South West Coast Path is a long-distance walk that offers a thrilling and immersive journey through the ever-changing coastal landscapes of southwest England. Whether you’re tackling the full 630 miles or exploring shorter sections, the path offers an unrivaled combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and physical challenge. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of England’s coastline.

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