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12th September 2023- We are sorry but we are now fully booked until October on all our routes - please contact us for Autumn and 2024 dates

South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path Walking Holidays

Highlights -  Pretty much every Step (!) but in particular enjoy The Wild Lands End Trail and Cornish Mining World Heritage Section and the geological wonders on the Dorset Jurassic Coast  For the most challenging walking sections see the North Atlantic Coastal Path from Westward Ho to Padstow and The Lizard or the South Devon Coastal Path for remoter and less walked sections.

All the way through enjoy stunning overnight stays in unspoilt harbours such as Padstow, St Ives, Fowey, Salcombe and Clovelly to name just a few.

View our Walking Map of The South West Coast Path Sections

Tintagel Beach SW Coast Path Cornwall UK Walking and Trekking Holidays

South West Coast Path UK Long Distance Footpath and National Trail ExmoorWalking the South West Coast Path -  The best UK long distance footpath

From towering cliffs to hidden coves, ghostly tin mines to lush subtropical wooded creeks. One minute a dramatic rock theatre hewn out of the cliffs, the next a prehistoric fossilized forest or a 20thC Art Deco Island Hotel. What sets The South West Coast Path far above our other UK national trails is that around almost every corner is yet another surprise.  Unlike many other walking routes this path is not a modern creation. On the South West Coast Path you re-trace the footsteps, histories and lives of old tin miners, fisherman, smugglers, wreckers and of the customs men who chased them.

A route that snakes its way through a staggering 1014km (630 miles) of pristine coastline, The South West Coast Path is the Uk’s longest National Trail and if you ask anyone that has set foot on it they will tell you it's the UK’s best. The sheer variety of coastal scenery coupled with the unique history and culture make it a world class pinnacle of walking, one recognised by the likes of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks who list The South West Coast Path in its top ten walks,  up there with the likes of Himalayan Trekking and the Inca Trail in Peru.

Cornish Coast Path on The South West Coast Path National Trail UKOver 450 miles of the Coast Path is through nationally protected areas which itself is testament to its breathtaking  quality – on what other walk could you pass through a National Park, Two World Heritiage Sites, a UNESCO protected Biosphere and no less than five designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – its simple........in summary there is hardly a dull mile of The South West Coast Path the whole way.

A  South West Coast Path Walking Holiday – Your Walking Day

With everything organised for you by Encounter Walking, you are free to walk at your own pace,  enveloped in the ever present and ever changing panorama and drama of the UK’s best loved coastline.

With our help we make sure you don’t miss the must see locations, attractions, monuments and  historical remains that can be located ....but also easily missed along the way.  An outstanding array of flora and fauna much of it unique to this part of England further enriches that experience with the chance of  everything from surprising mighty Red Deer Stags, to glimpsing wild Dophins, lazing Grey Seals, enormous Basking Sharks and soaring Peregine Falcons and Puffins. With detailed daily itineraries, route descriptions and luggage transfers you are free to enjoy the trail unhindered.

Overnight Delights  on a South West Coast Path Walking Holiday – 

Portloe Southwest Coastal Path Cornwall Falmouth to Plymouth Section UKEvery night you will enjoy and explore a new location, be it a tiny timewarped village, stunning coastal harbour,  old fishing hamlet or modern day port.  With Encounter Walking the days are long gone when you were forced to pack a tent and a youth hostel membership card.  

The success of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset has brought in superb and unique accommodations along the route from trendy Boutique hotels to remote Farmstays and welcoming inns.

For the hungry walker seeking rewards for their efforts  harbours such as Padstow, Fowey and St Ives are now renowned across the UK for hiding the best restaurants outside of London. From Rick Stein to Jamie Oliver the South West Coast Path has caught the imagination of not only walkers but of food lovers alike.

Cornwall Mining Walk South West Coast Path St Agnes area UK

South West Coast Path Holidays  -  Your Walk.....Your Way

The rollercoaster of high cliffs and hidden coves has its challenges – if you walk the whole South West Coast Path you will need at least 8 weeks and will have climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest.....nearly 4 times ! 

For those on a shorter weeks holiday getting the right guidance from us you can make sure the section you want matches your ability, fitness and aspirations - that your walking day is the right length - not too strenuous but not without enough challenge !

Our walking advisors help create options for all from the flatter beaches and estuaries to the immense ravine and gorge sliced high cliff peaks.

The chance to walk on the South West Coast Path is something no-one who has the opportunity should let slip – make sure you discover this world class walking route with the support of those who live here, who love it, and who have walked it before you.

Our staff are made up of committed and experienced pilgrims of the path and we are always keen to support walkers with no further commitment from you booking or no booking.

St Michaels Mount Lands End Way Walking Trail South West Coastal Path

Ready to Walk the South West Coast Path ?

If so now Choose Your South West Coast Path Section(s)

1 -  See the location of the different sections on our South West Coast Path Map

2 -  Use the Find a Walk Page to read short summaries of each of the 9 sections of The South West Coast Path covering the full 630 miles – Quickly find the highlights, distances and grade of walking along with the options for each section of the path. 

3 - Email and Enquiry Form if you already know your Route. Use the links in the box below to get the detailed route descriptions, images and full information and options for each section of path.

4 -  Contact us if you need want our help and advice on which section will best suit you.

 

South West Coast Path Sections 1 to 9 covering Minehead to Poole 630 miles

SW Coast Path 1 Minehead to Westward Ho ! – Exmoor and the North Devon Coast Path
SW Coast Path 2 Westward Ho! To Padstow  - The North Cornwall Coast Path
SW Coast Path 3 Padstow to St Ives -   The Mid Cornwall Coast Path
SW Coast Path 4 St Ives to Penzance -  The Lands End Trail Coast Path
SW Coast Path 5 Penzance to Falmouth  - The Lizard Coast Path
SW Coast Path 6 Falmouth to Plymouth –  The South Cornwall Coastal Path
SW Coast Path 7 Plymouth to Brixham – The South Devon Coastpath
SW Coast Path 8 Brixham to Lyme Regis – East Devon Coastal Path & Jurassic Coast Path (East)
SW Coast Path 9 Lyme Regis to Poole – Dorset Coastal Path and Jurassic Coast Path (West)

For South West Coast Path Walking Weekends or short breaks  - CLICK HERE or see our Classic Cornish Short Break on the SW Coast Path in South Cornwall

South West Coast Path Map

 

South West Coast Path