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

Walking Feedback and Reviews -

Minehead to Westward Ho! - South West Coast Path

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Walk Reviews and Customer Feedback

Route: South West Coast: Minehead to Bude Name: Linda Frazier Walked on: 20th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very easy and complete"

Your Walking Routes

"Some of the hiking was more challenging than I expected - exposure to steep cliffs is not my strong suit. Otherwise, beautiful!"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Excellent. My husband especially appreciated the quality map provided"

Luggage transfers

"N/A"

Accommodation

"Wonderful! "

Overall experience

"Great trip. Looking forward to doing more with you."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SWCP Minehead to Westward Ho! Name: Colin Walked on: 6th June 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Excellent throughout."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Very comprehensive, simple to navigate and a good start to holiday planning when assessing routes and time."

Your Walking Routes

"Minehead to Baggy Point (south of Woolacombe) is excellent with great cliff top walking. Although I imagine that it is important for those who wish to follow each part of the SWCP, I found the stretch from south of Saunton to Westward Ho! somewhat boring as it evolves into estuary scenery."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All good and accurate. Easy path to follow. "

Luggage transfers

"Excellent throughout"

Accommodation

"All of a good standard. Need to shop around and book for evening meals if not available at the accommodation venues. Hosts very welcoming and helpful everywhere, especially welcome in view of the fact that walkers, staying just a night, create a laundry workload probably not matched by income to the owners. "

Overall experience

"Good walking holiday. If I were to repeat it, I'd jump directly from Woolacoombe to Westward Ho! and continue from there. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SWCP Minehead to Westward Ho! Name: Victoria Lemon Walked on: 16th May 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"I was pleasantly surprised by the detail provided to my query ... with no obligation to commit! This level of customer service made me feel very comfortable booking my vacation with them. I will definitely be continuing my walk of the SWCP and will continue booking through Encounter."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"So much information! Excellent resource"

Your Walking Routes

"I walked Stage 1 of the SWCP using the standard route. I found a couple of the days too long, especially the day from Woolacombe to Braunton. I'll choose the relaxed route for my next stage as it will give me more time to make those side visits and just enjoy the views more. I also noticed that the signage from Minehead to Combe Martin was better than from Combe Martin to Westward Ho! "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Excellent! I don't use the maps but the guidebook and itinerary/notes were great. I did make a couple of wrong turns, most notably missing the right turn onto Broad Lane between Appledore and Westward Ho! The Coast Path sign is covered in foliage/vines and I ended up walking quite a ways on a narrow busy road before being rescued by a British couple that had also made the same mistake."

Luggage transfers

"No problems! Such a great service"

Accommodation

"Generally pretty great! Easy to find, clean, friendly, good food. I do find that as a solo walker I sometimes get the smallest room at a BnB. Sometimes I want some space! I was, however, quite pleased to have received an upgrade at the amazing Watersmeet in Woolacombe! Wow!"

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead - Barnstaple Name: Gabi F. Walked on: 13th May 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Easy as always, even though I had some restrictions due to my plans to go to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe. "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"The start of the SWCP in Minehead is of course iconic. On the first days there is quite a lot of woodland walking but still beautiful. I stayed half a day in Ilfracombe to see the Tunnels Beaches and one day for a trip to Lundy Island, which is absolutely worth going. Unfortunately the MS Oldenburg was still in dry dock so I went with a catamaran. The ride was definitely an experience to remember and the good thing was that it gave me more time to walk all around Lundy Island which would probably not be doable when going with the MS Oldenburg. The last part of my walk was from Braunton to Barnstaple, which is all flat, but still interesting and Braunton Burrows is definitely worth visiting. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"I absolutely love the Trail Blazer guidebooks, lots of details and tips."

Luggage transfers

"Perfect, as always."

Accommodation

"Great places, but think twice before booking in an inn on Friday or Saturday night, especially in a surf hotspot :-)"

Overall experience

"Not my last time :-)"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Padstow Name: Brenda Cunningham Walked on: 13th May 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very helpful staff. There are a lot of decisions to make and they were patient with my deliberations and changes."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"So much information. Now that we have hiked one section I would find it easier to absorb the materials on the website. Very informative. "

Your Walking Routes

"If it were possible I would hike slightly shorter days (often not possible). I missed having time to spend on the diversions along the way. We did some of them, but not nearly all I would have liked to do. And time to wade in the shallow waters at the absolutely lovely beaches along the way. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All great. "

Luggage transfers

"Smooth - no issues. We felt like it was magic that our bags appeared every afternoon! Thank you."

Accommodation

"All very lovely places. The staff were all so welcoming. "

Overall experience

"Excellent. "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead - Westward Ho Name: Paul & Helen Walked on: 23rd April 2023

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"very efficient and customer focussed"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"very good , easy to navigate and good description of walks in detail."

Your Walking Routes

"Estimated timing was spot on , even with the alternative routes"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Instructions & relevant maps were more than sufficient, especially the instructions to find the eveing accommodation."

Luggage transfers

"all good"

Accommodation

"Overall a super week with good accommodation, friendly hosts ,always willing to help. "

Overall experience

" A great 7 days to start the SW coast path"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Ilfracombe to Braunton Name: Polly Thomas Walked on: 22nd September 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Well informed and very helpful. Having access to local knowledge made our plans much easier"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"The Coast Path is stunning - the section from Ilfracombe was very up and down, but as we came around to the Western side it became much flatter, and although it was pleasant walking, lacked the "wow" factor of the northern coastline. Saunton to Braunton had a detour where the path was being repaired and we thought it would have been more fun to walk down the beach instead."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

"Very efficient and no problems. What a delight not to carry all that stuff every day!"

Accommodation

"Mixed - some of our accommodation hosts were fabulous. Other places were adequate, but we understand that not all towns can provide a lot of choice."

Overall experience

"We loved out three days of freedom - knowing that everything was organised in advance by people who know the area made life so simple. We just had to get up, eat breakfast and walk. We were very fortunate with the weather too!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Clovelly Name: steven francis Walked on: 18th September 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"was very easy to chat through what I had in mind and then left for encounter to come up with a POA "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"easy to use and navigate "

Your Walking Routes

"South West coast path is spectacular , however we had great weather and it would of been a let less fun and harder work if it had rained every day "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"It is obviously well sign posted but the coast path guide book was in my pocket and we used it regulalry every day along with the map and the os app ( on phone ) "

Luggage transfers

"Worked seamlessly, was no issue and is a great service"

Accommodation

"overall very good, first stop was a bit ropey and very little food option , even on a sunday , fortunately we had not walked that day. One of the B and B's did not have en suite despite us requesting that, which was a bit of a pain . (however it was very nice and the hosts were great ) "

Overall experience

"we had a brilliant 8 days, and will be back, its a very beutiful part of the UK , although as I have said it did help massively that we had such great weather"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Westward Ho! to Minehead Name: Alison Carter Walked on: 29th August 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very flexible and met our requirements, despite it being a busy period and our late booking."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Easy to access and good for general information and planning."

Your Walking Routes

"Signposting was generally good. Alternative routes are available on several sections. We were forewarned by the website that the Tarka Trail on the old railway line between Bideford and Braunton could be somewhat harassing for walkers due to the need to keep out of the way of cyclists. This certainly proved to be the case! These stretches were very flat but because of the tarmac were hard on the feet. "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All fine."

Luggage transfers

"Perfect."

Accommodation

"It was a delight to find our accommodation each evening. We enjoyed the variety. All the hosts were friendly and helpful and provided tasty breakfasts. Encounter walking chose excellent accommodation for us. The B&B at Instow Barton was super and the Watersmeet Hotel at Woolacombe (expensive, but for a celebration) was suberb."

Overall experience

"We had a memorable holiday. The scenery was magnificent. As always, the coast path is interesting and varied and physically challenging at times! Encounter Walking's organisation was faultless."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Hartland Quay Name: Petra Olschowski Walked on: 4th August 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"Except the part Saunton to Barnstaple"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

"Some are three, the most are four or five stars..."

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: South West Coast path Name: Eileen Valdez Woods Walked on: 3rd August 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"We have utilized Encounter Walking Holidays several times in the past to assist us with planning and booking our walks. We consider Encounter Walking Holidays crucial to our walking plans. "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Encounter Walking Holidays Website is easily accessible, extremely informative and provides necessary information when considering a walking tour."

Your Walking Routes

"The tips for walkers were very helpful, especially when there were diversions/detours, "

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All of the walking notes, maps, guidebooks and the itinerary were very appreciated and well used."

Luggage transfers

"The luggage transfers went without a hitch. Finding ones luggage at the inn after a long days walk was wonderful! We had the pleasure of meeting several of the delightful luggage transfer people."

Accommodation

"Walking the South West Coast path in it's entirety in one go was quite ambitious for us. We are respectively ages 79 & 72. Finding accommodations for us in every single village, town and city was quite a feat! We enjoyed the variety of pubs, inns and the occasional hotel. Most offered dinner at their establishment and if not, Encounter had suggestions for nearby options."

Overall experience

"Our experience was incredible!! We sincerely appreciate all the work that Encounter Walking Holidays did on our behalf to make sure our adventure was enjoyable and trouble free."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Bude Name: Vivienne Walked on: 7th June 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Exceptionally helpful"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Didn't use it much"

Your Walking Routes

"Generally good signposting but sometimes a bit lacking (through Bude!!) Lovely walks on cliff tops and surprisingly varied scenery. Braunston nature reserve was rather dull"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

"Variable as one would expect, The Brookfield and the Red Lion at Clovelly were exceptional In future, I will hesitate before changing the recommended accommodation!!!! Some rooms were very small with matching tiny bathrooms"

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Instow Name: Gwen and Paul Buch Walked on: 17th May 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Damon and the team were extremely helpful and very prompt in responding to our queries, even though it was a very busy time with everyone wanting to book post Covid restrictions. They're a great team!"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Found the walk descriptions and options for standard, slow and fast hikes really helpful in planning our trip."

Your Walking Routes

"We took the "strenuous option" Minehead to Porlock Weir Village...and it was so worth it!! The first three days through to Combe Martin are filled with tough climbs, but the views of the landscape make the climbs worth the effort. You definitely need to have a reasonable level of fitness, especially if carrying a bit of weight in your pack. Minehead to Instow has a bit of everything and has some spectacular scenery...well except perhaps for the tail end heading into Instow, which was a little uninspiring. All round a fabulous walk; we can't wait to come back to do more!"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"The walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary were all very helpful and provided well detailed instructions on the walk, detours etc. Although the walk is generally well sign posted, the notes and maps helped us out on occasion when the way forward wasn't so obvious."

Luggage transfers

"Absolutely no problems with luggage transfers, bags arrived before us every day."

Accommodation

"All of our accommodation was of a really high standard, clean, comfortable and the service provided was very good. The only issue for us was in Woolacombe, the hotel was gorgeous, food and service excellent, but unfortunately the bed was very uncomfortable (and we weren't the only ones who commented on this at checkout). The staff were very apologetic and indicated they would advise management, so hopefully they upgrade mattresses soon, because it is otherwise a great hotel. "

Overall experience

"This was our second time to do the SWCP with Encounter Walking, and our experience was excellent on both holidays. The team is very professional and was supportive in trying to arrange the trip to suit our needs. I can't wait to get back again soon to do another section of the SWCP!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Bude Name: Tess Tyzuk Walked on: 12th May 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Excellent! Speedy response, and we really liked being able to check out the accomodation options before booking."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Easy to navigate, well organised"

Your Walking Routes

"The path is well marked. Occasionally there was slight confusion leaving towns, eg. Combe Martin. The walking from Lynmouth to Combe Martin had some very narrow paths on cliff sides, scary for those of us not liking heights!"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Very good. We liked the daily route notes, and found them excellent for planning stops etc."

Luggage transfers

"Worked smoothly, no issues"

Accommodation

"Most accomodation was very good. Below average were the B&B at Combe Martin and Woolacombe. Locanda on the Weir at Porlock was fantastic, as was Brookfield B&B in Braunton."

Overall experience

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SWCP Lands End to Barnstaple (Reverse Direction) Name: John & Maggie Muir Walked on: 10th May 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Very well organised, walking notes very good , accommodation and luggage transfer excellent "

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Very easy to navigate and very informative "

Your Walking Routes

"If possible walk with the prevailing wind even if this in the opposite direction of the guide books. The SWCP reverse guide is very good giving the opposite direction notes."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Very well supplied and plenty of notes on each days walk OS Maps Adventure Series are very good to use "

Luggage transfers

"No issues Luggage always there on time"

Accommodation

"First Class excellent "

Overall experience

"Great Holiday ,hard walking in places but very well rewarded with wonderful scenery and meeting lots of friendly fellow walkers "

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: South West Coast Path - Minehead to Padstow Name: Richard & Keren Tookey Walked on: 25th April 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"All planning very efficiently done and everything went like clockwork. Very flexible working around our dates and preferences."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Clear and detailed"

Your Walking Routes

"Loved the SWCP and would very highly recommend. Looking forward to starting the next stage in June. Very well waymarked."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Brilliant . Itinerary was very thorough....would have preferred to receive it just a little earlier to give more time to book places for evening meals"

Luggage transfers

"Faultless"

Accommodation

"Superb. We would happily stay in any of them again and several were quite exceptional.....The Slipway Inn at Port Isaac was our absolute favourite, but they were all very good. Our only criticism was that at many places breakfast did not start until 8.30am....we would have preferred to be off earlier on long walking days and in hot weather when we continue in June this is likely to be especially important."

Overall experience

"Fantastic walking. Spectacular scenery Superb organisation. We would totally recommend this walking holiday"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coast Path. Minehead to Combe Martin Name: Phil Walked on: 20th April 2022

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"The Encounter team were very helpful. They were able to change our Combe Martin accommodation at very short notice as our original choice, Blair Lodge reported they had COVID. The alternative at the Pack 'O' Cards Inn was actually the best nights stay of all."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Very helpful and informative Website, though I did not use it much."

Your Walking Routes

"Generally very good although there were major detours on the Porlock to Lynton stretch due to many fallen trees following Storm Eunice."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"All the material provided was excellent. However, for most of my navigation I used a map published by Croyde Cycle specifically for the Coast path at a scale of 1:15000, much bigger scale than OS Maps and very accurate, with additional information in note form on the map, which was printed on water resistant paper too."

Luggage transfers

"All worked perfectly."

Accommodation

"All very good for me, but my friend had some problems at the hotel in Lynton (1st room turned out not to be ready. 2nd room given had big hole in window. 3rd Room was OK but not the greatest). My favourites were The Top Ship Inn, in Porlock and The Pack 'O' Cards Inn in Combe Martin."

Overall experience

"This was our first time doing a continuous walk with luggage transfers and thanks to the help and organisation from Encounter we both felt it was a great experience, and look forward to tackling the next section of the coast path in similar fashion."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coast Path Minehead to Combe Martin Name: Linda D Walked on: 13th September 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Staff extremely knowledgeable and helpful with all aspects of the route."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

"We chose to have a rest day at each location which gave us time to relax and prepare for next section. Section 1 - Minehead to Porlock Weir - sometimes not sure if on correct path as signage confusing. Took wrong path into Porlock and then signage misleading as had a notice to say 'no entry to coastal path' which was actually for cars. This meant we walked quite a long way to get back on the path to Porlock Weir. Stayed at Porlock Weir Hotel and had room overlooking harbour - fabulous. Section 2 - Porlock Weir to Lynmouth -Beautiful ancient woodland but walk very tough as lots of gradients. Started at 9.30am and arrived at accommodation at 6pm. Exhausted. Section 3 - Lynmouth to Heddon Valley - Perfect distance for us and stunning views. We initially booked to complete section Lynmouth to Combe Martin in 1 day but having looked at distance and terrain talked to Encounter Holidays who recommended a stop at Heddon Valley. If you want to have time to take in the views then recommend a stop at Heddon Valley. Section 4 - Heddon Valley to Combe Martin - Beautiful walk and stunning views. Chose to stay at Lion House B&B in Combe Martin which was 1 mile inland from coastal path but as this was our final destination did not matter and highly recommend."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Guide books and maps very good"

Luggage transfers

"Excellent"

Accommodation

"Porlock Weir Hotel fabulous. Rising Sun Lynmouth very good but restaurant was closed. Hunters Inn Heddon Valley excellent. Lion House B&B excellent."

Overall experience

"This is our 1st experience of walking a coastal path with luggage transfers and we thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to walk some more sections next year."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Westward Ho! Name: Spencer Walked on: 11th September 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Overall very easy, and very well done. The only issue at all was that we had ideally wanted to walk on the southern part, and it took a while to be told that it wasnt possible with a dog - i thought that would have been a common question"

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Easy to use"

Your Walking Routes

"Largely enjoyable. The early part is tougher, but the scenery is magnificent - the walk from Saunton Sands to Braunton was flat, but a long way and fairly uninspiring. Instow to Appledore was a beautiful stretch too"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"OS map wasnt used: the guidebook was very very useful, and interesting. Note, if you have a dog, ignore the "dont go on the beach before end September" when you are in Croyde otherwise you add a good 1.5 miles to your walk and it is badly signposted"

Luggage transfers

"Always there when we arrived"

Accommodation

"Variable - from fantastic (Porlock) to not great at all (Westward Ho!), but overall pretty good, and without exception friendly/helpful staff"

Overall experience

"We had a great week - helped by really good weather - and will definitely be looking to do more walks of this type in the future. In this case the only real disappointment was that the route finished in Westward Ho! - not somewhere I would suggest anyone finishes"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: SW Coastal Footpath - Minehead to Padstow Name: Stuart Malcolm Offord Walked on: 5th September 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Excellent response and support to our enquiry."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Excellent and informative."

Your Walking Routes

"Route marking generally good outside major built up areas but poor in some towns. Some paths potentially dangerous - loose surface. In places paths were undergoing repair."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Good but some difficulty in finding eating places due to Covid; including the cancellation of a booking just as we arrived at our destination."

Luggage transfers

"Excellent. Our request for an additional transfer whilst on route was expedited very quickly and efficiently."

Accommodation

"Generally to a high standard and beyond our expectation at times. The risk of Covid was a particular concern to the owners at one overnight stop."

Overall experience

"Great experience but very challenging physically at times. Certainly more strenuous than the section between Padstow and Falmouth we walked previously. We look forward to walking further in the future."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Westward Ho! Name: Tim Ryder Walked on: 27th July 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

Your Walking Routes

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

Luggage transfers

Accommodation

Overall experience

"We had a great time, everything Encounter organised was perfect for us. Luggage transfers, accommodation, maps and other information were all top class. Thank you!"

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Westward Ho! Name: Annette and Adrian Walked on: 27th June 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Damon and the team have been really helpful, especially fitting us in at this busy time for B&Bs."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Found out loads of information before we started which helped us to understand what we were taking on. "

Your Walking Routes

"They are tough in places and sections , like walking into Combe Martin, are just a slog. However we really enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next trip in September. I would give a warning about Hog-weed!! I was scratched by the 'strimmed' stalks of this plant, the sap is very toxic. It set off a really unpleasant allergic reaction requiring high dose steroids to treat it. ( Brilliant 111 service and Devon Doctors out of hours service at Barnstaple Hospital)"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Looking well thumbed and well read. Useful when the usually great signage fails - usually due to diversions due to land slips and not always great on NT land."

Luggage transfers

"No problems - always there when we arrived"

Accommodation

"Great. Lovely welcoming hosts who were helpful with lots of variation in breakfasts etc. We slept well!"

Overall experience

"Tiring and a challenge in places but amazing views, wildflowers, wildlife. Friendly, helpful people along the way. Encounter made this as easy as they could for us."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Westward Ho! Name: Chris Geoghegan Walked on: 6th June 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Excellent service from all at Encounter. All made very simple in spite of Covid."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Initial view good when reviewing the company but once decided all contact was by email and phone."

Your Walking Routes

"South west costal path - beautiful."

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Excellent, the itinerary deserves special mention in it's superb detail and accuracy of content."

Luggage transfers

"Can't fault it, it was where it should have been every evening."

Accommodation

"All as expected, Very good standard in all locations. "

Overall experience

"Excellent six days walking made all the more enjoyable by the service and support, from start to finish, provided by Damon and his team. Will certainly use again ."

Would you choose Encounter Walking Holidays for future holidays? Yes

Would you recommend Encounter Walking Holidays to others? Yes

Route: Minehead to Padstow Name: Philip Hogsflesh Walked on: 6th June 2021

Planning and booking for your walk with Encounter Walking Holidays

"Encounter were very helpful and efficient, especially when two friends joined us on the hike. Encounter managed to get us all in the same accommodation except for one day."

Encounter Walking Holidays Website

"Lots of helpful information."

Your Walking Routes

"We walked the 12 day 'fast route' and we consistently recorded between 10 to 15% extra distance than quoted in the notes. We used a Garmin 62s gps, this was confirmed by our friend who used a Samsung phone gps. There were also regular ascents over 1,000m especially between Boscastle and Padstow. So if you do this fast option make sure you are fit and you will have a great time!"

Walking notes, maps, guidebooks and itinerary

"Itinerary was very informative. It was very useful to have good directions to the accommodation and good advice on things like packed lunches and places to eat."

Luggage transfers

"Our luggage was always there when we arrived. You can't ask for more."

Accommodation

"Overall the accommodation was good with 3 places that were outstanding - The Old Vicarage (Barnstaple), Hartland Quay Hotel, Surf Haven Guest House (Bude). The dinner service at the New Inn (Hotel (Clovelly) was a little erratic due to inexperienced staff. We also had to complain about noise late in the evening which they sorted out promptly. We booked all our evening meals in advance which was essential. Covid restrictions and lack of staff mean that most restaurants are booked up weeks in advance. I would recommend booking well ahead of your walk."