The South West Coast Path is an epic walk across the most beautiful coastal landscapes in England. It is no mere footpath; the distance is 630 miles/ 1,014 km long. It goes from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. A British magazine has declared it ‘Britain’s Best Walking Route’ on several occasions, and it has plenty for active and heritage seekers and those wanting a taste of real English coastal life.
Beautiful Places & Landmarks
Every section of the path is rich with iconic sights. Here are must-see spots:
| Landmark | County | Description |
| Durdle Door | Dorset | Spectacular natural limestone arch, great for swimming and kayaking |
| Chesil Beach | Dorset | 17-mile pebble ridge, backed by the Fleet tidal lagoon |
| Beer | Devon | Classic fishing village with access to the cliffs |
| Burgh Island | Devon | Tidal Island linked by a sandbar, is famous for its Art Deco hotel |
| Plymouth | Devon | England’s naval heritage city |
| Padstow | Cornwall | Charming port town at the Camel River |
| Newquay | Cornwall | UK surfing capital and lively resort town |
| St Ives | Cornwall | Vibrant arts colony, historic fishing port |
| Land’s End | Cornwall | Westernmost tip of England, dramatic Atlantic cliffs |
| Minack Theatre | Cornwall | Cliff-top outdoor amphitheatre overlooking Porthcurno beach |
| St Michael’s Mount | Cornwall | Iconic island castle accessible by foot at low tide |
In between, you’ll find sandy beaches, wooded estuaries, mysterious coves, ancient mining ruins, and a wealth of wildlife, from seabirds to seals and dolphins.
Trip Planning: Costs & Logistics
Walking the Path:
There are no direct charges for using the South West Coast Path. Costs come from:
- Accommodation:
- Camping: <£10/night
- Guest houses: £35–£90/night
- Hotels: £100–£300+/night
- Food: £10–£40/day (depending on style)
- Transport: Local buses, trains, and taxis connect the major points
- Luggage Transfer: £7–£15/day per bag
- Guided Tours: Complete tours with baggage transfer, guides, and accommodations, from £1,500+ for multi-week packages
Typical Complete Trip:
- Duration: 35–52 days to walk end-to-end
- Cost Estimate (Self-Guided):
- Budget: £1,500–£2,500 for basics
- Comfort: £3,000–£5,000 for hotels, pubs, and transfers
- Luxury/Guided: £7,000+ per person
You can walk the whole path or break it into shorter walks, making the adventure accessible to all levels.
The Perfect Route: Suggested Itinerary
Classic Section: Padstow to Penzance (Cornwall Coast Path)
- Day 1: Padstow to Porthcothan Bay. Sandy beaches, gentle cliffs.
- Day 2: Porthcothan Bay to Newquay. Surfing hub, Iron Age ruins at Trevelgue Head.
- Day 3: Newquay to St Ives. Buzzing towns, clifftop paths, wildlife at Godrevy Point.
- Day 4: St Ives to Land’s End via Cape Cornwall. Rugged and remote coastal scenery.
- Day 5: Land’s End to Penzance. Open-air Minack Theatre, St Michael’s Mount views.
Best Time to Visit:
March-September for good weather, but the path is rewarding year-round.
History of the South West Coast Path
The Path was originally built for the coastguard to help patrol smugglers along the south-west peninsula. Thus, it runs close to the coastline so the officers could peer into every bay and cove. Being so close to the cliffs makes for a dramatic walk with possible views of secret coves and wildlife, which the inland route misses.
The South West Coast Path was designated a National Trail in 1978 after decades of local campaigning and improvement. With the help of a committed team and enthusiastic volunteers, it is now a designated asset managed by Natural England and the South West Coast Path Association.
Much of the Path is now cared for by the National Trust with a view to maintaining it and keeping it accessible.
Route Overview & Starting/Ending Points
- Start: Minehead , Somerset
- Finish: Poole Harbour, Dorset
- Length: 630 miles (1,014km)
- Elevation Gain: 115,000ft (35,031m), equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times
- Counties Traversed: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset
- Landmarks: Jurassic Coast (UNESCO World Heritage), Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape (UNESCO), Exmoor National Park, Land’s End, St. Michael’s Mount
The route is divided into manageable sections, with popular stretches running from Padstow to Penzance (Cornwall Coast Path), and Minehead to Westward Ho! (“Rugged Coast Path”).
Population & Economy Along the Trail
The South West coastal region is known for its small fishing villages, bustling resort towns, and a fluctuating population that peaks during tourist seasons. The path is a lifeline for local economies:
- Annual Walkers: Approx. 9 million
- Economic Impact: Over £520M per year for the region
- Jobs Supported: More than 10,400 full-time jobs
- Local Businesses: From beach cafés to guest houses, 5,400+ tourism businesses within 2km of the path
These communities rely on visitors for employment, especially in hospitality, transport, and retail sectors. Tourism also helps fund ongoing maintenance and supports local artisans and producers.
Local Life & Culture
The Path is more than scenery:
- Engage with local people in fishing villages and market towns
- Enjoy fresh seafood, Cornish pasties, and cream teas
- Encounter vibrant arts scenes, especially in St Ives
- Learn about maritime, mining, and Jurassic history at museums and info centres
Famous People Associated
- Raynor Winn: Author of “The Salt Path,” whose real-life journey brought fame to the trail
- Emma Scattergood: Completed a walking/sketching project for the Path’s 50th anniversary
- Artists & Writers: St Ives has a world-class art colony, with names like Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson associated with the region
Frequently Asked Questions about the South West Coast Path
How long does it take to walk the South West Coast Path?
Most people take 35–52 days to walk the entire 630-mile route, averaging 10–15 miles per day.
Is there an entrance fee for the Path?
No. Walking the Path is free. Costs are only for accommodation, food, and optional services.
What’s the best section for beginners?
The stretch from Plymouth to Exmouth offers flatter terrain and easy access to amenities.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. Several companies offer fully guided or self-guided trips, including daily luggage transfers and pre-booked accommodation, costing from £1,500 for shorter sections to £7,000+ for a luxury full-route package.
What landmarks should I not miss?
Essential highlights: Durdle Door, Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, Minack Theatre, St Ives, Chesil Beach, Exmoor National Park, and Padstow.
Is it possible to cycle the Path?
It is primarily a walking trail. Certain sections around towns have cycle routes, but the main Path is for foot traffic only.
What wildlife might I see?
Look out for seals, dolphins, seabirds, butterflies, and wildflowers along the clifftops and beaches.
When’s the best time to go?
March through September for milder weather, but winter walks offer dramatic seascapes and solitude.