Where coastlines, moors, and old stone paths lead to moments of quiet awe — and adventures in every element.
South West England is where dramatic coastlines meet ancient uplands and story-rich villages. From clifftop paths high above the Atlantic to open moorland beneath wide skies, this region feels both wild and deeply human. It’s a place shaped by weather, geology, and old footpaths — made for walking holidays that blend sea air, heather, stone, and story.
Across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and the western Cotswolds, you’ll find routes that move between fishing harbours, upland tors, wooded valleys, and sweeping beaches. This is walking for those who love contrast — rugged coastline one day, peaceful green lanes the next, with historic market towns and warm, honey-coloured villages in between.
But the South West is also a natural playground for outdoor adventures. Think sea kayaking around sheltered coves, coasteering beneath headlands, wild swimming in moorland rivers, or climbing granite tors in Dartmoor. Add surfing, paddleboarding, and relaxed cycling holidays along quiet country lanes, and you’ll find endless ways to explore the region by land and water.
From the tidal edges of the South West Coast Path to the high ground of Exmoor and Dartmoor, this is a landscape that invites movement — slow, thoughtful, and full of discovery. And when the day settles, you’ll find countless places to stay close to coast paths, moorland trails, and peaceful rural hamlets.
England’s longest National Trail spans 630 miles (1,014 km) from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Dorset. Walk clifftop paths past Tintagel, Lizard Point, and Porlock Bay, discovering hidden beaches, sea stacks, fishing villages, and big ocean views. Along the way, try coasteering, sea kayaking, or surfing in coastal hubs like Newquay, St Ives, and Woolacombe.
These neighbouring National Parks are wild, atmospheric, and full of contrast. Dartmoor offers granite tors, Bronze Age stone circles, mires, and roaming ponies. Exmoor blends heather moorland, deep wooded valleys, and a rugged coastline. Walk ridge paths one day, then go wild swimming in river pools, mountain biking across the moors, or horse riding through open country the next.
The western and southern edges of the Cotswolds National Landscape are classic English countryside — rolling hills, golden villages, and quiet farmland. Follow village-to-village trails like the Cotswold Way, or pair your walks with cycling through lanes lined with drystone walls, wildlife photography, or even hot air balloon flights above the hills. Base yourself in Painswick, Tetbury, or Stow-on-the-Wold for easy access to paths and rural charm.
The standout route is the South West Coast Path, covering the full coastal edge of the region. Other major trails include the Cotswold Way, upland routes in Dartmoor, and ridge paths across Exmoor.
Yes — countless. Popular day walks can be found around Lynmouth, Bodmin, Tavistock, St Ives, and along coastal cliffs, river valleys, or moorland loops.
Absolutely. With walkable towns, reliable public transport links, and well-maintained trails, it’s perfect for independent, car-free exploration at your own pace.
Yes — the South West excels at multi-activity travel. Enjoy sea kayaking, coasteering, surfing, cycling, wild swimming, or rock climbing across the region’s coastlines and moorlands.
The region offers coastal B&Bs, country pubs, moorland inns, farm stays, self-catering cottages, eco-lodges, and guesthouses. Many are located directly on or near the South West Coast Path, Cotswold Way, and key moorland trails.
