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View from the South West Coast Path in Exmoor National Park, Somerset, looking across wooded cliffs and headlands on the North Devon Coast.

South West Coast Path – Walking the Long Edge of England

Type of trail?
National Trail
Is it for me?
Challenging long-distance walk
Long days with sustained elevation change, repeated climbs and descents, and a demanding physical rhythm.
What will I see?
Dramatic cliffs and headlands
Surf beaches and rocky coves
Ancient pilgrimage sites and churches
Historic & Heritage Sites
Historic harbours and coastal towns
Rolling Countryside
Medieval towns and cobbled streets
Historic towns and villages
Open farmland
What’s the vibe?
Coastal heritage and culture
Alive with birds and sea breezes
Historic and cultural
Countryside and coast
Peaceful and refreshing
Remote and Wild
Adventurous and Challenging

Clifftop Trails, Fishing Villages, and England’s Longest National Trail

A 630-mile journey around the wild coastline of South West England.

The South West Coast Path, stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, is England’s longest National Trail and one of the world’s greatest coastal walking routes. Passing through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, it links sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, fishing villages, and seaside towns — creating endless opportunities for walking holidays and outdoor adventures.

Walking here means following dramatic clifftop paths above the Atlantic, dipping into hidden coves, and exploring heritage harbours shaped by centuries of seafaring and fishing. The trail showcases some of England’s most protected landscapes, from Exmoor National Park to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, with countless shorter sections and circular walks making it accessible to all. Whether you’re tackling a weekend stretch or the full six-week adventure, the South West Coast Path is a journey through the wild edge of England.

Featured Sections

Somerset & Exmoor
Starting at Minehead, the path hugs Exmoor’s coast with heather moors, plunging cliffs, and views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.

North Devon Coast
Dramatic headlands, sandy surfing beaches, and characterful villages like Clovelly make this one of the most varied stretches.

Cornwall
Perhaps the most iconic section, with Land’s End, St Ives, Tintagel, and sweeping Atlantic views. Rugged cliffs meet fishing villages and golden beaches.

South Devon Coast
Gentler estuaries and rolling farmland frame towns like Dartmouth and Salcombe, with ferries linking sheltered rivers.

Dorset & the Jurassic Coast
The trail finishes along England’s only natural World Heritage Site, with Durdle Door, Chesil Beach, and fossil-rich cliffs.

Adventure Highlights

  • England’s longest National Trail at 630 miles
  • Exmoor’s coastal cliffs and wild ponies
  • Cornwall’s rugged headlands, fishing harbours, and surfing beaches
  • Tintagel Castle and legends of King Arthur
  • Estuaries and ferries of South Devon
  • Fossil hunting and rock formations on the Jurassic Coast
  • Wildlife spotting: seals, dolphins, seabirds, and wildflowers
  • Year-round walking with dramatic seasonal variety

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the South West Coast Path start and finish?

It begins in Minehead, Somerset, and ends at Poole Harbour in Dorset, covering 630 miles around the South West peninsula.

How long does it take to walk the full path?

Walking the entire trail typically takes 6–8 weeks, though most people walk shorter sections over multiple visits.

What is the best section of the South West Coast Path?

Cornwall offers the most dramatic Atlantic scenery, but the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Exmoor’s wild cliffs are also highlights.

Is the South West Coast Path family-friendly?

Yes — while some stretches are strenuous, there are plenty of shorter circular routes, easy estuary paths, and beach walks for families.

When is the best time to walk the South West Coast Path?

Spring brings wildflowers and seabirds, summer offers long days and swimming, autumn has dramatic skies, and winter walking is quiet but rugged.