The South West Coast Path is one of the most iconic walking routes in the UK, attracting millions of visitors each year with excellent hiking opportunities and breathtaking coastline. The trail is a true showcase of the diverse beauty of the region, from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to charming villages and bustling ports.
A large part of the trail is made up of Cornwall’s glorious coastline, and it passes through our home town of Padstow, so we encounter a lot of people who are walking all or part of the route each year. Today we’re looking at everything you need to know about the South West Coast Path so that whether you like the sound of a full expedition or are just looking for a scenic day walk, you can make the most of it.
What is the South West Coast Path?
Known worldwide and voted ‘Britain’s best walking route’ twice, the South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath. It’s a National Trail, meaning that it showcases the country’s best scenery as well as being managed to a set of quality standards that ensure excellent walking for visitors.
The South West Coast Path leads around the southwest peninsula of England, running from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. It is 630 miles long and traverses cliffs, coves, lagoons and beaches, as well as plenty of classic British countryside and a collection of towns, villages and ports.
Nine million people spend time on the South West Coast Path each year, although not all of these visitors walk it in full, since doing individual sections is also very popular for those who like to holiday in the area. Completing it is a wonderful achievement however you have divided it up; it’s equivalent to climbing Snowdon, another great UK walk, 48 times.
A brief history of the South West Coast Path
People have enjoyed walking in this part of the world for many decades, so it was probably only a matter of time before the coastline became a more formalised walking route.
The South West Coast Path opened in stages during the 1970s, with the first section to open being Cornwall, in 1973. It was designated a National Trail early on, gaining this status in the same year.
Over the following years, different parts of the trail opened, until the final sections, Somerset and North Devon, were opened in 1978, completing the full walk.
Many improvements to the trail were made in the following decade and beyond, and it continues to be run by an association which registered as a charity in 1974.
Since its opening, tens of millions of people have enjoyed time on the South West Coast Path.
In 2018, a book featuring the trail called The Salt Path was released. The memoir, by Raynor Winn, tells the story of the author and her husband losing their home and facing a terminal illness diagnosis; they walk the entire trail and find healing and purpose along the way. A film is currently in development.
Geography of the South West Coast Path
Key points and landmarks of the South West Coast Path
Starting in Minehead and finishing in Poole, the halfway point of the trail can be found in Porthallow, on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. It is home to a midway marker; a granite sculpture on the beach, featuring an engraved a poem called Fading Voices, made up of words and phrases representing the local community. Many who pass stop for a photo with the marker to commemorate their journey so far.
The highest point on the South West Coast Path is the summit of the Great Hangman, which is England’s highest sea cliff. It is 1043 feet above sea level and found in Exmoor National Park, Devon. From the section of path that this summit is in, you get a wonderful view of the Valley of Rocks, one of Exmoor’s most notable sights.
Many people wonder what the hardest part of the South West Coast Path will be, but truthfully this all depends on your individual strengths, fitness levels and preferences – and even things like the weather when you do it. Many who have completed the path say that the section between Hartland Quay and Bude is particularly challenging, due to being very exposed, with lots of ascents and descents and a constant need to keep concentration up. However, this section also offers some of the best views, as tends to be the case with difficult terrain!
A section of the trail around West Penwith can also be very tricky, due to ground which is both rocky and boggy. It means you have to be careful of your pace, as you will need to keep your eyes on the ground when walking – but make sure to stop and look up, because again, the views in this section are really spectacular.
Cornwall and the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path follows the entirety of Cornwall’s 422 mile coastline; it is the county that makes up the most of the trail. Walking the path is a fantastic way to experience Cornwall, covering a whole host of terrains and views, and giving you the opportunity to see many coastal towns and villages.
There is a lovely section near our hometown; Padstow is 13.2 miles from Porthcothan on the South West Coast Path, and walking between the two makes a great day outdoors, with stunning views. It is a section able to be done by people of most fitness levels and is a wonderful way to explore the area around Padstow.
Walking the South West Coast Path: what to know when planning
Unsurprisingly, there is a lot to consider when planning a walk of this length, even if you are only going to do sections of it at a time. Here we’re answering some of the most-asked questions by those looking to walk the trail for themselves.
Distance, Time & Speed
It is possible to walk the South West Coast Path in as little as 30 days, but this is quite unusual to do. At a good but enjoyable pace, it can take around 7-8 weeks, meaning that the walker can properly take in their surroundings. This timeframe is ideal for those who are looking for the joy of the overall experience rather than just the physical challenge.
The South West Coast Path association recommends a popular 52 day itinerary which is a great starting point for planning. It divides the trail into 52 sections which constitute a day’s walking.
Some people split the walk over several holidays, since it is not necessarily usual to have enough free time to complete it in one go – and others finish it very quickly indeed, with the current record for fastest time being 10 days, 12 hours and 6 minutes!
Costs & Logistics
How much does it cost to walk the South West Coast Path?
There is no charge to walk the South West Coast Path itself. However, undertaking it does naturally incur costs, such as accommodation and food. This can really cost as much as you want it to – there are campsites available along the trail which make a great budget option at £10-20 per night, or you might choose to opt for a bed & breakfast or self-catering accommodation instead. There are also some high end options should you wish to rest your weary legs in a spa hotel for the night!
There are a handful of other things that might impact the cost; equipment, for example, if you are not a regular walker and don’t have what you need already, as well as luggage transfers and any maps or guide books you may wish to purchase. Depending on where you are based, you will also have to consider travelling to begin the walk and getting home when you have finished.
How do you get to the South West Coast Path?
Minehead and Poole are quite easily accessible via public transport from most of the UK, although depending on where you are travelling from it may require some changing of trains or buses.
Trains run regularly between London Waterloo and Poole, and between London’s Paddington station and Minehead.
Can you cycle the South West Coast Path?
Most of the South West Coast Path is public footpaths, so is intended for people on foot only. It’s narrow, uneven in places, and there are also 30,000 steps involved, making it quite unsuitable for bikes!
However, there are some sections which are bridleways or cycle routes, including Mousehole to Marazion in Cornwall, and Braunton to Bideford in Devon. These are worth doing, but don’t necessarily fall naturally into a plan if you are aiming to complete the whole route.
If you are looking for a bike ride in this part of the world, we’d recommend the Camel Trail.
Can you wild camp on the South West Coast Path?
Wild camping is not legal in England and Wales, so camping on the South West Coast Path in a place that is not a designated campsite, without the landowners permission, is considered trespass. That is not to say that people don’t do it, but if you are caught, you will be asked to move on. There are plenty of lovely campsites along the trail, including some beautiful, peaceful ones that give that ‘great outdoors’ feel.
Navigation & Accessibility
Is the South West Coast Path well marked?
Yes, the path has frequent signposts throughout the entire route which carry the white acorn symbol of National Trails. In addition to the standard signage, there are several large commemorative markers that signify important points along the way. Even where the terrain is tricky, it is still difficult to get lost or go off course!
Is the South West Coast Path accessible?
The South West Coast Path is not accessible throughout the entirety of its length, and has some difficult sections. However, there are also sections that are accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. These sections are marked as Easy Access online and in guide books. We have some lovely accessible sections in Cornwall, such as those near Padstow and Boscastle, which allow everyone to experience the trail and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Difficulty & Conditions
Can you walk the South West Coast Path in winter?
The trail does not close, so you can walk the South West Coast Path in winter or indeed at any time of year. When planning for the colder months, it’s worth keeping in mind that you may encounter snow, ice, rain or mist, and that the ground is likely to be slippery or muddy underfoot. You should also note that things like shops or eateries may close or operate limited hours during the winter.
How difficult is the South West Coast Path?
It would be fair to say that the South West Coast Path is difficult; it is a long-distance walk, with rugged terrain, and some steep ascents and descents. In terms of total elevation gain, it is akin to climbing Mount Everest four times! However, because it is able to be easily divided up and completed over a number of weeks or even several trips, it is ultimately suitable for lots of different types of walker. Plus, there is no need to do all of it; you can pick and choose what sections will work for you, so for those worried about fitness levels, you needn’t miss out.
No matter how you choose to explore it, the South West Coast Path promises a remarkable journey filled with stunning views, rich heritage, and a real sense of achievement. If you’re looking to experience it for yourself and need holiday accommodation in Cornwall for a section of your walk, take a look on our website – or get in touch if we can help.
