Seven weeks on the South West Coast Path
Ever wondered what it would be like to tackle the entire South West Coast Path? Here’s our guide to each of the seven week stages of the South West Coast Path – what scenery to expect, what accommodation you’ll stay in and what sort of walker will enjoy each stage.
STAGE 1
Somerset & Exmoor Coast
Wild headlands and a powerful beginning
Why we created this journey
This opening section of the South West Coast Path sets the tone for the journey ahead. It is dramatic, exposed and unmistakably coastal, offering a strong sense of arrival at the edge of land.
We designed this journey for walkers who enjoy rugged landscapes and want to experience the path at its wildest from the outset.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Rugged coastal walking
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
- Luggage transfer: Available
Landscape & character
High cliffs rise directly from the Bristol Channel, with long views across open water and inland to the moors. The walking is demanding in places, but deeply rewarding, with a feeling of space and elemental weather.
Who it’s for
- Walkers who enjoy dramatic scenery
- Those comfortable with ascents and descents
- People who value solitude and scale
STAGE 2
North Devon Coast
Cliffs, valleys and wide Atlantic views
Why we created this journey
North Devon offers some of the most physically engaging walking on the entire path, with a rhythm shaped by deep valleys and bold headlands.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Challenging coastal terrain
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
Landscape & character
This coast is defined by contrast: steep climbs followed by long descents, wooded combes opening suddenly onto exposed cliffs. The sense of effort is balanced by expansive views and quiet stretches of path.
Who it’s for
- Confident walkers
- Those who enjoy a sense of challenge
- Walkers seeking dramatic terrain
STAGE 3
North Cornwall Coast
Atlantic drama and Cornish identity
Why we created this journey
North Cornwall captures the South West Coast Path at its most recognisable — bold cliffs, constant sea views and a strong local character.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Moderate to challenging
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
Landscape & character
The coastline here feels powerful and open, shaped by Atlantic weather. Fishing villages and harbours punctuate the walking, offering warmth and contrast to the exposed path.
Who it’s for
- Walkers drawn to classic coastal scenery
- Those who enjoy varied, engaging days
- Lovers of sea light and open horizons
STAGE 4
West Cornwall
At the far edge of the land
Why we created this journey
Walking around the western tip of Cornwall brings a strong sense of journey and transition. This is where the Atlantic presence feels most constant.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Varied, exposed in places
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
Landscape & character
Cliffs soften and harden in turn, mining heritage appears along the path, and the sea dominates every view. There is a feeling of rounding a corner, both geographically and emotionally.
Who it’s for
- Walkers who enjoy exposure and history
- Those drawn to a strong sense of place
STAGE 5
South Cornwall
Sheltered coves and gentler rhythms
Why we created this journey
Turning east, the character of the coast changes noticeably. This section offers a softer, more sheltered experience.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Moderate, varied
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
Landscape & character
Wooded valleys, calm estuaries and sheltered beaches replace the Atlantic edge. Walking days feel more relaxed, with frequent villages and opportunities to pause.
Who it’s for
- Walkers seeking balance and variety
- Those who enjoy gentler terrain
STAGE 6
South Devon
Estuaries, villages and coastal life
Why we created this journey
South Devon combines walking with lively coastal communities and rich estuarine landscapes.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Moderate
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
Landscape & character
The path weaves between rural coast, ferry crossings and seaside towns. Walking here feels sociable and varied, with strong links between land and local life.
Who it’s for
- Walkers who enjoy settled landscapes
- Those who value food and accommodation choice
STAGE 7
Dorset & the Jurassic Coast
Chalk cliffs and a fitting conclusion
Why we created this journey
The final stage of the South West Coast Path is geologically distinct and visually iconic, offering a reflective end to a long coastal story.
Overview
- Duration: 7 days
- Walking style: Moderate
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses
Landscape & character
Chalk cliffs, sweeping bays and layered rock formations define this section. The walking feels lighter, with a sense of completion as the path reaches Poole Harbour.
Who it’s for
- Walkers drawn to iconic coastal landscapes
- Those seeking a gentle but memorable finale
FULL 7-WEEK SOUTH WEST COAST PATH ITINERARY
Walking the South West Coast Path End to End
A complete coastal journey from Somerset to Dorset
Why we created this journey
Walking the South West Coast Path in one continuous journey is a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of Britain’s southwest coastline. This itinerary is designed to be walked slowly, sustainably and thoughtfully, allowing time for rest, weather and discovery.
Overview
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Distance: Approx. 630 miles
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses throughout
- Luggage transfer: Available
The journey in outline
Each week corresponds broadly to one stage of the path, allowing for:
- Regular rest days
- Recovery after demanding sections
- Time to enjoy key coastal towns and villages
What the full journey offers
- A complete sense of coastal transition
- Changing geology, weather and wildlife
- Deep familiarity with the rhythms of the sea
- A powerful sense of completion
Practical reality
Walking the full path requires:
- Physical preparation
- Flexibility around weather
- Willingness to slow down when needed
This is not a race, but a sustained coastal immersion.
Accommodation & comfort
Staying in B&Bs and guesthouses allows for:
- Consistent comfort over many weeks
- Local hospitality
- A manageable daily routine
Who this journey is for
- Experienced walkers
- Those with time to commit to a long journey
- People drawn to walking as a way of living for a while
In summary
Walking the South West Coast Path end to end is one of Britain’s great walking journeys. Taken slowly, with care and attention, it becomes more than a route — it becomes a way of inhabiting the coast.