Why we created this guide (and why it’s Britain’s greatest Coastal walk)
At Coast Path Walks, we specialise in slow, immersive coastal walking journeys. We believe the coast is best experienced on foot, at a pace that allows you to notice changes in light, weather, wildlife and landscape — and to enjoy the places and people that live along the shore.
The South West Coast Path is the finest example of this kind of travel. It is not simply a long-distance walk, but a living coastline, shaped by sea, geology, history and human life. This guide brings together practical information and a deeper understanding of what makes the path so special, whether you are considering walking a single section or dreaming of the entire route.
What is the South West Coast Path?
The South West Coast Path is England’s longest National Trail, stretching for approximately 630 miles (1,014 kilometres) from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. It follows the coastline through Somerset, North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon and Dorset, staying as close to the sea as the land allows.
What makes the path unique is its continuity. Once you begin, you are almost always walking with the sea beside you — sometimes high above it on cliffs, sometimes at beach level, sometimes tracing the edges of estuaries and harbours.
Why the South West Coast Path is so special
A coastline that never stands still
No two days feel the same. The route moves between exposed Atlantic headlands, sheltered coves, long beaches, rocky promontories and tidal estuaries.
A living, working coast
Fishing boats still leave harbours at dawn, farmers tend fields above the cliffs, and small towns welcome walkers with inns and bakeries.
Walking at the edge of land and sea
There is something grounding about spending days at the boundary between land and water. Light, weather and tide shape each day.
How long does it take to walk the South West Coast Path?
Walking the entire path typically takes around seven weeks, allowing for rest days. Most people, however, walk it in stages:
- One week for a single section
- Two to three weeks for deeper immersion
- Several holidays over years to complete the route
Walking slowly allows time for weather, rest and unplanned moments.
Walking the South West Coast Path in stages
We divide the path into seven broad stages, each with its own landscape and rhythm. Some sections are wild and demanding, others gentler and more settled.
Walking in stages makes the path accessible and allows you to return over time, building a long-term relationship with the coastline.
Where to stay on the South West Coast Path
Accommodation along the route is largely made up of independent B&Bs, guesthouses and small inns. Staying well matters on a coastal walk — good food, a comfortable bed and a warm welcome shape how the walking feels day to day.
Many walkers use luggage transfer services, allowing them to walk with a light daypack.
The best time of year to walk
Spring and autumn are often ideal, offering wildflowers, seabirds, softer light and fewer people. Summer brings long days and lively villages, while winter offers drama and solitude for those prepared for it.
Who is the South West Coast Path for?
The path suits people who:
- Enjoy walking and being outdoors
- Value landscape and local life
- Prefer walking well to walking fast
You do not need to be an endurance athlete — patience and curiosity matter more than speed.
Our approach
We believe the South West Coast Path is best experienced at walking pace, with time to savour the coastline rather than rush through it. Our journeys balance walking with rest, good food and meaningful places to stay.
In summary
The South West Coast Path is not a route to conquer. It is a coastline to be discovered slowly, in stages, over time. Whether you walk for a week or return again and again, it offers one of Britain’s richest walking experiences.