Walking the entire South West Coast Path – from Minehead in Somerset, via Cornwall and Devon, to Poole in Dorset – is said to be the equivalent to scaling Mount Everest four times. Luckily, you can cover as much or as little as you like at a time. Some of these South West Coast Path walks are challenging day-long adventures. Others are short, invigorating hikes. All harness the powerful benefits of getting out into nature and exploring the South West Coast Path on foot.
Prepare yourself
This coastal route covers some challenging terrain including wild and windswept clifftops and steep slopes. Good walking boots, waterproofs, provisions, a map and a compass are all essential. Check the weather before you set out, as rain can make some of these South West Coast Path walks slippery. With that said, here goes:
1 Little Hangman, near Combe Martin
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This steep hike from Kiln Car Park in Combe Martin will lift your spirits, particularly in autumn, when the purple heather is in bloom.
Stay: Coulscott House Holiday Cottages provides a great base to explore the challenging start of the coast path, which makes for one of the best walking holidays in the UK.
Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep gradients
Park at Porthgwarra and follow the path from England’s most southwesterly cove. A good walk in spring and autumn, when rare migrant birds are sometimes blown in. For one of the best walking holidays in the UK, tackle some of the other routes around Land’s End too and see the way the coast changes as you follow the South West Coast Path around the tip of Cornwall.
Stay: Downs Barn Farm is the perfect place to explore walking routes in the area.
3 Lizard Point - Church Cove and Cadgwith
Distance: 6.1 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
This is one of those South West Coast Path walks that can take longer than you expect. The reason? You’ll find yourself taking frequent stops to contemplate the abundance of rare flora and fauna in the region. This walk for nature lovers starts at Lizard Point car park and heads for the picturesque village of Cadgwith. Its dog-friendly beach makes it a good route for those with four-legged friends too.
Stay: Wheal Prosper at Trelowarren is just one fantastic option for South West Coast Path walks on the Lizard Peninsula.
4 Berry Head to Sharkham Point
Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Fairly easy with some uneven paths
This is a one of the most popular South West Coast Path walks. And as you soak up the views you’ll see why. Park at Berry Head car park to enjoy this walk, which takes in the Berry Head nature reserve. You can also walk up to Berry Head from the town of Brixham. A good choice for family walking holidays in the UK.
Stay: Nethway Farm Holiday Cottages is a great place to stay as you explore this popular route.
Distance: 10.3 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
A strenuous six-hour hike through the East Devon National Landscape. As with all the best South West Coast Path walks, there is time to pause for quiet reflection on your travels. Take a meditative moment on Branscombe’s shingle beach and watch the waves roll in.
Stay: Combine a walking holiday in the UK with a stay at one of the area’s most popular towns, at Bulverton House.
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging, slippery in wet weather
A challenging, dog-friendly walk that takes in the Undercliff, a wooded wilderness by the sea. Some four hours after you enter its canopy, you’ll emerge into the light at Lyme Regis.
Stay: Champernhayes is an option for those enjoying South West Coast Path walks in this area.
Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy, with a steep descent
Some South West Coast Path walks can be tackled with children, including this mostly gentle stroll on the high plateau of land above St Aldhelm’s Head on the Isle of Purbeck. Take some time to rest and recharge as you watch the waves crashing below.
Stay: Woodhyde is a popular choice for families on walking holidays in the UK.
Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
The turquoise seas and white sandy beaches of this National Trust-owned stretch of coast lift the spirits even on dull days. Expect this walk to take around four hours.
Stay: East Trenean Farm is a great option if you want to try one of the best South West Coast Path walks.
Rest and recharge
All the best South West Coast Path walks end with a comfortable night’s rest. The cottages we’ve mentioned are just a handful of the options available. For walking holidays in the UK, the Premier Cottages’ coastal cottages collection offers restful places to recharge after a day’s walking. Discover your next escape today, search for your luxury holiday cottage in the UK.