self-guided walking holidays in cornwall, devon, somerset & dorset
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The South West Coast Path –
the Coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset

The South West Coast Path is a spectacular 630-mile (1,008km) trail around the south-western tip of England. Beginning at Minehead in Somerset it follows the coastline through Devon and Cornwall to Poole in Dorset. We have divided the trail into ten sections to provide a selection of walking holidays ranging in length from  three nights to four weeks or more

self-guided hiking tours along the coast paths of cornwall Dorset Exmoor
Please click on the map to go straight to the tour details

 

North Devon

The South West Coast Path between Minehead and Westward Ho! is astonishingly diverse. It begins with the high ‘hog's back' cliffs, purple tinted moors and beautiful coastal oak woodlands of Exmoor. Around Combe Martin the coast softens to one of low cliffs, tiny coves and headlands. These are replaced in turn by sweeping sandy beaches and dunes and then by the shores of the beautiful Taw and Torridge Estuaries. The Valley of Rocks with its jagged sandstone pinnacles, the dramatic gorge of Heddon Mouth, Culbone Church, the smallest complete parish church in England and the delightful villages of Bossington, Porlock and Lynmouth add to the interest of this splendid walk.
self-led walking holidays along the coast paths of devon
Culbone Church © SWCP Association

 

North Devon - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
NDEV1
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£395 per person
NDEV2
8 nights, 7 days walking
More Information>>
£440 per person
NDEV3
12 nights, 11 days walking
More Information>>
£670 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £15 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £36 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
87 miles (140km)
Start and Finish
Minehead to Westward Ho!
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for North Devon

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Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

The coastline between Westward Ho! and the little seaport of Padstow with its lively harbour is a spectacular one of high cliffs, rugged headlands and secluded little coves. The path crosses many notable viewpoints, including Gallantry Bower, Hartland Point and The Rumps; passes the tiny inlets of Crackington Haven and Port Quin; the sleepy little village of Morwenstow; visits a number of picturesque fishing villages including Clovelly, Boscastle, Portgaverne and Port Isaac; and explores Tintagel's dramatic ruined castle, the birthplace of King Arthur.

Boscastle © Britain on View

 

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
CACN1
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£405 per person
CACN2
8 nights, 7 days walking
More Information>>
£465 per person
CACN3
9 nights, 8 days walking
More Information>>
£525 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £15 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £37 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
79 miles (126 km)
Start and Finish
Westward Ho! to Padstow
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for Cornwall's Atlantic Coast

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Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South

Between Padstow and St Ives the coast path passes beautiful little sandy bays, rocky promontories, long beaches, dunes, cliffs and dramatic rock stacks like the Giants Stepping Stones of Bedruthan Steps. Little fishing harbours like Perranporth and Portreath, the sleepy village of Gwithian with its pretty thatched cottages, old tin-mining villages like St Agnes, with its neat terraces of miners' cottages, the forlorn ruins of old engine houses perched on the cliffs, Iron Age cliff castles, Bronze Age barrows and ruined chapels add to the charm of this lovely walk.

self-led walking holidays along the coast paths of dorset

Bedruthan Steps © Britain on View

 

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
CACS1
6 nights, 5 days walking
More Information>>
£360 per person
CACS2
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£420 per person
CACS3
11 nights, 10 days walking
More Information>>
£670 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £18 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £37 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
66 miles (105km)
Start and Finish
Padstow to St Ives
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for Cornwalls Atlantic Coast South

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Far West of Cornwall

self-guided hiking tours along the coast paths of somerset
Land's End © Britain on View
The coastline of the Land's End peninsula between St Ives and Penzance is one of the most beautiful in Britain, with rugged granite cliffs dotted with the ruins of old tin mines. In spring and early summer the clifftops are carpeted with a dazzling array of wild flowers. Inland, the moors glow purple and gold with heather and gorse in late summer and are littered with quoits, standing stones, stone circles and other mysterious remains. As well as the delightful port of St Ives, with its narrow winding streets and picturesque harbour, the path visits the pretty fishing villages of Mousehole, Lamorna and Sennen Cove; the tiny hamlets of Porthgwarra and St Leven, the open-air Minack Theatre, perched spectacularly on the cliffs above beautiful Porthcurno Bay; the sleepy mining village of St Just, and the old seaport of Penzance.


Far West of Cornwall - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
FWC1
4 nights, 3 days walking
More Information>>
£250 per person
FWC2
5 nights, 4 days walking
More Information>>
£300 per person
FWC3
6 nights, 5 days walking
More Information>>
£360 per person
FWC4
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£420 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £16 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
41 miles (65.5 km)
Start and Finish
St Ives to Penzance
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for the Far West of Cornwall

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South West Cornwall

self-guided hiking tours along the coast paths of west cornwall

St Michael's Mount © SWCP association

Beginning at Penzance, this stretch of the coast path around the beautiful Lizard Peninsula to Falmouth, visits the picturesque island of St Michael's Mount, which is linked by a causeway to the mainland at low tide; the idyllic coves of Kynance and Gunwalloe, the smugglers' hideaways of Prussia Cove and Coverack; and the pretty fishing villages of Porthleven, Mullion and Cadgwith, where whitewashed thatched cottages cluster around the tiny harbour. The rugged cliffs of red-green serpentine around The Lizard provide a superb contrast to the tranquil woods, creeks and inlets of the Helford River so beloved by Daphne Du Maurier.

 

South West Cornwall - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
SWCO1
5 nights, 4 days walking
More Information >>
£310 per person
SWCO2
6 nights, 5 days walking
More Information >>
£360 per person
SWCO3
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information >>
£420 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £18 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
61 miles (98 km)
Start and Finish
Penzance to Falmouth
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for South West of Cornwall

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South Cornwall

This stretch of the coast path between Falmouth and Plymouth explores a more gentle coastline of tranquil estuaries, wooded inlets, sandy coves and headlands giving glorious views over bays sheltering some of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, like Mevagissey, Portloe, Portscatho and Polperro, where whitewashed cottages jostle for the best view of the harbour. The path also visits the historic ports of Plymouth, Falmouth and Fowey, the impressive coastal defences of Henry VIII and the beautiful Georgian harbour of Charlestown with its square riggers.

self-guided hiking tours along the coast paths of south cornwall

Portscatho © Britain on View

 

South Cornwall - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
SCOR1
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£420 per person
SCOR2
8 nights, 7 days walking
More Information>>
£480 per person
SCOR3
11 nights, 10 days walking
More Information>>
£660 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £16 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
76 miles (122km)
Start and Finish
Falmouth to Plymouth
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for South Cornwall

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South Devon

South Devon's coastline is one of spectacular contrasts. Wave-battered sandstone cliffs and rugged headlands that have claimed countless shipwrecks, give way to tranquil wooded estuaries and inland to lush, rolling farmland with patchwork fields. Beginning at the historic navel port of Plymouth the path visits picturesque Salcombe Harbour, the beautiful old town of Dartmouth with its spectacular sea defences, Burgh Island with its ancient smugglers inn and a string of attractive coastal villages, before ending at the old fishing port of Brixham.

Helford © Gordon Dickins

 

South Devon - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
SDEV
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£410 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £16 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
67 miles (107km)
Start and Finish
Plymouth to Brixham
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for South Cornwall

 

Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay

This short stretch of the South West Coast Path begins with a promenade through the bustling resorts of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay lining Tor Bay; rounds the spectacular headland of Hope’s Nose with its cluster of offshore rock islands and seabird colonies; and then continues around beautiful Babbacombe Bay to The Ness, a tall tree-lined cliff of sandstone at the mouth of the River Teign.    After a short ferry journey to Teignmouth, the path continues through Dawlish, a pleasant resort famous for the black swans that paddle around in the stream running through the town, to the village of Starcross and the ferry to Exmouth.


tor bay
Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay (c) Britain on View

Tor Bay and Babbacombe - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
TOR1
3 nights, 2 days walking
More Information>>
£195 per person
TOR2
4 nights, 3 days walking
More Information>>
£260 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £18 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
27 miles (44 km)
Start and Finish
Brixham to Exmouth
Availability
Easter - October
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for Tor Bay and Babbacombe

 

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East Devon

East Devon's coastline is a colourful one, its red sandstone cliffs contrasting vividly with the lush green of the surrounding countryside. As the path winds east from Exmouth to the lovely old port of Lyme Regis, it visits a number of picturesque towns and villages including Branscombe with its whitewashed cob and thatch cottages, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and the old fishing village of Beer where colourful inshore trawlers are launched from the pebbly beach.

East Devon - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
EDEV1
4 nights, 3 days walking
More Information>>
£250 per person
EDEV2
5 nights, 4 days walking
More Information>>
£310 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £17 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
30 miles (48km)
Start and Finish
Exmouth to Lyme Regis
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for East Devon

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Dorset

Dorset's coastline is renowned for its dramatic beauty and variety. Beginning at the old port of Lyme Regis the drama begins with the high cliffs of Golden Cap, which abruptly give way to the pebble ridge of Chesil Beach and the tranquil shores of the Fleet Lagoon. Then, just as abruptly, high cliffs rear up with sea-sculpted coves, stacks and arches, before dropping down to the white sandy beaches and dunes of Studland Heath and the tidal flats and inlets of Poole harbour. Along the way the path passes famous rock formations including Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks and Dancing Ledge; visits the attractive old market town of Bridport and the picturesque villages of Burton Bradstock, Lulworth, the deserted range village of Tyneham and Abbotsbury, with its medieval swannery.

The Dorset Coast Path goes through the Lulworth Ranges.  These are normally open around Easter, May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, most of the summer period and many weekends.  Please contact us before booking to ensure they are open.

Book an extra night at Weymouth if you wish to enjoy the circuit of the Isle of Portland (15½ miles/25 km).

self-guided hiking tours along the coast paths of dorset

Lulworth Cove © Britain on View

 

Dorset - Itinerary, Prices and Dates

Tour Code
Itinerary
Tour Price
DOR1
7 nights, 6 days walking
More Information>>
£450 per person
DOR2
8 nights,7 days walking
More Information>>
£520 per person

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room.  If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £18 per night.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops.   For each extra night add £38 per person

All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency

Total Distance
75 miles (120km)
Start and Finish
Lyme Regis to Poole
Availability
All year
Travel to and from the holiday
It is very easy to travel to the start (and return home from the end) of the holiday using public transport.  Please click here for more information
Climate
Click here for a summary of monthly average temperatures and rainfall for Dorset

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Contours Walking Holidays, Gramyre, 3 Berrier Road, Greystoke, CA11 OUB, UK.      Tel: +44 (0) 17684 80451    EMAIL: info@contours.co.uk

© 2007 Contours Walking Holidays