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Contours Walking Holidays

The South West Coast Path

A walk along the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
South West Coast Path

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The South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest way marked footpath and at 630 miles (1,008km) long, is the ultimate challenge for any long distance walker.

Beginning at Minehead in Somerset, the path shadows the route of the Coastguards who once patrolled the dramatic coastline for smugglers. The route curls around the entire peninsula of Devon and Cornwall and around the south-western tip of England, before following the dramatic scenery of Dorset to the trail’s end at Poole Harbour.

Along the whole route you can expect to encounter mile after mile of sea, quintessential Cornish towns and imposing cliffs as well as the old stone stiles and cottages that connect this stunning coastline to its maritime history.

Customers Photo Gallery

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We offer the South West Coast Path in ten sections, allowing you to piece together the most suitable package for your time, budget and stamina. Of course, if you are prepared for the challenge of the whole route, all ten sections can be walked consecutively to meet the entire 630 mile trail.

The ten sections of the South West Coast Path are North Devon, Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North, Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South , Far West of Cornwall, South West Cornwall, South Cornwall, South Devon, Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay, East Devon and Dorset.

Holiday Highlights

  • Experiencing two World Heritage Sites, North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, designated National Parks and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty.
  • Tracing the journey of the Coastguards who once patrolled the coastline for smugglers.
  • Spectacular views from remote moors, wild cliffs, golden beaches and unique geology.
  • Visiting locations brimming with literary and maritime history.

North Devon

Minehead to Westward Ho! along the North Devon section of the South West Coast Path.
South West Coast Path - North Devon

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Total Distance 87 miles (139 km)
Start and Finish Minehead to Westward Ho!
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Catching a glimpse of Exmoor ponies.
  • Tackling the challenging climbs and descents of the highest coastline in England.
  • Reaching ‘Great Hangman,’ the highest point on the South West Coast Path.
  • Marvelling at designated sites of Special Scientific Interest through North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve.
click on a photo to enlarge
Culbone Church © SWCP Association
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
NDEV1 7 nights, 6 days walking £495 per person More Information Book Online
NDEV2 8 nights, 7 days walking £560 per person More Information Book Online
NDEV3 12 nights, 11 days walking £860 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

Westward Ho! to Padstow along the rugged coast of North Cornwall.
South West Coast Path - Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 78 miles (124 km)
Start and Finish Westward Ho! to Padstow
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Experience variety, from the harsh, rugged cliffs, to the gentle beaches.
  • Explore links with popular culture, from Westward Ho! to Clovelly, and Port Isaac.
  • Taste the rich literary culture with links to Charles Kingsley, Rudyard Kipling and Dickens.
  • Visit the picturesque settlements, quaint fishing villages and lively ports that feature along the trail.
click on a photo to enlarge
Boscastle © Britain on View
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
CACN1 7 nights, 6 days walking £485 per person More Information Book Online
CACN2 8 nights, 7 days walking £540 per person More Information Book Online
CACN3 9 nights, 8 days walking £595 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £28 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South

Padstow to St Ives along the Atlantic Coast section of the South West Coast Path.
South West Coast Path - Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 66 miles (106 km)
Start and Finish Padstow to St Ives
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Admiring the contrast between beautiful, inviting beaches and dangerous rocks that have lured many ships to their wreckage.
  • Looking for Seals, Basking Sharks and Bottlenose Dolphins.
  • Discover the hidden beach of Porth Joke and the old swing bridge on the approach to Hayle.
click on a photo to enlarge
Bedruthan Steps © Britain on View
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
CACS1 6 nights, 5 days walking £425 per person More Information Book Online
CACS2 7 nights, 6 days walking £495 per person More Information Book Online
CACS3 11 nights, 10 days walking £775 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £28 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

Far West of Cornwall

A walking holiday from St Ives to Penzance around the most western point of England.
South West Coast Path - Far West of Cornwall

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 40 miles (64 km)
Start and Finish St Ives to Penzance
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Spectacular views as you reach Land’s End, the extreme westerly point of England.
  • Spotting dolphins, basking sharks and seals.
  • Enjoying the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you pass through the cove of Lamorna.
  • The sense of achievement on reaching Penzance.
click on a photo to enlarge
Land's End © Britain on View
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
FWC1 4 nights, 3 days walking £295 per person More Information Book Online
FWC2 5 nights, 4 days walking £360 per person More Information Book Online
FWC3 6 nights, 5 days walking £435 per person More Information Book Online
FWC4 7 nights, 6 days walking £505 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

South West Cornwall

Penzance to Falmouth around the Lizard Peninsula of South West Cornwall.
South West Coast Path - South West Cornwall

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 60 miles (96 km)
Start and Finish Penzance to Falmouth
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • The sub-tropical temperatures on this wild and isolated section.
  • Walking the Lizard peninsula, with rare wildflowers and heather covering the landscape.
  • Spectacular and far reaching views of the coastline from Rinsey Head towards The Lizard.
  • Reaching the half-way point on the South West Coast Path in the village of Porthallow.
click on a photo to enlarge
St Michael's Mount © SWCP association
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
SWCO1 5 nights, 4 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online
SWCO2 6 nights, 5 days walking £435 per person More Information Book Online
SWCO3 7 nights, 6 days walking £515 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

South Cornwall

Falmouth to Plymouth along the peaceful coastline of South Cornwall.
South West Coast Path - South Cornwall

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 76 miles (122 km)
Start and Finish Falmouth to Plymouth
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Looking back to Falmouth, with magnificent views over the bays, headlands and estuaries.
  • Absorbing the tranquillity of this quieter section of the South West Coast Path.
  • St Anthony’s Lighthouse and St Mawes Castle.
  • Reaching the fascinating city of Plymouth, with its rich naval history and Royal citadel.
click on a photo to enlarge
Portscatho © Britain on View
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
SCOR1 7 nights, 6 days walking £505 per person More Information Book Online
SCOR2 8 nights, 7 days walking £570 per person More Information Book Online
SCOR3 11 nights, 10 days walking £790 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

South Devon

A walking holiday from Plymouth to Brixham around the coastline of South Devon.
South West Coast Path - South Devon

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 67 miles (107 km)
Start and Finish Plymouth to Brixham
Availability All Year

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 naval 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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Experiencing Plymouth’s harbour and its rich maritime history.
  • Visiting the harbour of Dartmouth with its cobbled market place and narrow streets.
  • Watching the seabirds against a backdrop of wild flowers.
  • Arriving in Brixham and encountering one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK.
click on a photo to enlarge
Helford © Gordon Dickins
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
SDEV 7 nights, 6 days walking £505 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay

Brixham to Exmouth along the beautiful coastline of the English Riviera.
South West Coast Path - Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 27 miles (43 km)
Start and Finish Brixham to Exmouth
Availability 1st April to 1st October

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Looking back on the bustling port of Brixham and heading along the English Riviera.
  • Admiring the dramatic geology of the English Riviera Geopark.
  • Spotting dolphins and basking sharks from the high red cliffs.
  • Watching sailors and windsurfers on the approach to Exmouth.
click on a photo to enlarge
Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay © Britain on View
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
TOR1 3 nights, 2 days walking £225 per person More Information Book Online
TOR2 4 nights, 3 days walking £305 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

East Devon

Exmouth to Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coastline of the South West Coast Path.
South West Coast Path - East Devon

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 28 miles (45 km)
Start and Finish Exmouth to Lyme Regis
Availability All Year

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.

Holiday Highlights

  • Following the red cliffs of the Jurassic Coastline.
  • Spotting a variety of wildlife, from foxes and roe deer, to redshank and curlews.
  • Visiting the charming towns and villages, including Branscombe and Beer.
click on a photo to enlarge
Boats on Beach
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
EDEV1 4 nights, 3 days walking £295 per person More Information Book Online
EDEV2 5 nights, 4 days walking £360 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £25 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.

Dorset

Lyme Regis to Poole along the dramatic coastline of Dorset and the Jurassic coastline.
South West Coast Path - Dorset

click on the map to enlarge

Total Distance 75 miles (120 km)
Start and Finish Lyme Regis to Poole
Availability All Year

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).

Holiday Highlights

  • Following in the footsteps of Lady Mary Anning who popularised fossil hunting in Lyme Regis.
  • Tracing the geology along the Jurassic coastline.
  • Admiring the scenery of Lulworth Cove, Fossil Forest, Mupe Bay and Durdle Door.
  • The sense of achievement having reached the end of the South West Coast Path.
click on a photo to enlarge
Lulworth Cove © Britain on View
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
DOR1 7 nights, 6 days walking £515 per person More Information Book Online
DOR2 8 nights, 7 days walking £570 per person More Information Book Online
Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply:
Solo Walker Supplement: £28 per person / per night
Single Supplement: £15 per person / per night
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.
The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday.
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Ms Klinedinst. USA.

We were very impressed with everything about this trip from the trail, to the detailed itinerary, to our accommodations. We really felt well taken care of throughout the trip. Since returning home, I've recommended Contours to many of my friends who've inquired about our trip. We're already talking about returning for another walking trip through Contours.

Mr Hartley. UK

We did not book this holiday until the week we started it, so we would like to thank the staff at Contours for their amazing efficiency! Most impressive.

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