Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North
Walk the South West Coast Path along Cornwall's Atlantic Coast on a self-guided walking holiday. Accommodation, luggage transfer and custom holiday pack included.
Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North
https://www.contours.co.uk/cornwalls-atlantic-coast-north
An epic walk along the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
From £355 per person
At 630 miles (1,008 km) in length, the South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest waymarked footpath and the ultimate challenge for any long distance walker. The route curls around the entire peninsula of Devon and Cornwall, rounds the south-western tip of England at Land’s End, and follows the southern shore through the dramatic scenery of Dorset, constituting a major portion of the England Coast Path.
Although we provide some gentler itineraries, on most holidays, expect stiff climbs on jaw-dropping coastal trails; mile after mile of sea views; and plenty of cream teas and Cornish pasties enjoyed in seaside towns. Walking the South West Coast Path is a challenge, but an immensely (and often tastily) rewarding one.
We’ve broken the full SWCP into ten stages so you can pick and choose your favourite stretches of coast. We also offer a choice of short breaks along the path, which you can find on the South West Coast Path Short Breaks page. If you’re looking for a circular tour, take a look at our walking holiday around the far point of Land’s End Peninsula and inland along St Michael’s Way.
Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.
We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.
From £910 per person
This varied walk along the South West Coast Path sweeps over rugged headlands and around secluded coves. It travels through lively fishing villages and is awash with ocean views, but there’s a unique jewel in its crown: the dramatic ruins of Tintagel, the birthplace of King Arthur.
Between this legendary site and the lively stops around it, Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast offers a wealth of things to see and do.
Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
---|---|---|---|---|
CACN1 | From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow | 6 days walking | £910 | |
CACN2 | From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow | 7 days walking | £1035 | |
CACN3 | From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow | 8 days walking | £1160 |
Since the Covid pandemic, single-night stays in Padstow have become challenging to arrange. To arrange this tour, we therefore must book two nights at Padstow. This will necessitate a transfer from Port Isaac for the penultimate night's stay; or, alternatively, we can book an extra night at the end of your walking tour. If you would prefer the latter option to minimise transfers, please add an extra night in Padstow during the booking process, or contact us directly for more information.
Travel to Westward Ho!(L) where your first night's accommodation will be booked
Westward Ho!(L) to Clovelly(L). 11.5 miles (18.5km) / 2349 ft (716 m) ascent
Clovelly(L) to Hartland Quay. 10.5 miles (17km) / 2087 ft (636 m) ascent
Hartland Quay to Bude. 15 miles (24km) / 3278 ft (999 m) ascent
Bude to Boscastle. 17 miles (27km) / 3570 ft (1088 m) ascent
Boscastle to Port Isaac. 13.5 miles (21.5km) / 3107 ft (947 m) ascent
Port Isaac to Padstow. 12 miles (19km) / 1762 ft (537 m) ascent
Depart from Padstow after breakfast
This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.
Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation in most cases; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard if practical. A very limited number of stops will require you to travel on foot up to two miles off the trail, however these instances will be clearly communicated to you if applicable.
Further transfers may also be required due to some accommodations having a two-night minimum booking policy, especially at weekends.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
Delving into rich literary links to Charles Kingsley, Rudyard Kipling, and Dickens.
Wandering the open-air ruins of King Arthur’s birthplace at Tintagel.
Exploring links with popular culture, from Westward Ho! To Clovelley and Port Isaac.
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
“It was very strenuous! But this old couple made it and we’re very proud!”Mr Clement, USA
“The accommodation was good overall. The walking was very hard however the coastline was stunning. This was our 9th holiday with you.”Mr O’Connor, UK
“Wonderful stretch of coastline and very challenging. Made even more special by the good weather. Hope to do another section next Spring.”Ms Downes, UK
“Scenery superb.”Mrs Horrocks, UK
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole holiday, Karen found the terrain tougher than she expected but the local bus services worked well for her. B&Bs, luggage and taxi transfers were excellent, as was the information pack provided.”Mr Fish, UK
“Thank you once again for a wonderful week of walking and hiking – we loved our trip from Westward Ho! to Padstow. Thanks for all you did to make it a special and successful trip.”Ms Kappmeyer, USA
“Delivered all promised.”Mr Hoskin, Australia
“Didn’t know what to expect on this holiday but it exceeded all of my expectations. This part of the Devon/Cornwall coastline is spectacular. It can be a tough walk but the views and the scenery are exceptional.”Mr Madge, UK
“We spent an enjoyable 10 days on the walk. Thanks for arranging the B&B's for us.”Mr Burnett, UK