South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path

An epic walk along the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

3 to 12 nights
630 miles
Easy to Demanding / Strenuous

From £373 per person

Find your holiday

About the trail

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 along the South West Coast Path, 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, or stitch in the Tamara Coast to Coast Way.

Choose your route

  • This route includes dog friendly tour options North Devon
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South
  • Far West of Cornwall
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South West Cornwall
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Cornwall
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay
  • South Devon
  • East Devon
  • Dorset

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

Trail running tours available

We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.

About this route

7 to 9 nights
80 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £956 per person

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

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.

We also offer a Cornwall's Atlantic Coast North Short Break option that explores the path from Clovelly to Bude. Click here for more information.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
CACN1 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £956
CACN2 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1087
CACN3 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1218
"Damehole Point" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Damehole Point" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Harbour at Port Quin" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Harbour at Port Quin" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Tintagel Haven at Sunset" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Tintagel Haven at Sunset" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Beyond Hartland Quay" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Beyond Hartland Quay" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Tintagel Head at Sunset" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Tintagel Head at Sunset" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Hartland Quay Shoreline at Sunset" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Hartland Quay Shoreline at Sunset" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Coastline near Cleave" by Blais Brancheau (2023) "Coastline near Cleave" by Blais Brancheau (2023)
"Descending to Hartland Quay" by T Kraan (2023) "Descending to Hartland Quay" by T Kraan (2023)
"Constantine Bay" by Sandra Steel (2017) "Constantine Bay" by Sandra Steel (2017)
"Hartland Quay" by Sandra Steel (2017) "Hartland Quay" by Sandra Steel (2017)
"The Gannel" by Sandra Steel (2017) "The Gannel" by Sandra Steel (2017)
"Coffee Time" by Sandra Steel (2017) "Coffee Time" by Sandra Steel (2017)
"Boscastle to Bude" by Sandra Steel (2017) "Boscastle to Bude" by Sandra Steel (2017)
"Which Way Next?" by Therese Larum (2017) "Which Way Next?" by Therese Larum (2017)
"Enjoying a Rest" by Therese Larum (2017) "Enjoying a Rest" by Therese Larum (2017)
"Along the Path" by Therese Larum (2017) "Along the Path" by Therese Larum (2017)

Customer reviews from the Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

“Wonderful time exploring the coastline. Excellent B&Bs picked for us. Superb service from the luggage transfer company also. Bags always there when we arrived and no damage. Already picking our next holiday with you.”
Mr Learmonth, UK
“It was an amazing experience in a magnificent part of the country. Contours booked some great accommodation for me. The communication was excellent and the maps and information was brilliant. Would recommend this walking holiday where all you need to do is walk!!”
Mrs Shaw, Australia
“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
“Nice scenery and wonderful arrangements.”
Mr Kuhns, USA
“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
“We had really good holidays. The organization was excellent. The accommodation was in general very good. We hope we didn`t stress your team to much with our special wishes. But you did your best and so we ended in a wonderful tour. The way we did it (short distances and some extra days) we were able to enjoy birds, plants, spotting seals and had time for visits, e.g. Barbara Hepworth Museum, Geevor Tine Mine or St Michaels Mount and a performance in the Minack Theater. So, a great thank to everybody who helped to organize all.”
Mr Krause, Switzerland
“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
“More strenuous than anticipated but most enjoyable. We wish we had built in some rest days to enjoy the small towns. The coast itself is spectacular and well worth the physical challenges.”
Mrs Malmsten, Canada
“We had a fantastic time, thank you.”
Mrs Elliot-King, UK
Find your holiday