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 £355 per person

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

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 £910 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 £910
CACN2 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1035
CACN3 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1160
"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

“Great weather, bordering on hot. Places to stay were great. Very stress free. Took two days in Bude which was great.”
Mr Jones, USA
“I have been a keen long distance walker for many years. I would rate my walk along the Cornwall Atlantic Coast North during May 2023 as being up there with the best. My recent walking holiday could not have been better. All of the accommodation was excellent, luggage transfer and taxi service when required was first class. Scenery from start to finish was wonderful. This holiday was an excellent experience from start to finish. The organisation by Contours was first class. The holiday pack was extremely comprehensive and covered everything I required. I would have no hesitation in recommending this holiday to others. From the lady I first spoke to on the telephone everyone I had dealings with at Contours were courteous, very helpful and professional. I am hoping to book another walking holiday with Contours later this year.”
Mr Nichols, UK
“Nice scenery and wonderful arrangements.”
Mr Kuhns, USA
“The walks were challenging but the scenery made our efforts worthwhile. The walks never failed to stun, we’ve visited areas we’ll want to return to in a more leisurely manner one day e.g. Clovelly. We’re already planning to book another holiday with you.”
Mrs Mahan, UK
“Excellent walk. Accommodation was all very good. Excellent breakfasts and good packed lunches where provided.”
Mrs Severn, UK
“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
“Delivered all promised.”
Mr Hoskin, Australia
“Another wonderful trip. Amazing scenery, good lodging and food, even good weather. Despite the difficulty level and the crowds, we would still rate this trip as excellent. Although we have walked another section of the South West Coast Path, and therefore had some idea what to expect, the scenery exceeded our expectations. We also enjoyed a number of historical sites, old churches and other buildings and towns, and the cultural experience involved in the travel, the lodging places, the restaurants, and talking with people in the areas we visited. We were happy with all of the lodging places we stayed at. We would recommend this walk to others who want almost constant dramatic coastal scenery and the smaller villages along the way, and do not mind the frequent up and down climbs that are involved. We have booked a number of holidays with Contours and intend to book additional holidays in the future.”
Mr Brancheau, 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
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