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.

About this route

6 to 11 nights
68 miles
Easy / Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December

From £775 per person

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South

Fishing harbours, clusters of thatched cottages, and plenty of Iron Age cliff castles and Bronze Age barrows make this one of the most varied legs of the South West Coast Path.

The coastal landscape here is all-inclusive, populated by broad, sandy bays; rocky promontories; and the dramatic rock stacks of Giants Stepping Stones.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
CACS1 From Padstow to St Ives 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate / Demanding £775
CACS2 From Padstow to St Ives 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £895
CACS3 From Padstow to St Ives 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1145
CACS4 From Padstow to St Ives 11 nights, 10 days walking Easy / Moderate £1390
"Newquay" by Steve Woodward (2022) "Newquay" by Steve Woodward (2022)
"Pentire Point" by Steve Woodward (2022) "Pentire Point" by Steve Woodward (2022)
"Bedruthan Steps" by Steve Woodward (2022) "Bedruthan Steps" by Steve Woodward (2022)
"Trevaunance Cove" by David Hacket (2019) "Trevaunance Cove" by David Hacket (2019)
"Porth Mear" by David Hackett (2019) "Porth Mear" by David Hackett (2019)
"Trevone Bay" by David Hackett (2019) "Trevone Bay" by David Hackett (2019)
"Between Porth and Porthcothan" by Sandra Steel (2017) "Between Porth and Porthcothan" by Sandra Steel (2017)
"Porth to Porthcothan" by Sandra Steel (2017) "Porth to Porthcothan" by Sandra Steel (2017)

Customer reviews from the Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South

“Fabulous weather and excellent walking.”
Mrs Brewer, UK
“A very enjoyable week despite some bad weather. An excellent walk with beautiful scenery. A very enjoyable experience not to be missed. I have now had 2 holidays with Contours Walking Holidays and I have found them both well organised and very enjoyable experiences.”
Mr Nichols, UK
“It was all that we hoped it would be.”
Mr Newsom, USA
“Our favourite part of the route was the amazing, beautiful Cornish beaches - one after another after another!”
Mr Stallings, USA
“Always enjoy long distance walks. A very comfortable holiday. We have used contours multiple times and will continue to do so.”
Ms Millard, France
“We had a superb time, helped by super weather for most of the walk (just one slightly grey day and no rain!) Loved it. I love the flexibility you offer with your holidays”
Mr Ward, UK
“A great experience. First time I have used Contours and will definitely use your services again. Very good communications / information. All accommodation was fine. Taxi service worked well. Have already recommended you to my walking group friends. Would most definitely book with you again, hopefully later this year but definitely next year.”
Ms Downes, UK
“Spectacular scenery. Would recommend you to others because of responsible and quick responses to emails, certainty over baggage transfers and reasonable accommodation places. My rooms were always clean, comfortable and the owners very helpful. I still have two sections of the SW coast path to complete!”
Mrs Hunter, Australia
“Overall the B&B's were very good.”
Mr French, UK
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