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

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

From £855 per person

Dorset

Nature shows its artistic flair here in Dorset, where high cliffs rear abruptly from tranquil shores and beaches of white sand. Sea-sculpted coves, stacks and arches draw the eye at every turn of the South West Coast Path, offset by the soft lines of the dunes of Studland Heath and the tidal flats of Poole harbour.

History is well-represented in the old market town of Bridport, not to mention picturesque Lulworth and the medieval swannery of Abbotsbury.

Book an extra night at Weymouth if you wish to enjoy the circuit of the Isle of Portland (15½ miles/25 km).

We also offer a Dorset Short Break option that explores the path from Weymouth to Swanage. Click here for more information.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
DOR1 From Lyme Regis to Sandbanks, Poole Harbour(T) 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £855
DOR2 From Lyme Regis to Sandbanks, Poole Harbour(T) 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £970
"Cogden Beah" by David Hackett (2024) "Cogden Beah" by David Hackett (2024)
"Marbled White at West Bexington Nature Reserve" by David Hackett (2024) "Marbled White at West Bexington Nature Reserve" by David Hackett (2024)
"Durdle Door" by David Hackett (2024) "Durdle Door" by David Hackett (2024)
"Damselfly at Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve" by David Hackett (2024) "Damselfly at Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve" by David Hackett (2024)
"Brandy Bay" by David Hackett (2024) "Brandy Bay" by David Hackett (2024)
"East Ebb Cove" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "East Ebb Cove" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Thorncombe Beacon" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Thorncombe Beacon" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Signpost East of Charmouth by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Signpost East of Charmouth by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Seatown" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Seatown" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Portland Bill Lighthouse" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Portland Bill Lighthouse" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Doghouse Hill" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Doghouse Hill" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Leaving Charmouth" by Alison Baillie (2023) "Leaving Charmouth" by Alison Baillie (2023)
"Heading out of Abbotsbury" by Alison Baillie (2023) "Heading out of Abbotsbury" by Alison Baillie (2023)
"Towards West Bay" by Alison Baillie (2023) "Towards West Bay" by Alison Baillie (2023)
"Heading into Weymouth" by Alison Baillie (2023) "Heading into Weymouth" by Alison Baillie (2023)
"Esplanade at Weymouth" by David Keogh (2018) "Esplanade at Weymouth" by David Keogh (2018)
"Southern End of Fleet" by David Keogh (2018) "Southern End of Fleet" by David Keogh (2018)
"Lulworth Cove" by John Wilkins (2019) "Lulworth Cove" by John Wilkins (2019)

Customer reviews from the Dorset

“Overall very good service, very good tour, everything was fine.”
Dr Quassdorf, Switzerland
“The SWCP is truly amazing. It’s a very special place.”
Mr Fuller, USA
“Thoroughly enjoyed the walk. This was a lovely holiday.”
Ms Kim-Scott, USA
“We had a great time - generally excellent B&B's and flawless baggage transfer.”
Mrs Knowler, Canada
“It was just as brilliant as the last four. For one of our party this was her first walking holiday and she is just as keen as me to book again. I don't think we could pick out one as there were so many beautiful places along the way. For myself I was most looking forward to seeing the Lulworth Cove area and it did not disappoint.”
Mrs Chopra, UK
“Excellent organisation and accommodation as ever.”
Mrs Baillie, UK
“Really loved the walk! Scenery was gorgeous, B&B's were all very good, trail was very easy to follow. Overall very lovely. Had to call once about a trail question, another walker had recommended we skip a section of trail due to shingle on the path. Right during your phone call, you folks looked up recent trail reports and you were able to reassure us it looked OK to stay on the trail.”
Ms Going, USA
“The accommodation and luggage transfer were excellent. We enjoyed all the different aspects of the walk.”
Mrs Burton, UK
“Thank you for arranging the coastal path walk for us. All went to schedule and we all got back safe and sound. All the accommodation catered well for Barnaby, the friendly dog.”
Mr Thomas, UK
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