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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 £382 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. 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.

Alternatively, we can arrange bespoke itineraries over any stage of the SWCP to meet your personal requirements. Please contact us for more information.

Choose your route

  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South West Cornwall
  • South Devon
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options East Devon
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options North Devon
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North
  • Dorset
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Cornwall
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South
  • Far West of 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 12 nights
88 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £805 per person

North Devon

Art of Ilfracombe on the North Devon leg of the South West Coast Path.

Here in North Devon, the South West Coast Path tackles the demanding climbs and descents of the highest coastline in England. Dramatic landscapes abound, from the jagged sandstone pinnacles at the Valley of Rocks to the gorge at Heddon Mouth.

It’s not all hilly terrain: the coast softens as the walk progresses, taking in coastal oak woodlands and sweeping sandy beaches. It dips into seaside villages on its way, and even visits the smallest complete parish church in England: Culbone.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
NDEV1 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 7 nights, 6 days walking Demanding £805
NDEV2 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £923
NDEV3 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 10 nights, 9 days walking Moderate £1148
NDEV4 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 12 nights, 11 days walking Easy / Moderate £1379
"Westward Ho! Beach" by Catherine Lloyd (2025) "Westward Ho! Beach" by Catherine Lloyd (2025)
"Heading Towards Bull Point" by Catherine Lloyd (2025) "Heading Towards Bull Point" by Catherine Lloyd (2025)
"Picnic Lunch near Hurlstone Point" by Catherine Lloyd (2025) "Picnic Lunch near Hurlstone Point" by Catherine Lloyd (2025)
"Between Minehead and Porlock Weir" by Marc Campion (2024) "Between Minehead and Porlock Weir" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Looking Back From Lynton" by Marc Campion (2024) "Looking Back From Lynton" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Instow to Westwood Ho!" by Marc Campion (2024) "Instow to Westwood Ho!" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Chilling in Combe Martin" by Marc Campion (2024) "Chilling in Combe Martin" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Between Lynmouth and Combe Martin" by Achim and Antje Knacksterdt (2023) "Between Lynmouth and Combe Martin" by Achim and Antje Knacksterdt (2023)
"Bossington Beach" by Sue Daber (2023) "Bossington Beach" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Signpost near Woolacombe" by Sue Daber (2023) "Signpost near Woolacombe" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Valley of the Rocks" by Sue Daber (2023) "Valley of the Rocks" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Elwill Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Elwill Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Exmoor Ponies" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Exmoor Ponies" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Rockham Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Rockham Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Looking Back from Widmouth Head to Sexton's Burrow" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Looking Back from Widmouth Head to Sexton's Burrow" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"View to Appledore from Instow" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "View to Appledore from Instow" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Woody Bay and View to Crock Point" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018 Photo Competition Winner) "Woody Bay and View to Crock Point" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018 Photo Competition Winner)
"Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018) "Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018)
"Slope between Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018) "Slope between Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018)
"Ocean View in Yearnor Wood" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018) "Ocean View in Yearnor Wood" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018)

Customer reviews from the North Devon

“Loved this very scenic section of the SWCP. I would definitely like to walk it again one day. I particularly liked the section running up to Braunton which was classic SWCP. Everything as always was well organised and thought out. I enjoyed the first two days very much. I would absolutely recommend the holiday, others may find the mileages quite tough but the scenery and the enjoyment were great. I would book with Contours again (and have done so).”
Mr Madge, UK
“Well organised and went smoothly start to finish.”
Mrs Kockelbergh, UK
“You folks always do a great job. I always enjoy wild & rugged coastline, but the long stretches of golden sand were also nice.”
Mr Yent, USA
“It was a very lovely week. Everything was very well organized. May is a lovely time to travel, probably my new favourite. I will happily recommend this to others. Currently trying to find a timeslot for the next section of the SWCP. Probably in July 2023, but I will only book that after my walk on the Cleveland way in August.”
Ms Herter, Austria
“Tougher than I thought - but we got there!”
Mr Ogden, UK
“Dear Contours Team. I just wanted to write to thank you all for organising my 49 day holiday, walking the whole of the South West Coast path. Following the first point of contact, my holiday was arranged, B&Bs booked and taxis organised where needed. All information was given re how to find my accommodation at the end of my walk, contact phone numbers and info re river crossings. All went according to plan and I have had a brilliant walking holiday! (and not too many wet days!) Taxi firms were brilliant. All so cheerful and helpful. I would certainly use your company again!”
Ms Dicker, UK
“Excellent holiday and walking. Everything went to plan. Well organised. All baggage collected and delivered on time. Accommodation was good and hosts were good and helpful. Some more than others.”
Mr Roberts, UK
“Great hiking and gorgeous scenery! The lodgings were quite special and our hosts were lovely and always helpful.”
Mr Stallings, USA
“Fantastic, excellent accommodation, wonderful walking, and you even organised good weather!”
Dr Begley, UK
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