South West Coast Path

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

3 to 12 nights
630 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding

From £260 per person

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.

Although we provide some gentler itineraries, expect stiff climbs on jaw-dropping coastal trails; mile after mile of sea views; and plenty of pasties and cream teas enjoyed in quintessential Cornish towns.

So that you can pick your favourite area to walk, we have split the trail into ten sections. Select a route below to find out more.

We also offer a choice of short breaks along the path, as well as a circular walking holiday round the Land's End Peninsula, which you can find on the South West Coast Path Short Breaks page. 

Dog friendly tours available

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

Trail running available

We also organise trail running holidays along this trail. Visit Contours Trail Running Holidays.

Routes on this trail

North Devon

7 to 12 nights
87 miles
Easy / Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £600 per person
Route 1 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Minehead to Westward Ho! along the North Devon section of the South West Coast Path.Find Out More

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

7 to 9 nights
78 miles
Moderate+
From £600 per person
Route 2 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Westward Ho! to Padstow along the rugged coast of North Cornwall.Find Out More

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South

6 to 11 nights
66 miles
Easy / Moderate+
From £515 per person
Route 3 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Padstow to St Ives along the Atlantic Coast section of the South West Coast Path.Find Out More

Far West of Cornwall

4 to 7 nights
40 miles
Easy / Moderate+
From £340 per person
Route 4 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
A walking holiday from St Ives to Penzance around the most western point of England.Find Out More

South West Cornwall

5 to 7 nights
61 miles
Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £430 per person
Route 5 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Penzance to Falmouth around the Lizard Peninsula of South West Cornwall.Find Out More

South Cornwall

7 to 11 nights
76 miles
Easy / Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £600 per person
Route 6 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Falmouth to Plymouth along the peaceful coastline of South Cornwall.Find Out More

South Devon

7 nights
67 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
From £600 per person
Route 7 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
A walking holiday from Plymouth to Brixham around the coastline of South Devon.Find Out More

Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay

3 to 4 nights
27 miles
Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £260 per person
Route 8 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Brixham to Exmouth along the beautiful coastline of the English Riviera.Find Out More

East Devon

4 to 5 nights
30 miles
Easy / Moderate+
Dog friendly
From £345 per person
Route 9 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Exmouth to Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coastline of the South West Coast Path.Find Out More

Dorset

7 to 8 nights
75 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
Dog friendly
From £600 per person
Route 10 of 10 routes on the South West Coast Path
Lyme Regis to Poole along the dramatic coastline of Dorset and the Jurassic coastline.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the South West Coast Path

“Everything worked perfectly and we can’t think of one thing that went wrong or to complain about! Well done everyone! We can’t wait to book another holiday with you!”
Mrs Edmondson, UK
“The SWCP is truly amazing. It’s a very special place.”
Mr Fuller, USA
“Overall we had a very good walking holiday, with very good accommodation, very good breakfasts and very friendly treatment at all stops.”
Mr Masters, France
“Enchanting in every way.”
Mr Hrafnkelsdottir, Iceland
“The scenery was spectacular – weather amazing.”
Mr Mercer, Canada
“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
“Actually, almost all aspects of our holiday exceeded our high expectations. Astoundingly beautiful countryside and seascapes, and, really, the friendliest people that we have had the pleasure to meet anywhere.”
Mr Hanson, USA
“Everything was perfect from accommodation to luggage transfer, really impressed.”
Mr Buzer, UK
“All in all a wonderful way to holiday and so liberating being without the car and able to enjoy such a beautiful part of the English/Cornish coastline. Easy access to beaches etc. Made lots of friends/contact along the way.”
Mr Herbert, UK