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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

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

From £980 per person

Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North

Art of Tintagel on 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.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
CACN1 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £980
CACN2 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1114
CACN3 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1248
"Boscastle Harbour" by Catherine Lloyd (2025) "Boscastle Harbour" by Catherine Lloyd (2025)
"Approaching Tintagel Castle" by Catherine Lloyd (2025) "Approaching Tintagel Castle" by Catherine Lloyd (2025)
"Looking Back Towards Coombe" by Catherine Lloyd (2025) "Looking Back Towards Coombe" by Catherine Lloyd (2025)
"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

“More strenuous than anticipated but most enjoyable. We wish we had built in some rest days to enjoy the small towns. The coast itself is spectacular and well worth the physical challenges.”
Mrs Malmsten, Canada
“Very demanding walking trip but beautiful.”
Ms McMillan, USA
“The accommodation was good overall. The walking was very hard however the coastline was stunning. This was our 9th holiday with you.”
Mr O’Connor, UK
“It was very strenuous! But this old couple made it and we’re very proud!”
Mr Clement, USA
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole holiday, Karen found the terrain tougher than she expected but the local bus services worked well for her. B&Bs, luggage and taxi transfers were excellent, as was the information pack provided.”
Mr Fish, UK
“Wonderful time exploring the coastline. Excellent B&Bs picked for us. Superb service from the luggage transfer company also. Bags always there when we arrived and no damage. Already picking our next holiday with you.”
Mr Learmonth, UK
“We loved it- so incredibly beautiful! All stunning.”
Mr Stallings, UK
“Thank you Contours for organising our walking holiday. We would certainly be recommending your company to others.”
Mrs Larum, 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
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