Hiking the South West Coast Path: Tips and the Most Beautiful Section
The South West Coast Path is one of England’s national trails. It is the longest signposted hiking trail in England. The total length is 1,014 kilometers along the entire southwest coast of England. The route is divided into 8 stages. If you want to hike the entire trail, it will take you about 7 to 8 weeks. Read here to find out which sections are best to hike, the most scenic part of the route, where to stay overnight, and how to plan your trip.
Where does the South West Coast Path begin?
The “Salt Trail” begins in the town of Minehead in Somerset on the southwest coast and runs entirely along the south coast to Poole Harbor in Dorset on the southeast coast. But of course, you can decide for yourself where you want to start and end your walk.
Of course, you can also complete the entire hike in several separate trips. For some reason, all the routes are described as going counterclockwise (starting in Minehead), but you can, of course, hike it in the opposite direction as well.
The most beautiful section of the South West Coast Path
The southwest coast, with the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, is certainly one of the most beautiful sections of the hiking trail.
The Jurassic Coast is also a beautiful part of the trip.
The section of the South West Coast Path from Porlock to Combe Martin in Exmoor National Park—also known as the “Wilderness Coast” because of its natural surroundings—is one of the most beautiful parts of the South West Coast Path. The coastal cliffs are stunning, and it is also a Dark Sky Reserve —one of the darkest spots at night—ideal for stargazing on a clear night.
On the map, we describe this section from the starting point in Minehead to Westward Ho! (a beautiful place name that literally means “toward the west”).
The South West Coast Path starts in Minehead in 7 days
One of the most beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path is the part in Cornwall. You can hike this section in about 7–8 days.
You’ll start in Somerset and spend most of the route traveling through the beautiful Exmoor National Park in Devon. This section is about 56 km long and can be completed in about three days, with overnight stays in Porlock and Lynmouth, for example.
The section starting from Lynton is the flattest and offers stunning views. The Valley of the Rocks near Lynton is famous for the wild goats that roam there. See this route on the map below. Due to the significant elevation changes, don’t underestimate the distances.
Then you walk from Woolacombe to Braunton. Most of the route is along the beach. Baggy Point is a beautiful spot to stop for a while. Braunton Burrows is a protected nature reserve in northern Devon featuring one of England’s largest sand dune systems. This section is about 16 km.
You continue along the trail toward Westward Ho!, passing through villages on a somewhat easier route. This section is about 29 kilometers long.
You can also choose to take the bus for this easier section and then pick up the route again (if you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge on your hike). From Westward Ho! to Bude, the terrain gets a bit rougher again.
On the website of South West Coast Path , you’ll find simple steps to help you find the accommodation that suits you best and is located on the right section of the route where you want to spend the night. You can contact these accommodations, which come in various price ranges, directly to make a reservation. They’re often very helpful and will guide you on your way or even pick you up from your location nearby.
On the Luggagetransfers website, you’ll find a list of hiking-friendly accommodations. You can easily filter by the stage of your route and the place where you want to stay overnight. You can also contact the accommodations directly from this site.
Is the South West Coast Path difficult to navigate?
With a 35,000-meter elevation gain, the route can be challenging in places, with steep climbs and descents. But for an experienced hiker in good physical condition—and wearing good hiking boots—the route is perfectly manageable. Of course, you can have your luggage transported from point A to point B. See the practical tips section.
Practical Tips for Hiking the South West Coast Path
The best time to hike the South West Coast Path is from April through June and in September and October. However, fall and winter can also be absolutely beautiful for this hiking trail, though they do require proper preparation in terms of clothing to handle all weather conditions. It can get very crowded in July and August.
Of course, you can take the train to London from the Netherlands. You can buy train tickets from NSInternational
You can take the Great Western Railway (a beautiful route!) from London Paddington to Minehead. Take the train to Taunton (about 2 hours), and from there, take bus 28 to Minehead (about 1 hour).
From Westward Ho! back to London: first by bus to Tiverton (2 hours). Then a half-hour bus ride to Tiverton train station. From there, take the train to London Paddington (about 2 hours).
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
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