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.
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.
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.
Learn more about this hiking route with luggage transport and accommodations arranged by our local specialist.
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.
Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
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