Few walking routes capture the imagination quite like the South West Coast Path. Winding for 630 miles around the South West Peninsula, it’s England’s longest National Trail – a journey through dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, fishing harbours, and timeless villages where life still follows the rhythm of the tides.
For walkers, it’s not just a trail – it’s an adventure, a challenge, and a chance to discover the wild beauty of England’s coast at its very best.
A Path with a Purpose
The South West Coast Path has its roots in history. Long before it was a leisure trail, it was the working route of coastguards, patrolling the shoreline in search of smugglers. To keep watch, they needed a clear view into every cove and bay, which is why today the path clings so tightly to the coastline. That legacy has left us with a trail full of twists, turns, and sweeping sea views at every step.
Designated as a National Trail in 1978 and marked with the familiar acorn symbol, it’s become one of the world’s great long-distance walks – as much a cultural journey as a physical one.
The Scale of the Challenge
At 630 miles (1,014 km) long, the path is no small undertaking. To walk it all in one go takes most people seven to eight weeks. And it’s not just the distance – the route involves 115,000 feet of climbing and descent, which is like scaling Mount Everest almost four times.
Walking the Path
The South West Coast Path is incredibly flexible, offering something for everyone. Official guides and the South West Coast Path website provide routes for circular day walks, making it easy to dip in for just a few hours.
Of course, you don’t need to do it all at once. Most people explore the path in sections, ticking off favourite stretches over months or even years. There are also countless short circular walks, perfect for day trips or family adventures.
If you’re looking for inspiration, The Guardian has highlighted five of the most glorious sections, with incredible sea views and gorgeous West Country scenery at every turn.
Landscapes that Change with Every Step
One of the great joys of the South West Coast Path is how dramatically the scenery shifts as you move through its four counties.
- Somerset: Starting at Minehead, the path crosses the wild edge of Exmoor, with sweeping moorland views and ancient wooded valleys.
- North Devon: Here you’ll find towering cliffs – including Great Hangman, England’s highest sea cliff at 1,043 feet – and wide sandy beaches that feel made for surfers.
- Cornwall: Perhaps the most iconic section, with rugged Atlantic headlands, secret coves, and landmarks like Lizard Point, the most southerly spot in mainland Britain.
- South Devon: Softer landscapes await here, with rolling green hills, riverside paths, and chocolate-box villages.
- Dorset: The trail ends with the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for fossils, dramatic chalk cliffs, and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door.
Every mile feels different, and every day brings new discoveries.
Natural Wonders and Wildlife
The path is a paradise for nature lovers. Seals can often be spotted basking on rocks, while dolphins and porpoises play in the waves. Birdwatchers may glimpse peregrine falcons, gannets, or even puffins in certain seasons.
The flora is equally rewarding. In spring, clifftops are alive with wildflowers, while late summer brings a blaze of purple heather and golden gorse. Autumn storms transform the sea into a dramatic backdrop, perfect for those who enjoy the coast at its wildest.
A Journey Through History
Walking the path is like stepping through time. Along the way you’ll encounter:
- Iron Age hillforts and prehistoric settlements.
- Medieval castles guarding strategic headlands.
- Abandoned tin mines in Cornwall, part of another UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
- Stories of shipwrecks and smugglers, woven into the folklore of every village and cove.
Every footstep has a tale, and the route feels alive with echoes of the past.
Supporting Coastal Communities
The South West Coast Path is not only a gift to walkers but also to the local economy. A 2012 study found that visitors to the trail generate around £439 million each year, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs in the region. From B&Bs and campsites to traditional pubs serving fresh crab sandwiches or Cornish pasties, walking the path helps sustain the communities you pass through.
Why It Captures the Imagination
What makes the South West Coast Path so special is the way it blends challenge, beauty, history, and community. Few trails in the world offer such a mix of landscapes – from windswept moors to fossil cliffs, from hidden smugglers’ coves to lively fishing harbours.
It’s more than just a walk; it’s an immersion into the story of England’s coast.
So whether you’re taking a gentle stroll on a sunny afternoon or setting out on the adventure of a lifetime to walk all 630 miles, the South West Coast Path will leave you with memories as endless and unforgettable as the sea itself.
Featured image: Sculpture marking start of South West Coast Path in Minehead.
