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 £355 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. We also offer a choice of short breaks along the path, which you can find on the South West Coast Path Short Breaks page. 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.

Choose your route

  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South
  • Far West of Cornwall
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Cornwall
  • South Devon
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay
  • East Devon
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options North Devon
  • Dorset
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South West 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 £910 per person

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.

We also offer a Cornwall's Atlantic Coast North Short Break option that explores the path from Clovelly to Bude. Click here for more information.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
CACN1 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £910
CACN2 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1035
CACN3 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1160
"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

“Scenery superb.”
Mrs Horrocks, UK
“All arrangements worked well. Accommodation good. Walking excellent but some challenging days - I don't think I'd fully realised what we'd committed ourselves to! Looking at booking next stretch of Cornish path and will look at cycling holidays also.”
Mrs Roy, UK
“Excellent walk. Accommodation was all very good. Excellent breakfasts and good packed lunches where provided.”
Mrs Severn, UK
“Thank you Contours for organising our walking holiday. We would certainly be recommending your company to others.”
Mrs Larum, Australia
“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
“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
“I have been a keen long distance walker for many years. I would rate my walk along the Cornwall Atlantic Coast North during May 2023 as being up there with the best. My recent walking holiday could not have been better. All of the accommodation was excellent, luggage transfer and taxi service when required was first class. Scenery from start to finish was wonderful. This holiday was an excellent experience from start to finish. The organisation by Contours was first class. The holiday pack was extremely comprehensive and covered everything I required. I would have no hesitation in recommending this holiday to others. From the lady I first spoke to on the telephone everyone I had dealings with at Contours were courteous, very helpful and professional. I am hoping to book another walking holiday with Contours later this year.”
Mr Nichols, UK
“Didn’t know what to expect on this holiday but it exceeded all of my expectations. This part of the Devon/Cornwall coastline is spectacular. It can be a tough walk but the views and the scenery are exceptional.”
Mr Madge, UK
“Spectacular scenery, distance and terrain was very manageable and we were blessed with gorgeous weather! All arrangements worked well and we had a great time. Walking without luggage was delightful! Porthcothan to Newquay was breathtaking, but also very demanding. Perranporth beach was stunning. Crantock village was very pretty. Godrevy lighthouse was spectacular - but we didn't spot any seals! I think the best thing was just being free on the hills (we were surprised that we didn't meet anyone else doing the Coastal path other than day trippers),with spectacular views of cliffs and idyllic coves, a turquoise/emerald sea, butterflies, birds, flowers etc.”
Mr Miller, UK
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