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 £373 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

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

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 £956 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 £956
CACN2 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1087
CACN3 From Westward Ho!(L) to Padstow 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1218
"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

“We loved this walking trip and hope to do another one in our future! The landscape was amazingly beautiful, and though the walk was quite physically challenging, we did it and felt so satisfied with our experiences!”
Rev Schlabach, USA
“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
“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
“We had a fantastic time, thank you.”
Mrs Elliot-King, UK
“Scenery superb.”
Mrs Horrocks, UK
“It was very strenuous! But this old couple made it and we’re very proud!”
Mr Clement, USA
“The walks were challenging but the scenery made our efforts worthwhile. The walks never failed to stun, we’ve visited areas we’ll want to return to in a more leisurely manner one day e.g. Clovelly. We’re already planning to book another holiday with you.”
Mrs Mahan, 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
“Nice scenery and wonderful arrangements.”
Mr Kuhns, USA
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