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

4 to 5 nights
30 miles
Easy / Moderate to Moderate
2nd January to 24th December

From £515 per person

East Devon

East Devon's coastline is a colourful one, its red sandstone cliffs contrasting vividly with the lush green of the surrounding countryside. The path winds east from Exmouth to the old port of Lyme Regis, known for the multitude of fossils encased in the cliffs.

On its way it visits Branscombe, with its whitewashed cob and thatch cottages, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, and the old fishing village of Beer, where colourful inshore trawlers are launched from the pebbly beach.

 

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
EDEV1 From Exmouth to Lyme Regis 4 nights, 3 days walking Moderate £515
EDEV2 From Exmouth to Lyme Regis 5 nights, 4 days walking Easy / Moderate £635
"Ladram Bay" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Ladram Bay" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Steps down to Salcombe Mouth" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Steps down to Salcombe Mouth" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Villa at Littleham Cove" by David Hackett (2023) "Villa at Littleham Cove" by David Hackett (2023)
"Bindon Cliffs near Axmouth" by David Hackett (2023) "Bindon Cliffs near Axmouth" by David Hackett (2023)
"Commemorative Boat at Budleigh Salterton" by Claire Renard (2018) "Commemorative Boat at Budleigh Salterton" by Claire Renard (2018)
"Welcome to Budleigh Salterton" by Claire Renard (2018) "Welcome to Budleigh Salterton" by Claire Renard (2018)
"Wild Meadow looking back at Exmouth" by Claire Renard (2018) "Wild Meadow looking back at Exmouth" by Claire Renard (2018)

Customer reviews from the East Devon

“Helpful staff both in booking and where we stayed, seamless luggage transfers and beautiful walking at the right level for the classification. It was all good, and so varied we didn’t have a favourite part - but we all (including the dog) really enjoyed being able to get down to a beach each day and cool off in the sea! We’ve already suggested it to friends!”
Ms Stuart, UK
“Second time we have used you and again all perfect.”
Mr Clarke, UK
“Beautiful scenery, lovely friendly people, great accommodation.”
Ms Evans, Australia
“Luggage collected at a good time and also delivered at a good time. Faultless.”
Dr Wales, UK
“We thoroughly enjoyed our East Devon walk. The scenery was gorgeous, B&Bs were well-located, and the hosts/hostesses were delightful. Even the weather was amazingly good (it didn't rain on our walking days!). We're looking at possibilities for another Contours trip next year.”
Mr Berkowitz, USA
“Just a quick note to thank you for organising such a great walk for us from Exmouth to Burton Bradstock last week. The organisation was flawless and we were very happy with our accommodation.”
Ms Le Grice, London
“Exmouth to Lyme Regis - such a lovely coastline! All our B & B's - such warm and welcoming people - comfortable accommodation - good food. My travelling companion, Ann Austin, and I have walked with Contours several times over many years and have always found the service timely, reliable and good value.”
Ms Hardman, Canada
“Lovely walk along varied terrain and perfect distances each. Easy to follow route. Perfect for anybody with a reasonable level of fitness. We have always enjoyed travelling with Contours.”
Mr Hughes, UK
“We had a great time - generally excellent B&B's and flawless baggage transfer.”
Mrs Knowler, Canada
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