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

6 to 11 nights
79 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £775 per person

South Cornwall

This section of the South West Coast Path is perhaps the most gentle. It tours tranquil estuaries, wooded inlets and sandy coves. Jutting headlands provide stunning vantage points over some of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, where whitewashed cottages jostle for the best view of their harbours.

Yet South Cornwall is not all softness: the Royal Citadel of Plymouth towers over its broad harbour, an imposing part of King VIII’s coastal defences.

We also offer a South Cornwall Short Break option that explores the path from Polperro to Plymouth. Click here for more information.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SCOR0 From Falmouth to Plymouth 6 nights, 5 days walking Demanding / Strenuous £775
SCOR1 From Falmouth to Plymouth 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £900
SCOR2 From Falmouth to Plymouth 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £1020
SCOR3 From Falmouth to Plymouth 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1140
SCOR4 From Falmouth to Plymouth 11 nights, 10 days walking Easy / Moderate £1385
"St Austell Bay" by Miranda Ibbetson (2024) "St Austell Bay" by Miranda Ibbetson (2024)
"Foxglove Tunnel towards Portloe" by Miranda Ibbetson (2024) "Foxglove Tunnel towards Portloe" by Miranda Ibbetson (2024)
"Final Stretch to Charlestown" by Steve Field (2024) "Final Stretch to Charlestown" by Steve Field (2024)
"Evening in Mevagissey" by Caroline Simmonds (2024) "Evening in Mevagissey" by Caroline Simmonds (2024)
"En route to Gorran Haven" by Steve Field (2024) "En route to Gorran Haven" by Steve Field (2024)
"Leaving Portloe" by Caroline Simmonds (2024) "Leaving Portloe" by Caroline Simmonds (2024)
"Gribbin Head" by Steve Field (2024) "Gribbin Head" by Steve Field (2024)
"Followed by Sheep" by Marc Campion (2023) "Followed by Sheep" by Marc Campion (2023)
"Looking Back on the way to Gorran Haven" by Marc Campion (2023) "Looking Back on the way to Gorran Haven" by Marc Campion (2023)
"On the way to Portscatho" by Marc Campion (2023) "On the way to Portscatho" by Marc Campion (2023)
"Looe Bridge at Night" by Marc Campion (2023) "Looe Bridge at Night" by Marc Campion (2023)
"Path to Nowhere" by Marc Campion (2023) "Path to Nowhere" by Marc Campion (2023)
"Looe" by Paul Day (2023) "Looe" by Paul Day (2023)
"Place House, St Anthony" by Paul Day (2023) "Place House, St Anthony" by Paul Day (2023)
"Polperro" by Paul Day (2023) "Polperro" by Paul Day (2023)
"Black Head" by Paul Day (2023) "Black Head" by Paul Day (2023)
"Millendreath Beach near Looe" by Paul Day (2023) "Millendreath Beach near Looe" by Paul Day (2023)
"Charlestown" by Paul Day (2023) "Charlestown" by Paul Day (2023)
"Follow Me" by Stefanie Kieweg (2022) "Follow Me" by Stefanie Kieweg (2022)
"Readymoney Cove, Looe" by Wm. Samuel Bunge (2022) "Readymoney Cove, Looe" by Wm. Samuel Bunge (2022)
"Beech Forest, Polkerris" by Wm. Samuel Bunge (2022) "Beech Forest, Polkerris" by Wm. Samuel Bunge (2022)
"Gorse near Looe" by Wm. Samuel Bunge (2022) "Gorse near Looe" by Wm. Samuel Bunge (2022)
"Along the Trail" by David Hackett (2021) "Along the Trail" by David Hackett (2021)
"Looe" by David Hackett (2021) "Looe" by David Hackett (2021)
"Rame Head Chapel" by David Hackett (2021) "Rame Head Chapel" by David Hackett (2021)
"Talland Bay" by David Hackett (2021) "Talland Bay" by David Hackett (2021)
"Near Gorran Haven" by Gesche Henningsen (2019) "Near Gorran Haven" by Gesche Henningsen (2019)

Customer reviews from the South Cornwall

“This was a great holiday with superb walking along this rugged part of the Cornish coast. It visited tiny little fishing villages and the big city of Plymouth each was great to explore. Loved it all, the variety of places visited, the accommodation and the bag transfers were all excellent.”
Mr Madge, UK
“Fantastic scenery, lovely accommodation.”
Mr Bond, UK
“Lovely walking and weather.”
Dr Pearlman, UK
“Part of the country I had never walked in before. Lovely weather, astounding views, some very hard ups and downs, great accommodation. Already thinking about what to do next year. My age means something not too hilly!”
Ms Currie, USA
“Another enjoyable trip and well organised by Contours again. Would absolutely recommend the holiday to others, and also spread the good word whilst on the walking holiday.”
Mrs Campion, UK
“Overall experience from Contours point of view was excellent but we experienced some ferry issues which were outside Contours control!”
Mr Hemingway, UK
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