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

Find your holiday

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

5 to 9 nights
61 miles
Easy / Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £620 per person

South West Cornwall

The wildest and most isolated section of the South West Coast Path winds from Penzance along the rugged red-green cliffs of the Lizard and through the tranquil woods that line the creeks of Helford River.

With idyllic coves and smugglers’ hideaways in the mix, it’s already a beautiful route – but South West Cornwall visits St Michael’s Mount, too. Accessed by a tidal causeway, the rocky island is crowned by its vast fortress and priory.

 

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SWCO1 From Penzance to Falmouth 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate / Demanding £620
SWCO2 From Penzance to Falmouth 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate / Demanding £740
SWCO3 From Penzance to Falmouth 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate £860
SWCO4 From Penzance to Falmouth 9 nights, 8 days walking Easy / Moderate £1100
"Mancacan" by Robert Hincks (2024) "Mancacan" by Robert Hincks (2024)
"Minack Theatre Performance" by Robert Hincks (2024) "Minack Theatre Performance" by Robert Hincks (2024)
"Helston to Gunwalloe" by Robert Hincks (2024) "Helston to Gunwalloe" by Robert Hincks (2024)
"The Lizard" by Robert Hincks (2024) "The Lizard" by Robert Hincks (2024)
"On the Approach to Lamorna Cove" by Caroline Simmonds (2023) "On the Approach to Lamorna Cove" by Caroline Simmonds (2023)
"Looking back towards the Lizard" by Caroline Simmonds (2023) "Looking back towards the Lizard" by Caroline Simmonds (2023)
"Out of Helford River" by Marc Campion (2022) "Out of Helford River" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Dusk at Porthleven" by Marc Campion (2022) "Dusk at Porthleven" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Cemetary overlooking St Michael's Mount" by Marc Campion (2022) "Cemetary overlooking St Michael's Mount" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Walking through Marazion" by Marc Campion (2022) "Walking through Marazion" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Out of Penzance" by Marc Campion (2022) "Out of Penzance" by Marc Campion (2022)
"South West Cornwall" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "South West Cornwall" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Coastal Chess" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Coastal Chess" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Towards Falmouth Bay" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Towards Falmouth Bay" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Fishing Boats at Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Fishing Boats at Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"On the South West Coast Path" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "On the South West Coast Path" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Poltesco Footbridge" by David Hackett (2019) "Poltesco Footbridge" by David Hackett (2019)
"Common Lizard" by David Hackett (2019) "Common Lizard" by David Hackett (2019)
"Chimney near Trewavas Head" by Blais Brancheau (2018) "Chimney near Trewavas Head" by Blais Brancheau (2018)
"Coastal Scene near Loe Bar" by Blais Brancheau (2018) "Coastal Scene near Loe Bar" by Blais Brancheau (2018)
"Porthleven" by David Conway (2018) "Porthleven" by David Conway (2018)
"Prussia Cove" by David Conway (2018) "Prussia Cove" by David Conway (2018)
"St Michaels Mount" by David Conway (2018) "St Michaels Mount" by David Conway (2018)
"Wheal Prosper" by Harriet Ells (2017) "Wheal Prosper" by Harriet Ells (2017)

Customer reviews from the South West Cornwall

“It was superb - weather was perfect which made it so enjoyable. Luggage transfer was perfect; taxi companies were also excellent for transfers on two nights.”
Ms Bruce, UK
“It’s a wonderful walk, and the standard of accommodation and warmth of the hosts’s welcome to us was huge - this contributed to our enjoyment of the holiday. The information pack provided by Contours is the best overall of the walking companies we have used in terms of extent of information and the effective way it is delivered.”
Mrs Ibbetson, UK
“This has to be one of the best walks in UK. Wild, wet and demanding. But spectacular.”
Mr Oberwetter, USA
“Lovely walk, not too demanding. Some splendid scenery and - away from the tourist villages - surprisingly few walkers.”
Mr Tessier, UK
“There were many beautiful & scenic parts to the route. We already have another holiday booked with you in September!”
Mr Wright, UK
“The scenery was amazing and the weather gods where with us! I would highly recommend this walk to anyone who loves nature and likes walking. The walk was very scenic, but the area around the Lizard was the most scenic. The little harbours and small villages were so beautiful! Loved Hereford River.”
Mr Willems, UK
“Everything was well organised by Contours (again - it's our 4th trip). Customer service is excellent and we had the extra days we asked for also booked without any issues. Well done team Contours. We already recommend you. Happy repeat customers - we'll be back.”
Mrs Campion, UK
“As always perfectly organized holidays with reliable luggage transfer and nice B&Bs.”
Mr Stamenic, Switzerland
“Varied landscape, beautiful small villages.”
Mr Pomowski, Germany
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