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

  • 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 12 nights
88 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £785 per person

North Devon

Here in North Devon, the South West Coast Path tackles the demanding climbs and descents of the highest coastline in England. Dramatic landscapes abound, from the jagged sandstone pinnacles at the Valley of Rocks to the gorge at Heddon Mouth.

It’s not all hilly terrain: the coast softens as the walk progresses, taking in coastal oak woodlands and sweeping sandy beaches. It dips into seaside villages on its way, and even visits the smallest complete parish church in England: Culbone.

We also offer a North Devon Short Break option that explores the path from Porlock Weir to Combe Martin. Click here for more information.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
NDEV1 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 7 nights, 6 days walking Demanding £785
NDEV2 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate / Demanding £900
NDEV3 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 10 nights, 9 days walking Moderate £1120
NDEV4 From Minehead to Westward Ho!(L) 12 nights, 11 days walking Easy / Moderate £1345
"Between Minehead and Porlock Weir" by Marc Campion (2024) "Between Minehead and Porlock Weir" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Looking Back From Lynton" by Marc Campion (2024) "Looking Back From Lynton" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Instow to Westwood Ho!" by Marc Campion (2024) "Instow to Westwood Ho!" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Chilling in Combe Martin" by Marc Campion (2024) "Chilling in Combe Martin" by Marc Campion (2024)
"Between Lynmouth and Combe Martin" by Achim and Antje Knacksterdt (2023) "Between Lynmouth and Combe Martin" by Achim and Antje Knacksterdt (2023)
"Bossington Beach" by Sue Daber (2023) "Bossington Beach" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Signpost near Woolacombe" by Sue Daber (2023) "Signpost near Woolacombe" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Valley of the Rocks" by Sue Daber (2023) "Valley of the Rocks" by Sue Daber (2023)
"Elwill Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Elwill Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Exmoor Ponies" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Exmoor Ponies" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Rockham Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Rockham Bay" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Looking Back from Widmouth Head to Sexton's Burrow" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "Looking Back from Widmouth Head to Sexton's Burrow" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"View to Appledore from Instow" by Thomas Witzel (2023) "View to Appledore from Instow" by Thomas Witzel (2023)
"Woody Bay and View to Crock Point" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018 Photo Competition Winner) "Woody Bay and View to Crock Point" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018 Photo Competition Winner)
"Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018) "Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018)
"Slope between Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018) "Slope between Woody Bay and Heddons Mouth" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018)
"Ocean View in Yearnor Wood" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018) "Ocean View in Yearnor Wood" by Sigridur Hrafnkelsdottir (2018)

Customer reviews from the North Devon

“You folks always do a great job. I always enjoy wild & rugged coastline, but the long stretches of golden sand were also nice.”
Mr Yent, USA
“It was a walk with no rain, a great landscape and good accommodations. I enjoyed the whole holiday. The weather was great, your choice of accommodations was very good and I got in contact with many friendly people. I hope I will be able to do some more walks in the UK.”
Mr Witzel, Germany
“Dear Contours Team. I just wanted to write to thank you all for organising my 49 day holiday, walking the whole of the South West Coast path. Following the first point of contact, my holiday was arranged, B&Bs booked and taxis organised where needed. All information was given re how to find my accommodation at the end of my walk, contact phone numbers and info re river crossings. All went according to plan and I have had a brilliant walking holiday! (and not too many wet days!) Taxi firms were brilliant. All so cheerful and helpful. I would certainly use your company again!”
Ms Dicker, UK
“Fantastic, excellent accommodation, wonderful walking, and you even organised good weather!”
Dr Begley, UK
“Some tough walking days but thoroughly rewarding.”
Mr Goodes, UK
“It was a wonderful experience. We had lovely Bed and Breakfast. I will book another holiday with Contours when I have the money”
Ms Smink, Netherlands
“Many thanks for superb organisation. It all went smoothly. Lovely B&B's. Great scenery and weather.”
Mr Darwen, UK
“Well organised and went smoothly start to finish.”
Mrs Kockelbergh, UK
“Seamless B&B bookings and bag transfers. No issues and walk was wonderful. Clear evidence of maintenance of trial.”
Mr Rogers, UK
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