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

  • 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

5 to 8 nights
70 miles
Moderate to Demanding / Strenuous
2nd January to 24th December

From £715 per person

South Devon

South Devon’s coastline is one of spectacular contrasts. It begins with wave-battered sandstone cliffs and the rugged headlands that have claimed countless shipwrecks, but slinks away beneath the trees along tranquil wooded estuaries.

Inland sections enjoy the patchwork fields of lush, rolling farmland. If variety is what you look for in a trail, this is the right section of the South West Coast Path for you.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SDEV1 From Plymouth to Brixham 5 nights, 4 days walking Demanding / Strenuous £715
SDEV2 From Plymouth to Brixham 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate / Demanding £970
SDEV3 From Plymouth to Brixham 8 nights, 7 days walking Moderate £1075
"Signpost near Woodcombe Point" by David Hackett (2023) "Signpost near Woodcombe Point" by David Hackett (2023)
"Starehole Bay" by David Hackett (2023) "Starehole Bay" by David Hackett (2023)
"Abraham's Hole Beach" by David Hackett (2023) "Abraham's Hole Beach" by David Hackett (2023)
"Bantham Boathouse" by David Hackett (2023) "Bantham Boathouse" by David Hackett (2023)
"Stonechat on Gammon Head" by David Hackett (2023) "Stonechat on Gammon Head" by David Hackett (2023)
"Maceley Cove" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Maceley Cove" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Bolt Head" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Bolt Head" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Bugle Hole" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Bugle Hole" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Hoist Point" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "Hoist Point" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"South Milton Sands" by Raymond Riggs (2023) "South Milton Sands" by Raymond Riggs (2023)
"Walking on Bolberry Down" by Bob Parkinson (2019) "Walking on Bolberry Down" by Bob Parkinson (2019)
"View back to Hoist Point" by Bob Parkinson (2019) "View back to Hoist Point" by Bob Parkinson (2019)
"Dartmouth Marina" by Bob Parkinson (2019) "Dartmouth Marina" by Bob Parkinson (2019)
"Blackpool Sands" by Bob Parkinson (2019) "Blackpool Sands" by Bob Parkinson (2019)
"Newton Ferrers" by Bob Parkinson (2019) "Newton Ferrers" by Bob Parkinson (2019)

Customer reviews from the South Devon

“Lovely holiday. Enjoyed every minute.”
Mr Duthoit, UK
“We both thoroughly enjoyed the walk; can’t believe we had wall to wall sunshine all the way. Thank you for organising all the accommodation, taxis and luggage transfer, it all went well, it helped us to enjoy the walk even more so. A lot of B&Bs and taxis companies spoke very highly of Contours. Thank you once again and here’s to our next challenge for Contours, Welsh coastline!”
Mr Rougeolle, UK
“All very well organised including all the luggage transfers.”
Dr Campbell, UK
“Everything worked perfectly and we can’t think of one thing that went wrong or to complain about! Well done everyone! We can’t wait to book another holiday with you!”
Mrs Edmondson, UK
“Excellent walking.”
Ms Towndrow, UK
“The hiking was good. We unfortunately got a nasty bit of food poisoning, which took us off the path for 3 days. People were very kind to us and Contours staff were helpful with making necessary adjustments with accommodation and luggage transfer. We soon were able to recover and get back to walking. The hikes from Torcross to Dartmouth and from Dartmouth to Brixham were very beautiful.”
Mr Stallings, USA
“Overall a good experience. This was our third walking holiday with Contours.”
Mrs Burke, UK
“If I decide to do another walking holiday, I will definitely use Contours.”
Mr Henderson, UK
“Well organised and good weather. It's what Contours do well... good accommodation, good luggage transfer, all the potential problems highlighted.”
Mr Collins, UK
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