The South West Coast Path is a 1,014 km (630 miles) long-distance path in England, which runs from Minehead in Somerset, alongside the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Whereas some endeavor to hike your complete South West Coast Path in a single go (2 months), most individuals I met had been merely strolling their canine, day mountain climbing, or accessing a hidden cove for a seaside day. Climbing a bit of the trail, not to mention the entire thing, is a rarity.
Through the years, Kati and I’ve skilled the South West Coast Path as day hikers on a street journey, petsitters throughout a 1-month keep in Newquay, and as multi-day trekkers. There’s no proper or unsuitable technique to hike the South West Coast Path.
Nevertheless, after not too long ago mountain climbing the South West Coast Path from Westward Ho! in North Devon to St. Ives in Cornwall (12 days + 2 relaxation days), I’ll say that the village-to-village trekking expertise was unsurpassable. We stayed in B&BS and accommodations, choosing probably the most snug expertise.
Why Hike the South West Coast Path
The SWCP is the right path for hikers who love cliffed coastlines, atmospheric pubs and historic inns, charming fishing villages, and pleasant, dog-loving individuals.
It’s additionally a perfect strolling vacation for comfort-seeking hikers, with seamless baggage transfers and personal rooms awaiting at each cease alongside the path.
For avid walkers, tackling a bit of the South West Coast Path is an exceptionally stress-free technique to journey as there’s no must lease a automobile, drive on the left, navigate slender lanes, or battle for parking in busy vacation spots.
Sort of path: Village to Village with in a single day stays in accommodations, guesthouses, pubs, inns, and/or residences.
Tenting: Tenting is allowed in official campsites and caravan parks. In response to the official SWCP web site: “[wild] tenting on the Coast Path with out consent from the landowner is trespass.”
Baggage Switch: Sure, baggage switch is obtainable alongside the entire route.
Trekking Guidebook: Cicerone South West Coast Path
Greatest Season to Hike: Could – September
Navigation: This path is extremely well-kept and well-signed.
Canine: Canine have to be leashed on most stretches of the path. As a result of the coastal path passes via many fields the place cattle and sheep roam freely, it’s important that your canine is calm and beneath management round livestock. Additionally, there are stiles. It’s potential that you’ll want to hold your canine over a number of the greater stiles.
South West Coast Path Map
My Expertise Climbing the South West Coast Path
Kati and I got down to hike the South West Coast Path collectively from Westward Ho! to St. Ives. Sadly, as a result of a strained achilles, Kati was solely in a position to hike two levels with me (Clovelly – Hartland Quay – Bude). I hiked the remainder of the path solo and Kati traveled by bus to the following village.
The rugged coast of North Devon and North Cornwall is undeniably spectacular, and I might even enterprise to say restorative and nervous-system-regulating.
Particularly, I used to be captivated by the sections between Hartland Quay and Bude, Strade Valley and Crackington Haven, Tintagel and Trebarwith Strand, Port Isaac and the Rumps, Stepper Level and Trevose Head, and Porthcothan and Mawgan Porth.
Climbing alongside the breezy coast, I felt a deep sense of peace, typically going lengthy stretches with out passing a single particular person. Because the path is so well-signed, well-kept, and straightforward to comply with, I additionally felt completely protected and comfortable the entire time.
Surroundings apart, one of many biggest joys of strolling this path is staying in idyllic fishing villages, lots of which date again to the center ages. To finish every day in a quaint pub, inn, or B&B, with the consolation of our personal room, was a luxurious I deeply savored.
Aside from just a few levels, trailside cafés, pasty retailers, and tea homes made for pleasant and well-timed stops all through the hike. There’s one thing splendidly indulgent about having fun with a cream tea alongside the South West Coast Path, a should for each food-driven hiker.
The primary drawback of the SWCP is the effort of attending to the path, which regularly includes a number of legs of transit.
One other downside is the steep value of lodging alongside the route. That is removed from a budget-friendly village-to-village hike. That mentioned, accountable tenting stays an choice.
Although I wouldn’t essentially file this beneath disadvantages, it’s price realizing that Cornwall is the UK’s most beloved vacation spot for browsing and seaside getaways. As you may count on, this a part of England will get particularly crowded through the faculty summer season holidays (late July to late August). It’s greatest to keep away from visiting at the moment, when lodging costs surge.
I’ve to confess, my motivation to stroll dwindled after I needed to cross seaside after seaside, crowded with holidaymakers sprawled beneath umbrellas like sunbathing seals. All I wished to do was purchase a scoop of creamy Cornish ice cream and be a part of them.
South West Coast Path Historical past
Like Brittany’s Customs Officers’ Path, the Coastal Path was initially created by coastguards within the late nineteenth century to identify and deter smuggling and shipwreck plundering. With a purpose to successfully patrol the southwest peninsula, the coastguards created a clifftop path that intently winds alongside the shoreline, overlooking all potential smuggling coves and bays.
Why was there a lot smuggling within the 18th and nineteenth centuries? Huge import taxes had been levied on an enormous vary of products together with tea, brandy, silks, muslins, and salt, which was important for the native fishing business.
The tax burden on the frequent inhabitants was monumental. So, locals turned to smuggling to help their households. Later, smuggling developed right into a worthwhile enterprise, not only a technique of survival.
Over time, the coastguards’ tasks shifted to monitoring the ocean to make sure the security of passing ships.
A steady coastal footpath opened up within the Nineteen Seventies for leisure functions.
Problem
The problem of the South West Coast Path depends upon a number of components, most of that are inside your management.
Complete size of the trek
Size of particular person levels
Cumulative elevation acquire and loss. The variety of climbs and descents alongside the stage.
Relaxation days
Baggage switch
Climate
The SWCP largely traces packed filth paths, grassy footpaths (throughout fields, or on the sting of fields), staircase-like trails with a number of steps, and generally sand dunes. When crossing non-public farmland, you’ll typically must climb over stiles.
The path is never rocky or uneven, however there are some exceptions just like the stretch from St. Ives to Pendeen.
In dry and secure circumstances, the path is easy-moderate. I didn’t encounter any precarious, or harmful sections.
Undulating | Alpine hikers typically underestimate coastal trails, assuming they’re simple and flat. In actuality, that’s hardly ever the case. As a result of a lot of the path is undulating, you possibly can count on frequent steep ascents and descents, generally in fast succession.
Livestock Fields | Remember the fact that the South West Coast Path generally crosses fields the place cattle and sheep graze. When there isn’t a fence barrier, it’s vital to quietly and respectfully cross the pasture, with out disturbing the animals. On the a number of events that I crossed livestock fields, I’m joyful to report that the cattle appeared utterly unbothered.
Overgrown Paths | Sure sections are overgrown, particularly when mountain climbing between hedges. For that purpose, I used to be extra snug mountain climbing in pants, as a result of my pores and skin will get simply irritated.
Waymarking & Navigation | From what I’ve skilled of the path, the trail could be very well-marked and straightforward to comply with. All junctions are signed with an acorn waymark.
When to Hike
The most effective time to hike the South West Coast Path is between Could and September. Our journey commenced in late June and resulted in mid-July.
We suggest avoiding the college summer season holidays, which run from late July to the top of August. Throughout that interval, room charges skyrocket.
Throughout shoulder-season months, you simply need to be aware of the ferry crossings, as some ferries don’t function outdoors of the primary season.
The place to Begin and Finish the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path begins in Minehead in Somerset and ends in Poole Harbour in Dorset. Nevertheless, most hikers will neither begin in Minehead nor finish in Poole Harbour.
The path will be accessed from many factors alongside the route, because the path connects quite a few villages and cities. Selecting your start line is the only most vital determination when planning a multi-day trek alongside the South West Coast Path.
We Began in Westward Ho!
I can’t let you know the place to start, however I can share why we selected to begin in Westward Ho!
Kati and I gravitate to rugged, cliffed coastlines. We wished to hike probably the most dramatic, untamed, and scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path. The consensus is that the Atlantic-facing North Devon and North Cornwall levels boast probably the most spectacular seascapes.
If that standards resonates with you, then both begin in Westward Ho! or Clovelly.
The Westward Ho-Clovelly stage contrasts properly to the remainder of the path, as a result of it principally follows woodland paths throughout forested cliffs. Nevertheless, in comparison with the postcard-worthy villages that dot the South West Coast Path, Westward Ho falls a bit flat. Subsequently, I like to recommend skipping this stage if you wish to shorten the hike additional.
Different potential beginning factors: Minehead (official start line), Bude (Cornwall Coast Path start line), St. Ives (Penwith Peninsula start line).
We Led to St. Ives
We ended our South West Coast Path hike in St. Ives, probably the most picturesque seaside cities in Cornwall. With its quintessential vacation environment and seashores, St. Ives is a beautiful place to finish the journey.
Nevertheless, listed here are just a few different ending factors to think about, in case you plan on beginning in Westward Ho!, Clovelly, and even Bude.
Padstow | With its gourmand eating places and energetic retailers, Padstow is a perfect place to toast the top of your 1-week journey.
Newquay | If you wish to lengthen the hike by two days, take a relaxation day in Padstow, after which proceed to Newquay. Be warned: after days of peaceable, pastoral strolling, the excitement and measurement of Newquay can really feel like a impolite awakening. One of many key advantages of ending in Newquay is the comfort of its transport hyperlinks (prepare station, bus station, and airport).
Different Potential Ending Factors | Lizard Level, Falmouth, St. Austell (prepare station), Plymouth (prepare station), Exmouth, Poole Harbour (official ending level)
South West Coast Path Itinerary
The official web site breaks up your complete SWCP route into 52 levels (8 weeks):
Week 1: Minehead to Westward Ho! (Exmoor and North Devon): 7 days, 87 miles
Week 2: Westward Ho! to Padstow (Hartland and North Cornwall coast): 7 days, 78 miles
Week 3: Padstow to St Ives (Cornwall’s Atlantic coast): 6 days, 66 miles
Week 4. St Ives to The Lizard (the far west of Cornwall): 6 days, 69 miles
Week 5: Lizard to Par (South Cornwall): 6 days, 72 miles
Week 6. Par to Torcross (South East Cornwall, Plymouth and the South Hams): 7 days, 94 miles
Week 7: Torcross to Seaton (South and East Devon): 6 days, 72 miles
Week 8: Week 8. Seaton to South Haven Level (Dorset’s Jurassic Coast): 7 days, 92 miles
Our 2-Week South West Coast Itinerary
Day 0 | Arrival Day in Westward Ho! We stayed within the Waterfront Inn.
Day 1 | Westward Ho! to Clovelly. We stayed within the Crimson Lion Inn.
Day 2 | Clovelly to Harland Quay. We stayed in Hartland Quay Resort (e book early).
Day 3 | Harland Quay to Bude. We stayed in The Seashore.
Day 4 | Bude to Crackington Haven. We suggest staying in The Coombe Barton Inn (scrumptious meals and ideal location).
Day 5 | Crackington Haven to Tintagel. We stayed in Tintagel Arms B&B.
Day 6 | Tintagel to Port Isaac. We stayed within the Slipway B&B.
Day 7 | Port Isaac to Padstow. We stayed in Seashells Condo (with laundry machine).
Day 8 | Relaxation Day in Padstow
Day 9 | Padstow to Porthcothan. We stayed in MacDonald’s Farm.
Day 10 | Porthcothan to Newquay. We stayed in OYO Minerva Guesthouse.
Day 11 | Newquay to Perranporth. We suggest staying in Seiners Arms.
Day 12 | Perraporth to Portreath. We stayed in Portreath Arms.
Day 13 | Portreat to St. Ives (with bus quick lower). We stayed in Rivendell Visitor Home.
Day 14 | Depart St. Ives, or keep 1 extra night time.
Advisable 1-Week Itinerary
After sharing every day impressions of the path on Instagram (see our “SWCP” and “SWCP 2” story highlights), lots of our followers requested for a shorter route.
Personally, I used to be most captivated by the northern Atlantic levels, due to the sensation of isolation and the dramatic and harsh (virtually menacing) surroundings of jagged, sea-battered cliffs and contorted strata. I stored considering that this ought to be referred to as the Coast of Demise, not the graceful granite-studded, caribbean-blue waters of Northern Galicia.
For a 7-day route, I like to recommend mountain climbing from Westward Ho! (or Clovelly) to Padstow. If you wish to lengthen the path, finish in Newquay.
For an excellent shorter route (4 days), you possibly can doubtlessly hike from Bude to Padstow, however you’d miss the spectacular stretch of coast that stretches from Hartland Level to Bude.
Past Newquay, there are undeniably lovely stretches and loads of picture-perfect seashores. Nonetheless, I discovered the part between Newquay and St. Ives much less compelling and charming than different elements of the path.
Attending to the Trailhead
This can after all depend upon the place you begin.
Fly | The closest airports to the South West Coast Path are:
Cornwall Airport Newquay
Exeter Airport
London Gatwick Airport
London Heathrow Airport
The small airport in Newquay boasts direct flights to/from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, UK and Eire. Many of those connections are very costly, however Ryanair operates inexpensive flights to Newquay from London Stansted, Edinburgh, and Dublin. You’ll be able to both begin your hike immediately in Newquay (mountain climbing north or south), or take a sequence of buses to achieve your start line.
Practice | Nice Western Railway (GWR) operates high-speed trains to/from the South-West Peninsula.
From London Paddington Station, it’s a 3:30-hour journey to Minehead, a 5-hour journey to Newquay, a 5:40-hour journey to Westward Ho!, and a 6-hour journey to St. Ives. Most of those transit journeys entail a mix of trains and buses.
That is how Kati and I traveled to Westward Ho!
Practice: Gatwick Airport – Studying
Practice: Studying – Exeter St. Davids
Practice: Exeter St. Davids Practice Station – Barnstaple Practice Station
Bus: Barnstaple Bus Station – Westward Ho!
We bought all our prepare tickets prematurely.
Bus | There are bus connections to numerous locations alongside the South West Coast Path. Having traveled by bus from Bristol to Newquay (on a earlier journey) and from Newquay to Heathrow Airport (on a earlier journey), I might encourage you to journey by prepare as an alternative, because it’s extra snug.
Extra Coastal Hikes in Europe
England:
France:
Portugal:
Faroe Islands
Crete:
Malta:
