South West Coast Path
Description
- Name South West Coast Path (SWCP)
- Length of trail 1,014 km, 630 miles
- Length in days 52 days
- Start of trail Minehead
- End of trail Poole
- Traildino grading MW, Moderate walk, backpacking trail
- Hut tour grading T1, Walk
630 miles, 1014 km, 52 days
National Trail
The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest National Trail. The path includes two UNESCO World Heritage sites; The Jurassic Coast plus the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
With it's 598 miles / 962 kilometers along the South Western edge of England, this National Trail is the classic English coast walk. The trail starts in Minehead, Exmoor, runs south without loosing the sea out of sight, and ends in Poole, Dorset. As long as your legs can bear it, this means endless enjoyment of sea, high cliffs, bizarre beach resorts, huge caravan parks. And do not forget to have a chat with the people on the track, or do practise a little in some crowded pub. If you bring your own tent, you are independent.
Prepare for an abundant encounter with the sea. Old and new villages living from all the sea's has to offer.
The cliffs pose some real danger, so keep an eye on the signs. The endless climbing and descending can make even an hardy walker desperate. And again, and again you will have to cross streams, climb down all the way and climb back on the next hilltop. Keep an eye on the weather too, and cater for warm clothing and good rain gear.
The walk is possible all year round. The storms in autumn and winter hit hard on the coast, however, and will have you forget all your previous bad-weather experiences. Spring is a wonderful time, with many birds and bluebells, not many tourists, and only an occasional storm.
Map
Links
Facts
Reports
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
United Kingdom
2019
- Day Walks in Cornwall: 20 coastal & moorland routes
- Day Walks in Cornwall features 20 circular routes between 7.2 and 13.7 miles (11.6km and 22km) in length, suitable for hillwalkers of all abilities. Researched and written by experienced authors Jen and Sim Benson, and covering the extremities of this stunning peninsula, the walks reach areas from Bude to the Isles of Scilly, and from Rame Head... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2019
- Wandelgids Day Walks in Cornwall | Vertebrate Publishing
- 20 coastal & moorland routes Read more
United Kingdom
- Bournemouth, Purbeck, Wimborne Minster & Ringwood OS Landranger Active Map 195 (waterproof)
- Bournemouth and the Isle of Purbeck area, including part of the New Forest National Park and a section of the South West Coast Path / E9 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 195 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
2016
- Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Lynton & Bideford OS Landranger Map 180 (paper)
- Barnstaple and Ilfracombe area, including the western part of the Exmoor National Park and a section of the South West Coast Path, on a paper version of map No. 180 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Lynton & Bideford OS Landranger Active Map 180 (waterproof)
- Barnstaple and Ilfracombe area, including the western part of the Exmoor National Park and a section of the South West Coast Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 180 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- South Devon - Brixham to Newton Ferrers OS Explorer Active Map OL20 (waterproof)
- The coast of South Devon on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL20, waterproof version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. The map extends westwards beyond Newton Ferrers to Plymouth, eastwards beyond Brixham to Torquay, and inland to include part of the Dartmoor National Park. Coverage includes Paignton, Totness,... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
- Newquay, Bodmin, Camelford & St Austell OS Landranger Active Map 200 (waterproof)
- Newquay and Bodmin area, including a section of the South West Coast Path National Trail, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 200 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition... Read more
United Kingdom
2015
- South Devon - Brixham to Newton Ferrers OS Explorer Map OL20 (paper)
- The coast of South Devon on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL20, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. The map extends westwards beyond Newton Ferrers to Plymouth, eastwards beyond Brixham to Torquay, and inland to include part of the Dartmoor National Park. Coverage includes Paignton, Totness,... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
2023
- Dorset and South Devon Coast Path - guide and maps to 48 towns and villages with large-scale walking maps (1:20 000)
- Plymouth to Poole Harbour - Planning, places to stay and places to eat Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2023
- Wandelgids Dorset and South Devon Coast Path - South West Coast Path | Trailblazer Guides
- Plymouth to Poole Harbour - Planning, places to stay and places to eat Read more
United Kingdom
- Taunton, Lyme Regis, Chard & Bridport OS Landranger Active Map 193 (waterproof)
- Taunton and Lyme Regis area, including a section of the South West Coast Path / E9 European Long-distance Path, on a waterproof and tear-resistant OS Active version of map No. 193 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
2013
- Walks Padstow to Falmouth
- Short Walks from the South West Coast Path Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2013
- Wandelgids Padstow to Falmouth | Hallewell Publications
- Short Walks from the South West Coast Path Read more
United Kingdom
2021
- Walks Exmoor
- Including Minehead to Ilfracombe: Short Walks from the South West Coast Path Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2021
- Wandelgids Exmoor | Hallewell Publications
- Including Minehead to Ilfracombe: Short Walks from the South West Coast Path Read more
United Kingdom
- The Arrow Closest To The Acorn
- An American Woman's Walking Adventure On England's 630-Mile South West Coast Path Read more
United Kingdom
2015
- Torquay & Dawlish - Newton Abbot OS Explorer Map OL44 (paper)
- Torquay and Dawlish area of south Devon on a detailed topographic and GPS compatible map OL44, paper version, from the Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 Explorer series. Coverage extends from the Exe Estuary in the north-east to Totnes in the south-west and includes Paignton, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Exminster, Bovey Tracy, Trenchford Reservoir, a... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
2021
- Walking the South West Coast Path
- National Trail From Minehead to South Haven Point Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
United Kingdom
2016
- Dorchester, Weymouth, Cerne Abbas & Bere Regis OS Landranger Map 194 (paper)
- Dorchester and Weymouth area, including a section of the South West Coast Path / E9 European Long-distance Path, on a paper version of map No. 194 from the Ordnance Survey’s Landranger series at 1:50,000, with contoured and GPS compatible topographic mapping plus tourist information.MOBILE DOWNLOADS: As well as the physical edition of the map,... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Maps
United Kingdom
- Exmoor A-Z Adventure Atlas
- Exmoor at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. Coverage includes the South West Coast path between Minehead and Combe Martin Bay, Two Moors Way, Tarka Train, Dulverton, Brendon Hills, etc.To see other titles in this series please... Read more
United Kingdom
2015
- South West Coast Path 5 - Dorset A-Z Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 5 - Dorset Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 138 km / 86 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Lyme Regis and Poole and includes a route planner indicating... Read more
Netherlands
- SW Coast Path North Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 2 - North Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers' A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- SW Coast Path North Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 2 - North Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers' A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey Read more
Netherlands
- SW Coast Path North Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- AZ heeft de meest gedetailleerde wandelkaarten van delen van het South West Coast Path gebundeld in een atlasje. Daardoor is het heel handig qua formaat. De kaarten zelf zijn perfect voor het wandelen. Schaal 1:25.000 The perfect companion for those who love the great outdoors, the A-Z Adventure Series features OS 1:25000 scale mapping in a... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- SW Coast Path North Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- AZ heeft de meest gedetailleerde wandelkaarten van delen van het South West Coast Path gebundeld in een atlasje. Daardoor is het heel handig qua formaat. De kaarten zelf zijn perfect voor het wandelen. Schaal 1:25.000 The perfect companion for those who love the great outdoors, the A-Z Adventure Series features OS 1:25000 scale mapping in a... Read more
Netherlands
- SW Coast Path South Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 3 - South Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers' A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- SW Coast Path South Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 3 - South Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers' A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey Read more
United Kingdom
- South West Coast Path 3 - Plymouth to Poole Harbour Harvey National Trail XT40
- The third section of the South West Coast Path National Trail, from Plymouth to Poole Harbour along the southern coast Devon and the coast of Dorset, presented by Harvey Map Services at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map, showing the path on 11 overlapping panels.In this new 2015 edition the whole route from Minehead to... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Netherlands
- South West Coast Path 3 XT40
- The third section of the South West Coast Path National Trail, from Plymouth to Poole Harbour along the southern coast Devon and the coast of Dorset, presented by Harvey Map Services at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map, showing the path on 11 overlapping panels.In this new 2015 edition the whole route from Minehead to... Read more
Belgium
- South West Coast Path 3 XT40
- The third section of the South West Coast Path National Trail, from Plymouth to Poole Harbour along the southern coast Devon and the coast of Dorset, presented by Harvey Map Services at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map, showing the path on 11 overlapping panels.In this new 2015 edition the whole route from Minehead to... Read more
United Kingdom
2017
- South West Coast Path 4 - South Devon Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 4 - South Devon Adventure at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 210 km / 131 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Plymouth and Lyme Regis and includes a route planner... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Netherlands
2017
- SW Coast Path South Devon Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 4 - South Devon Adventure at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 210 km / 131 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Plymouth and Lyme Regis and includes a route planner... Read more
Belgium
2017
- SW Coast Path South Devon Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 4 - South Devon Adventure at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 210 km / 131 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Plymouth and Lyme Regis and includes a route planner... Read more
United Kingdom
2017
- South West Coast Path 3 - South Cornwall A-Z Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 3 - South Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 252km / 158 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Land’s End and Plymouth and includes a route planner... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Netherlands
2017
- SW Coast Path South Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 3 - South Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 252km / 158 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Land’s End and Plymouth and includes a route planner... Read more
Belgium
2017
- SW Coast Path South Cornwall Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 3 - South Cornwall Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 252km / 158 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Land’s End and Plymouth and includes a route planner... Read more
Netherlands
- SW Coast Path North Devon & Somerset Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 1 - North Devon & Somerset Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 199km / 125 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Bude and Minehead and includes a route planner... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- SW Coast Path North Devon & Somerset Adventure Atlas
- South West Coast Path 1 - North Devon & Somerset Adventure Atlas at 1:25,000 in a series of handy A5 size Adventure Atlases from Geographers` A-Z Map Company with cartography from the Ordnance Survey’s Explorer series. The guide covers the 199km / 125 mile section of the SWCP National Trail between Bude and Minehead and includes a route planner... Read more