South West Coast Path Walks
Walking Routes & Hiking Trails

Find South West Coast Path walks from the list below which features the best walking routes in the area. Most of routes are circular walks although there are a few linear hikes. The walks are listed from the shortest and easiest to the longest more challenging routes. The walks are divided into sub areas so you can find specific walks.

The South West Coast Path is the longest National Trails in the UK stretching for 630 miles from Minehead in North Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The path offers varied landscapes and seascapes. In places the path is challenging. Listed below area selection of circular and linear walks that use sections of this great National Trail. All routes include free GPX files.

SWCP Dorset Walks

The SWCP in Dorset covers the eastern section the Jurassic Coast. Highlights include Old Harry near Studland, the cliffs between Durlston Head and Kimmeridge Bay, and onto Lulworth Cove. Continuing east Durdle Door, White Nothe lead to Weymouth and Portland Bill. Chesil Beach, Abbotsbury, Bridport lead to Lyme Regis and the Devon border.

SWCP Devon South Coast Walks

The western section of the Jurassic Coast continues via Seaton, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton to reach Exmouth. The path continues west after crossing the Exe estuary through the resorts of Dawlish, Teignmouth, and Torquay to reach the bust harbour at Brixham. At Kingswear the River Dart is crossed before reaching Slapton Sands, Start Point before crossing several estuaries to reach Plymouth and the River Tamar.

SWCP Cornwall South Coast Walks

From Saltash Rame Head and Long Sands lead to Looe, Polperro and Fowey. Continuing west Gribbin Head, Mevagissey and Dodman Point are followed by the Roseland Peninsula with Nare Head offering splendid views. Falmouth and the Helford River lead to Lizard Point. After passing pretty Kynance Cove Penzance and Newlyn provide plenty of maritime interest before reaching Land's End.

SWCP Cornwall North Coast Walks

Turning east, relics of tin mining litter the first section through to St Ives. The attractive north coast through to Newquay offers rugged cliffs and the wide expanse of Perran Beach. The route continues along the cliff tops to Padstow and the River Camel. Polzeath, Port Isaac, Tintagel and Boscastle all provide excellent walking before reaching Bude and the Devon border.

SWCP Devon North Coast Walks

Excellent walking continues east. Highlights include Hartland Point, the pretty village of Clovelly before crossing the River Torridge near Bideford and the River Taw at Barnstaple. Another section of clifftop walking leads to Barnstaple after which the SWCP enters the Exmoor National Park passing through Lynton and Lynmouth. The final section around Foreland Point leads to the Somerset border.

SWCP Somerset Walks

Continuing through the Exmoor National Park the SWCP continues through Porlock and over Selworthy Beacon before descending to the resort of Minehead.

Note - Walks are listed in numerical order.

★ GPS file ☩ Route profile