Character
A coastal trek along the far southwest of England. The path is excellently waymarked with yellow arrows and the acorn symbol.
Coastal & Island Treks
SWCP South West Coast Path
England's longest national trail follows the dramatic coast of Cornwall and Devon — 1,014 km of cliffs, coves and fishing villages.
Overview
South West Coast Path winds around the southwestern peninsula of England. The total elevation gain equals four ascents of Everest. The route passes through villages such as St Ives, Padstow and Lyme Regis and a number of nature reserves.
- Distance
- 1,014 km
- Time
- 40-70 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Total elevation gain
- 35,000 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 200 m a.s.l. · Lynton / Lynmouth
Anglie, Velká Británie
1,014 km · 25 stages · ↑ 35,000 m
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
England is a pricier destination. B&Bs at £60–100/night, campsites cheaper.
Best in spring (April–June) and early autumn. Summer is the busiest tourist period. Winter is possible but weather is unpredictable.
What to expect
Who it's for
Hikers of all levels — the route can be walked in sections. The full route is most often completed by more experienced walkers.
Suggested pace
Stages of 15–25 km per day. A slower pace of 6–8 weeks allows more appreciation of the coastline.
Logistics
Train to Minehead or Taunton. Excellent transport along the whole route — bus or train to and from every major point.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Excellent — every village has shops and pubs.
Permits & regulations
No permits. The Cornwall National Park and AONBs are freely accessible.
Why go
- England's longest national trail with excellent infrastructure.
- Cornwall with unspoilt coves and cliffs.
- Outstanding food in coastal villages.
- Train access from most stages.
Watch out for
- Elevation gain is significantly greater than on other routes of comparable length — prepare physically.
- The coast can be windy and slippery after rain.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for South West Coast Path?
Best in spring (April–June) and early autumn. Summer is the busiest tourist period. Winter is possible but weather is unpredictable.
How hard is South West Coast Path?
South West Coast Path is rated as Moderate. A coastal trek along the far southwest of England. The path is excellently waymarked with yellow arrows and the acorn symbol.
How many days does South West Coast Path take?
South West Coast Path usually takes 40–70 days. Stages of 15–25 km per day. A slower pace of 6–8 weeks allows more appreciation of the coastline.
Do I need a permit for South West Coast Path?
No permits. The Cornwall National Park and AONBs are freely accessible.
What about resupply on South West Coast Path?
Excellent — every village has shops and pubs.
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- Distance
- 226 km
- Time
- 10-13 days
- Difficulty
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- Distance
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- Time
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- Difficulty
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Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.