The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile (1,014 km) National Trail running from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, taking in the entire coastlines of Devon and Cornwall. With 115,000 ft of cumulative ascent — the equivalent of climbing Everest four times — it is the longest and most demanding National Trail in England and one of the great long-distance walks in Europe.
How Long Does It Take to Walk the South West Coast Path?
Most walkers complete the full route in 7 to 8 weeks, averaging 12–16 miles per day. The official guide from the South West Coast Path Association divides the trail into 52 walking sections, each covering a typical day's distance of around 12 miles. At the faster end, determined hikers covering 20–25 miles daily have completed the full route in 25–30 days. At a relaxed pace — with rest days, accommodation hunting and coastal detours — budget 10–12 weeks. Section hikers don't need to commit to the whole trail at once; the four county stretches (Somerset and North Devon 82 miles, North Cornwall 108 miles, South Cornwall 147 miles, Devon and Dorset 156 miles) each stand as excellent multi-day routes in their own right.
What Are the Best Sections of the South West Coast Path?
North Cornwall: Padstow to Land's End (92 miles)
This is the section most SWCP walkers rank highest. The clifftop walking from Padstow south through Newquay, St Ives and Porthcurno to Land's End delivers consistent dramatic scenery — granite headlands, Atlantic surf beaches, fishing coves and wild coastal exposure. Accommodation is available every 5–15 miles. Plan 7–9 days at a relaxed pace.
Jurassic Coast: Lyme Regis to Poole (60 miles)
The final section of the trail passes through the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site — the only stretch of English coastline with UNESCO status. The chalk arches of Durdle Door, the shingle bank of Chesil Beach and the limestone stacks of Old Harry Rocks make this section visually varied and historically rich. The terrain is also the most manageable on the trail: fewer brutal ascents than the North Cornwall section and more regular village stops.
North Devon: Lynton to Bude (58 miles)
The most rugged stretch on the entire trail. High cliffs at the Valley of the Rocks and exposed headlands around Hartland Point demand solid fitness, but walkers willing to earn the views get some of the loneliest, most dramatic coastal walking in England — with far fewer other hikers than the Cornwall sections.
When Is the Best Time to Walk the South West Coast Path?
May to June and September to October are the optimal windows. May and June give up to 16 hours of daylight, lower accommodation pressure than school-holiday peak, and wildflower blooms across the cliffs — sea campion, thrift and foxglove are at their best. September and October bring cleaner light, quieter paths, and significantly lower accommodation costs. July and August are viable but busy: accommodation in Padstow, St Ives and Lyme Regis books out months ahead and prices spike sharply. Winter walking (November–March) is possible on most sections but fierce Atlantic storms and mud on inland diversions make it demanding.
What Kit Do You Need for the South West Coast Path?
The SWCP is a coastal trail — salt wind, mud, occasional scrambling and fast-moving Atlantic weather demand a considered kit list. Footwear is the highest-stakes decision. For the South Cornwall and Dorset sections, a low-cut trail runner like the HOKA Speedgoat 6 (324 g per shoe) gives the grip and cushioning needed without unnecessary weight. On the North Devon and North Cornwall sections — narrower, more technical paths — some walkers prefer a stiffer boot for ankle support on steep descents. Our 2026 hiking boot guide compares the best options for coastal terrain.
Trekking poles pay dividends on this trail. With 115,000 ft of cumulative descent, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (pair, 430 g combined) fold flat enough to clip to a pack when the path narrows along cliff edges, then deploy quickly when you hit a steep descent. The REI Co-op Flash 45 (1.1 kg loaded base weight) is a practical choice for accommodation-to-accommodation walkers: enough volume for 3-day carry, a built-in rain cover and hipbelt pockets that keep snacks accessible without stopping. For weight distribution on extended carries, see our backpack packing guide. And because the SWCP's combination of mileage and coastal terrain is notoriously hard on feet, read our complete blister prevention guide before day one.
South West Coast Path: Key Sections at a Glance
| Section | Distance | Ascent | Difficulty | Walking Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset & North Devon | 82 miles | 16,000 ft | Hard | 6–8 |
| North Cornwall | 108 miles | 21,000 ft | Hard | 8–10 |
| South Cornwall | 147 miles | 25,000 ft | Moderate–Hard | 10–12 |
| Devon & Dorset | 156 miles | 24,000 ft | Moderate–Hard | 11–13 |
How Much Does the South West Coast Path Cost?
Budget hikers camping throughout can walk the full SWCP for £30–£45 per day, covering campsites (£8–£20 per pitch), food and occasional pub meals. B&B and hostel hikers typically spend £70–£110 per day in peak summer. The main variable is accommodation strategy — wild camping is possible but restricted on many sections due to private land ownership. Baggage transfer services (£8–£15 per bag per stage) are popular for those who want lighter packs without carrying full camping kit. For official stage notes, an accommodation database and 2026-updated information on closed sections and diversions, the South West Coast Path Association is the definitive planning resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a permit to walk the South West Coast Path?
No permit is required. The SWCP is a public right of way maintained by Natural England and local authorities. Wild camping is not a legal right in England — use designated campsites or obtain explicit landowner permission. Access to most cliff-top paths is unrestricted year-round.
Is the South West Coast Path the same as the England Coast Path?
No. The South West Coast Path is a separate, older trail of 630 miles covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. The King Charles III England Coast Path is a newer, longer trail (2,700 miles) that circles the entire English coastline and incorporates the SWCP as one of its sections. They overlap but are administered and waymarked differently.
What is the hardest section of the South West Coast Path?
The North Devon coast between Lynton and Bude is generally considered the most demanding stretch — highest cliffs, steepest ascents and descents, and the fewest services of any section. Cumulative ascent per mile here exceeds all other sections of the route.
Can you walk the South West Coast Path solo?
The SWCP is well-suited to solo walkers. The trail passes near towns and villages every few miles in most sections, phone signal is generally adequate along the coast, and the path is well-waymarked with acorn and arrow signs. The North Devon section is the most remote and requires greater self-sufficiency in bad weather.
What is the best village to start a South West Coast Path section hike?
Padstow, St Ives, Lyme Regis and Lynmouth are the most popular start points for section walkers, each offering good rail and bus connections, plentiful accommodation and immediate access to the trail's finest stretches. St Ives gives direct access to the North Cornwall section's best walking within a few miles of the station.