We noticed that you are based in the - click here to visit our USA website. US 

Save on Summer! Use code SUMMER2024 for £100GBP off trips starting July & August 2024

 

South West Coast Path Walking Holidays

South West Coast Path

Highlights
  • Walk through Cornwall, Devon & Dorset on England's longest National Trail
  • Discover Land's End - the most westerly point of Britain
  • Walk in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from Devon into Cornwall
  • The Jurassic Coast, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site 
  • Eat out at fantastic local seafood restaurants, like Rick Stein’s in Padstow
  • Enjoy a vast selection of local Cornish galleries and traditional culinary delights
  • The iconic sight of St Michael's Mount, linked to the mainland by a tidal causeway
  • Colourful fishing villages and bustling seaside towns

The South West Coast Path National Trail is one of England's national treasures. Stretching 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, including destinations like Padstow and St Ives, Newquay, Falmouth, Plymouth to Brixham, Exeter and Lyme Regis to Poole on the Jurassic Coast: a South West Coast Path walking holiday should be on every walker's bucket list.

Since 2008, Macs Adventure has been helping walkers navigate this glorious stretch of coastline. Our itineraries are hassle free and include daily bag transfer, so you can walk each day with just a day-pack. 

Whether you are looking to walk the full 630 miles (perhaps broken up over a few years!) or just hone in on one of the more popular sections, we have you covered, so all you need to do is pick your route and let us take care of everything else. For all the information you need on the South West Coast Path, you can download our free guide.

View all Tours
All Photos (11)

Discover South West Coast Path

  • Download our Free Guide to the South West Coast Path

    Thinking of walking the South West Coast Path? There is so much information on this mammoth coastal hike that sometimes it is difficult to know where to start. 

    Luckily it is Macs Adventure to the rescue! Simply download our Free 14-page South West Coast Path guide from the link below to read on your phone, tablet or good old printed page.  

     

    Download your Free South West Coast Path Guide

    Download our Free Guide to the South West Coast Path
  • Why Book your South West Coast Path with Macs Adventure?

    Macs Adventure has been running self guided walking holidays on the South West Coast Path since 2008. From the moment we walked a section of the South West Coast Path we knew that it was a trip we had to get on board with.  The wild, rugged scenery, history and towns just grabbed us and we set out to make a trip we could be proud of. 

    We now send over 500 walkers on the route every year, each of them finding their own adventure on clifftops of South West England. We wanted to provide the freedom to choose your route, itinerary and travel companions and to take the South West Coast Path at your own pace, whether this was the full route on a once in a lifetime trip, or just seeking out the best sections. 

    We know how daunting it can be, setting off on an adventure of this scale and we quickly realised how important it was to have amazing partners on the ground, so we sought to seek out the friendliest accommodation owners and most efficient baggage handlers to make this beautiful route a hassle-free and memorable holiday. 

    We offer a flexible, tailor-made South West Coast Path experience that books you into comfortable, friendly overnight accommodation in local B&Bs and guesthouses. We carry your bags to lighten your load so you can concentrate on simply putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying the unique trails, scenery and villages on the route. You can book with confidence that we have it all covered for you. 

    We want to showcase our expertise, by giving you all the resources you will ever need.  In the planning stage, we have free guides, comprehensive videos and a host of staff who have walked the route, waiting to answer your questions. On the route, we use high-quality digital mapping as well as the best maps and guidebooks to make sure you find your way.  

    We love the South West Coast Path and our main aim is to make sure that you do too.  

    Why Book your South West Coast Path with Macs Adventure?
  • South West Coast Path FAQs

    Q: When is the best time to walk the South West Coast Path?

    A: Whilst it is possible to walk the path at any time from March through to October, Spring and Autumn are two of the favourite seasons.  In spring, you should see plenty of wildflowers along the coast and the light is lovely. In autumn, it becomes a bit quieter and some of the more popular villages like St Ives and Padstow will be less bustling with day-trippers and other holiday makers. 

    Q: Which section should I walk?

    A: Here at Macs Adventure, we have split the whole South West Coast Path into manageable chunks so that you can fit different sections into your different time-frames. The section that is for you would depend on what you want to see and do. While many offer the same outstanding scenery and coastal wonder, there are a few sections that differ depending on food preference, highlights or simply just the length of time it takes. For more in-depth information on this, you can read our blog - https://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/south-west-coastal-path-walks-which-section-is-for-me/

    Q: Will I need a map and compass?

    A: In short, no. The SWCP is waymarked with clear signposts and marker posts. For the most part, these are easy to see and follow and you should have no problem finding your way.

    Q: Can I walk the path in the opposite direction?

    A: In theory, yes. However, most of the guidebook directions are written going in anti-clockwise direction and so that is the way most people walk it.

    If you choose to walk it in the opposite direction, you may find yourself walking against the flow but it will still be fairly easy to navigate, given how well way-marked the route is. 

    Q: Will my accommodation be close to the route?

    A: We endeavour to book accommodation as close as possible to the South West Coast Path as possible. Generally, you will only have to walk less than a mile from the route to get to your overnight accommodation. We provide comprehensive details to guide you to your accommodation is each night. 

    Q: What happens if I can't walk a stage?

    A: You can use public transport or local taxis or our baggage handlers may be able to transfer you to your next overnight stop. Full details are included in your info pack.

    Q: How fit do I need to be?

    A: Although you are following the coast the ascents and descents are often steep and sometimes take people by surprise! You will need strong knees and a good level of hill fitness. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 3 months prior to your walk is recommended.

    Q: Is vertigo a problem on the South West Coast Path?

    A: Given that you are following coastal paths which cling to the coast fairly closely and sometimes are high on cliff tops, some sections may feel slightly vertiginous. However, for the large part the paths are fairly wide and in very good condition so it should be possible as long as your vertigo is not very serious. 

     

    South West Coast Path FAQs
  • Top Tips for the South West Coast Path

    Take a Break - There are simply too many delightful coastal towns and seaside villages along the South West Coast Path to not take advantage of a slightly longer stay! Book an extra night in Padstow, syonymous with TV chef Rick Stein and enjoy its wonderful seafood restaurants. Linger a bit longer in the bustling seaside town of St Ives with its gorgeous sandy beach and streets filled with craft shops and art galleries. Or treat yourself to a couple of days in Charlestown, filming location for TV series Poldark and famous for its collection of tall ships.

    Try a Devon Cream Tea - After all that walking, you will need something to give you an energy boost and a delicious Devon Cream Tea is one way to do this! Consisting of home-made scones topped with clotted cream and jam and accompanied by a lovely cup of tea, this is one typically English treat which you are sure to become addicted to on your South West Coast Path walk. You will also pass through three other English counties apart from Devon, where you can sample yet more delightful regional produce - read more about the gastronomical delights of the South West Coast Path in our Eating and Drinking on the South West Coast Path blog.

    Keep your eyes peeled! - The South West Coast Path is home to plentiful wildlife and as you walk along the coastal paths don't forget to keep your eye out for some of the finest examples of birdlife including the Chough, Peregrine Falcon and the Swift as well as seals bobbing in the sea below you.

    Meet the locals. - Quite often the B&B owners and locals are the best people to speak to about ideas for alternative routes, places to see, lunch stops etc. This local knowledge can really help make your walk go as smoothly as possible. 

    Top Tips for the South West Coast Path

  • The South West Coast Path

    Join us on a walk from St Ives to Penzance on the South West Coast Path. This remote and exhilarating walk along the clifftops visits the bustling towns, golden sands and secluded coves of Cornwall.

    youtube icon
  • Walking the South West Coast Path

    The South West Path stretches around the south-west peninsula of England, exposing dramatic coastal scenery as the walk unfolds.  The route is split into several delightful sections as walking the entire route at once would be rather time-consuming.  This video gives you an overview of the route and how best to tackle it.  

    youtube icon
Featured
Currency:
£ - GBP - Pound
Country/Region name:
UKUK