South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path

An epic walk along the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

3 to 12 nights
630 miles
Easy to Demanding / Strenuous

From £355 per person

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About the trail

At 630 miles (1,008 km) in length, the South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest waymarked footpath – and the ultimate challenge for any long distance walker. The route curls around the entire peninsula of Devon and Cornwall, rounds the south-western tip of England at Land’s End, and follows the southern shore through the dramatic scenery of Dorset.

Although we provide some gentler itineraries, expect stiff climbs on jaw-dropping coastal trails; mile after mile of sea views; and plenty of pasties and cream teas enjoyed in quintessential Cornish towns. Walking the South West Coast Path is a challenge, but an immensely rewarding one.

Scroll down to select a walking holiday covering your favourite stage.

We also offer a choice of short breaks along the path, which you can find on the South West Coast Path Short Breaks page, as well as a walking holiday round the Land's End Peninsula that cuts inland to create a circular tour.

Choose your route

  • This route includes dog friendly tour options North Devon
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - North
  • Cornwall's Atlantic Coast - South
  • Far West of Cornwall
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South West Cornwall
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options South Cornwall
  • South Devon
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay
  • East Devon
  • Dorset

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

Trail running tours available

We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more.

About this route

5 to 7 nights
61 miles
Moderate to Moderate / Demanding
2nd January to 24th December
Includes Dog-Friendly Tours

From £590 per person

South West Cornwall

The wildest and most isolated section of the South West Coast Path winds from Penzance along the rugged red-green cliffs of the Lizard and through the tranquil woods that line the creeks of Helford River.

With idyllic coves and smugglers’ hideaways in the mix, it’s already a beautiful route – but South West Cornwall visits St Michael’s Mount, too. Accessed by a tidal causeway, the rocky island is crowned by its vast fortress and priory.

 

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
SWCO1 From Penzance to Falmouth 5 nights, 4 days walking Moderate / Demanding £590
SWCO2 From Penzance to Falmouth 6 nights, 5 days walking Moderate / Demanding £705
SWCO3 From Penzance to Falmouth 7 nights, 6 days walking Moderate £820
"On the Approach to Lamorna Cove" by Caroline Simmonds (2023) "On the Approach to Lamorna Cove" by Caroline Simmonds (2023)
"Looking back towards the Lizard" by Caroline Simmonds (2023) "Looking back towards the Lizard" by Caroline Simmonds (2023)
"Out of Helford River" by Marc Campion (2022) "Out of Helford River" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Dusk at Porthleven" by Marc Campion (2022) "Dusk at Porthleven" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Cemetary overlooking St Michael's Mount" by Marc Campion (2022) "Cemetary overlooking St Michael's Mount" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Walking through Marazion" by Marc Campion (2022) "Walking through Marazion" by Marc Campion (2022)
"Out of Penzance" by Marc Campion (2022) "Out of Penzance" by Marc Campion (2022)
"South West Cornwall" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "South West Cornwall" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Coastal Chess" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Coastal Chess" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Towards Falmouth Bay" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Towards Falmouth Bay" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Fishing Boats at Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Fishing Boats at Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"On the South West Coast Path" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "On the South West Coast Path" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022) "Cadwith" by Paul Seabrook (2022)
"Poltesco Footbridge" by David Hackett (2019) "Poltesco Footbridge" by David Hackett (2019)
"Common Lizard" by David Hackett (2019) "Common Lizard" by David Hackett (2019)
"Chimney near Trewavas Head" by Blais Brancheau (2018) "Chimney near Trewavas Head" by Blais Brancheau (2018)
"Coastal Scene near Loe Bar" by Blais Brancheau (2018) "Coastal Scene near Loe Bar" by Blais Brancheau (2018)
"Porthleven" by David Conway (2018) "Porthleven" by David Conway (2018)
"Prussia Cove" by David Conway (2018) "Prussia Cove" by David Conway (2018)
"St Michaels Mount" by David Conway (2018) "St Michaels Mount" by David Conway (2018)
"Wheal Prosper" by Harriet Ells (2017) "Wheal Prosper" by Harriet Ells (2017)

Customer reviews from the South West Cornwall

“As always perfectly organized holidays with reliable luggage transfer and nice B&Bs.”
Mr Stamenic, Switzerland
“The scenery was amazing and the weather gods where with us! I would highly recommend this walk to anyone who loves nature and likes walking. The walk was very scenic, but the area around the Lizard was the most scenic. The little harbours and small villages were so beautiful! Loved Hereford River.”
Mr Willems, UK
“Accommodation excellent- -BB owners could not have been more helpful. Luggage waiting for us when we arrived at each overnight stop. The overnight stays were clean - good size bedrooms with a large choice for breakfast each day.”
Mr Rawdin, UK
“It was well organised and the accommodation was about right. The amount of walking each day was appropriate for us. We are looking forward to the next one - a good package.”
Mrs Camp, UK
“Very well organised thank you.”
Mr Hackett, UK
“This has to be one of the best walks in UK. Wild, wet and demanding. But spectacular.”
Mr Oberwetter, USA
“Lovely walk, not too demanding. Some splendid scenery and - away from the tourist villages - surprisingly few walkers.”
Mr Tessier, UK
“Varied landscape, beautiful small villages.”
Mr Pomowski, Germany
“Beautiful weather, friendly, helpful people!”
Mr Fischer, USA
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