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South West Coast Path

630.07 miles (1014 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This incredible 600 mile walk follows the coast from Minehead in Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall and onto the finish point at Poole in Dorset. You will pass some of the most spectacular scenery in the country with beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs and a series of charming coastal villages just some of the highlights along the way.
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South West Coast Path OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

South West Coast Path Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head to the delightful Clavell’s Restaurant in the picture box village of Kimmeridge for refreshments on your walk. There's a fine menu and a nice outdoor seating area to relax in during the summer months. You can find the pub at postcode BH20 5PE.
The Cornish coast has some delightfully quaint old pubs to investiagte. The Jolly Sailor in Looe in Cornwall is a historic pub of some note. It was originally established in 1516 making it one of the oldest pubs in England. Affectionately known as 'the Jolly' by the locals, it has been a place of rest and recreation for seafarers and travellers alike for centuries. Inside the main beam in the pub was taken from a French ship of the line at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The ship was captured and renamed The Indefatigable. When she was later broken up, the landlord of the time arranged for the beam to be installed in the main bar and it remains there to this day. The pub has been refurbished to a very high standard, making it one of the most pleasant, as well as the most characterful of places to drink or stay in the town. You can find the pub on Princes Square, Looe at postcode PL13 2EP.
In nearby Polperro the delightful Blue Peter Inn is another must see pub. Nestled between ancient smugglers cottages on the harbour and Fish Quay, just a few yards from the beach 'The Blue' (as it is affectionately known) is one of the quaintest pubs you may ever come across. The building is Grade I listed and dates all the way back to the 16th century. The award winning pub has a wonderfully cosy interior, a great menu and is also dog friendly. You can find it on Quay Road with a postcode of PL13 2QZ for your sat navs.
In Dorset at Osmington Mills you'll find the noteworthy Smuggler's Inn. Situated on the cliff tops of the South West Coast Path, just outside the village of Osmington, the Smugglers Inn is a traditional English pub with stunning views overlooking the Isle of Portland. The pub also has an interesting history having been the headquarters of the French smuggler Pierre Latour and one of the main landing places for smuggled goods in the 17th century. Notably the Inn was originally built in the 13th century, with its own brewery at the rear. There's a lovely large garden area which is perfect for relaxing in when the weather is fine. You can fine the pub right on the coast at a postcode of DT3 6HF for your sat navs.
The Cottage Team Rooms in Clovelly in North Devon is a nice choice. This delightful village tea shop is full of period charm. Outside, the sunny sheltered courtyard offers you spectacular views across Bideford Bay and the garden overflows with colourful cottage flowers and exotics. You can find the tea rooms on the High St with a postcode of EX39 5TE for your sat navs.
The Beach House Hotel at Cornwall's Widemouth Bay is a gem of a place, with great food and an outdoor seating area on the beach. It was listed in the top 20 beachside bars & restaurants in the UK in The Times (2018). There's seafood & spices, chargrilled steaks & skewers, little dishes & sweet treats. You can find the bar right on the beach at postcode EX23 0AW.
In Bude in north Cornwall there's lots of good options near the head of the canal. There's the delightful Barge Tea Rooms. Moored on Bude’s historic canal, The Barge provides a memorable dining experience, by offering customers a unique view of one of the most picturesque scenes in North Cornwall.
There's also The Brendon Arms right next to the canal. Bude's best known Inn, it has been owned and run by the Brendon family since 1872. It overlooks Bude's inner harbour and just 200 yards from the unique sea-lock and Summerleaze beach. There's also a lovely large beer garden where you can sit out on warmer days.
The Tinner Arms is a historic pub in Zennor near St Ives. It was built in 1271, meaning the pub has been at the heart of village life in Zennor for over 700 years. The pub was originally constructed to accommodate the masons who built the Norman St Senara’s Church. It has a charming olde worlde interior which is like stepping back in time. They do very good food and have a lovely large garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find them at a postcode of TR26 3BY for your sat navs.
The area around the village is also worth exploring with the fine old church of St Senara to see. In the church you will find of only two remaining bench ends portrays the Mermaid of Zennor, depicted admiring herself in a mirror. You can see this on the "Mermaid Chair" which also has carvings of fish on the seat, and which is believed to be at least 600 years old. Also nearby is the Zennor Quoit. This historical site is located on a moor about a mile (1.6 km) east of the village. Here you will find a ruined megalithic burial chamber dating from 2500–1500 BC.
Near the delightful seaside village of Bigbury on Sea there's the Journey's End to consider. It's a historic pub of some note, dating all the way back to the 13th century. Inside there's a cosy interior with four fires and a lovely conservatory. Outside there's a large garden area for warmer days. They serve high quality food and can be found at Ringmore with a postcode of TQ7 4HL for your sat navs.

Photos

Cove Cottage, Porthgwarra - geograph.org.uk - 230027

Cove Cottage, Porthgwarra. The dwelling in the centre of this photo is appropriately called Cove Cottage, as it sits above the cove at Porthgwarra. Just beyond it, to the right, is the top of the tunnel down to the beach at Porthgwarra cove. The headland beyond the cottage is Carn Scathe. The wooden fingerpost on the left points out the route of the southwest coast path.

Coast path around Bass Point - geograph.org.uk - 229711

Coast path around Bass Point. The building of Lloyd's signal station dominates this headland, the coast path winds its way around the point. The hottentot fig plant is invading the cliffs here,

Coastal lawn, Broad Ope - geograph.org.uk - 1099806

Coastal lawn, Broad Ope. The coast to the east of Portland Bill is known as Broad Ope. This grassy lawn is on the clifftop between Butts Quarries and Cave Hole. The small building on the left is next to a small disused quarry. The land surface slopes gently downhill to the cliff edge, with the topsoil of the slope lying above the raised beach deposits. The coastal path follows the well-worn route across the grass.

Coast path approaching Blackstone Point from the west - geograph.org.uk - 768943

Coast path approaching Blackstone Point from the west The coast path follows the cliff-top to Blackstone Point (the headland on the right). Just beyond is the old oil shale (blackstone) mining area of Clavell's Hard, then the path rises up to Rope Lake Head. St Aldhelm's Head can be seen in the far distance.

Remains of tramway near Clavell's Hard - geograph.org.uk - 1634125

Remains of tramway near Clavell's Hard. A short section of the tramway that served bituminous shale workings on the cliffs in this area can be found protruding over the edge.

Slipping clifftop, Bran Point - geograph.org.uk - 1321926

Slipping clifftop, Bran Point. The coast path from Osmington Mills to Ringstead follows the cliff-top, and this section has fairly recently slipped. It is possible to walk along the shore between Osmington Mills and Ringstead if tide and weather allows. The left turn up ahead is at Bran Point.

View from Emmetts Hill over Pier Bottom to St Aldhelm's Head - geograph.org.uk - 1626246

View from Emmetts Hill over Pier Bottom to St Aldhelm's Head. A steep sided dry valley separates the two high points. The coast path goes straight down and up; a diagonal path can be traced on the opposite hillside. In the 18th century there was a jetty at the bottom of the valley for the export of stone, hence the name.

Coast path east from Cuddle - geograph.org.uk - 768429

Coast path east from Cuddle. The coast path leads along the crumbling cliff-top. Underfoot is the high ground of Cuddle. A seam of blackstone (oil shale) outcrops in the cliff below (off to the left) and on the left of this photo is a cutting that once carried the 1848 tramway of the Bituminous Shale Co. The tramway was connected to the workings north of D Plantation (off to the right), and from there it ran down towards a wooden pier that stood off the old sea-wall beside Maple Ledge in Kimmeridge Bay.

Video

Route Highlights

Minehead

The trail starts in the coastal town of Minehead, in Somerset, next to this striking sculpture

Porlock Bay

The trail passes this stunning bay just before arriving at the pretty settlement of Porlock Weir with its fine harbour and 17th century cottages

Lynmouth

This splendid little village sits on the West Lyn and East Lyn rivers in a gorge 700 feet (210 m) below the town of Lynton. Once described by Thomas Gainsborough as 'the most delightful place for a landscape painter this country can boast'.

Valley of the Rocks

Popular tourist destination, noted for its herd of feral goats, and for its geology, having good exposures of the Lynton Beds which are among the oldest and highly fossiliferous rocks in north Devon

Heddon Valley

Six miles of awesome cliffs and rocky coves including Heddon's mouth (right). This wonderful section of the trail boasts the highest cliffs in southern England and is preserved by the National Trust

The Hangman Hills

At 1,043 feet (318 m) Great Hangman cliff is the highest sea cliff in England and the highest point on the South West Coast Path.

Ilfracombe

This beautiful seaside resort has an attractive harbour and pier and is surrounded by stunning cliffs.

Morte Point

Beautiful peninsula belonging to the National Trust but notorious for being the site of many shipwrecks. Enjoy the spectacular coastline of cliffs and coves, sandy beaches, dunes and headlands. Also important for its wildlife, archaeology and geology

Woolacombe

Popular seaside resort with a splendid beach which has Blue Flag and Premier Seaside Beach awards for its cleanliness, water quality and facilities

Baggy Point

Striking headland popular with climbers and owned by the National Trust

Barnstaple

The route takes you through this attractive Devon town and across the River Taw via the Long Bridge.

Bideford Bay and Hartland

Owned by the National Trust this beautiful stretch of coastline includes Hartland Point Lighthouse, Windbury Head Iron Age fort and the lovely Peppercombe beach.

Bude

Pretty Cornish seaside resort located at the mouth of the River Neet. Bude is surrounded by beautiful beaches including Widemouth Bay and Sandymouth Beach. The Bude Canal also passes through the town.

Widemouth Bay

Popular with surfers and swimmers this stretch of coast is steeped in smuggling history. Just to the south of Widemouth Bay you can find many little inlets and coves

Bocastle

Boscastle harbour is a stunning natural inlet protected by two stone harbour walls built in 1584. Much of the land in and around Bocastle is owned by the National Trust

Tintagel

Popular village associated with the legends surrounding King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. The main attraction is the historic 13th century Tintagel Castle (right). Set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, it offers dramatic views and is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur

Port Isaac

Small and picturesque fishing village where four seasons of the ITV series Doc Martin have been filmed.

Port Quin

Beautiful small cove and hamlet owned by the National Trust

Polzeath

Popular with holiday-makers and surfers this seaside town has a splendid beach. Dolphins may sometimes be spotted in the bay and the coastline north of Polzeath is a particularly good area for seeing many types of birds including corn buntings and puffins

Padstow

This lovely town sits on the beautiful Camel Estuary (right). You will cross the estuary on the Black Tor Ferry from the village of Rock. Highlights are the attractive harbour and the 13th century Church of St Petroc.

Trevose Head

Fabuolous viewpoint with lighthouse and Padstow lifeboat station. In clear weather, visitors can see virtually the whole length of the north Cornwall coast.

Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps

Owned by the National Trust this stretch of coastline is one of the most popular in Cornwall. It is named after mythological giant called 'Bedruthan' who is said to have used the large rocks (stacks) on the beach as stepping stones.

Newquay

Major tourist destination with several fabulous beaches including Fistral, which could claim to the best-known surfing beach in the British Isles. There are several attractions including mini-golf, a swimming pool, the 'Little Western' miniature railway and Newquay Zoo.

Perranporth

Lovely little village with a gorgeous beach backed by extensive sand dunes. Has a pleasant high street with plenty of local shops, cafes and pubs. Right on the beach there's also the Watering Hole which is described as 'the UK’s only bar on the beach'. The Perranporth to St Agnes Walk can be picked up here.

Porthtowan

Part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, Porthtowan has a Blue Flag beach consisting of wide soft white sands and dunes. Sits just to the south of Wheal Coates tin mine. There's a fine inn on the sea front here selling delicious sea food with views of the pretty beach.

Portreath

Lovely fishing village which extends along both sides of a stream valley and is centered around the harbour. West of the harbour entrance and breakwater is a sandy beach which is popular with holidaymakers and surfers.

Godrevy Head

Wonderful beaches and wild cliffs around St Ives Bay. The area is run by the National Trust and includes Godrevy lighthouse.

Hayle

Pretty town sitting on the mouth of the Hayle River. Hayle has 3 miles of splendid beaches making it a popular tourist destination.

St Ives

Popular resort named best seaside town of 2007 by the Guardian newspaper. Main attractions are the golden beaches, the attractive harbour and a vibrant arts scene.

The Carracks and Seal Island

The Carracks and Little Carracks are a group of small rocky inshore islands which include Seal Island, home to Atlantic Grey Seals, dogfish, anglerfish and sea anemones. Boat trips run from St Ives offering great views of the wildlife on the islands.

Levant Mine and Botallack Mine

Owned by the National Trust Levant mine is the only Cornish beam engine that is still in steam on its original mine site. The Levant engine sits in a small engine house on the edge of the cliffs. Botallack Mine is situated at the foot of the cliffs.

Land's End

Land's End is the extreme south-westerly point of the British mainland, and the extreme westerly point of the mainland of England. It sits on the Penwith Peninsula

Minack Theatre

Spectacular open air theatre positioned above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea.

GPS Files

GPX File

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