South West Coast Path (Paignton) - Image 1
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South West Coast Path Paignton

4.6
·491k reviews·Paignton, United Kingdom

Explore the stunning South West Coast Path near Paignton, offering breathtaking sea views, charming seaside towns, and invigorating hikes for all leve...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Milder weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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South West Coast Path (Paignton) - Image 1

South West Coast Path Paignton

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Milder weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the stunning South West Coast Path near Paignton, offering breathtaking sea views, charming seaside towns, and invigorating hikes for all levels.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views and a truly invigorating experience for walkers."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

The path has varied terrain; good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Many sections are perfect for hiking with your furry friends!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cliff Gardens Views

Cliff Gardens Views

Paignton

Panoramic vistas of Brixham and Goodrington Sands. A favorite spot for a scenic pause.

Instagram
Dawlish to Paignton Stretch

Dawlish to Paignton Stretch

South West Coast Path

A popular section for DofE assessments, offering a rewarding coastal hike.

Instagram
Paignton to Berry Head

Paignton to Berry Head

South West Coast Path

Experience a beautiful walk with varied terrain, perfect for a day trip.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Coastal Adventure

The South West Coast Path offers stunning views year-round, but consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for fewer crowds and milder weather. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, especially during peak summer months. TikTok

Embrace the Journey

This isn't just a walk; it's an adventure! Whether you're tackling a small section or the entire 630 miles, pack comfortable shoes and be prepared for varied terrain. Many enjoy it with their dogs! TikTok+2

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Milder weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Escape weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

sorry not sorry #walking #southwestcoastpath #Hiking #hike
@katyjohnsonx
425.6K likes • 2.4M views

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

The path has varied terrain; good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike. TikTok+1

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Many sections are perfect for hiking with your furry friends! TikTok+1

Not all my weekends are spent hiking.. even just a little walk along the south west coast path can do wonders for me😌😌 As long as I’m outside that’s good for me! #granolatok #granolagirl #granolagirlaesthetic #southwestcoastpath #northdevon
@soph.devonadventures
2.5K likes • 19.8K views
Strolling Along South West Coast Path | Daily Vlog | Sat 15th March (2025)�We take a beautiful walk from Waterside Holiday Park to Paignton along the South West Coast Path. It’s great to get out and enjoy the fresh air and stunning views before catching the bus back. Totnes, Pottery & a Delicious Croissant | Daily Vlog | Sun 16th March (2025)�We spend the morning in #Totnes, where we have the mos...
alifefullofmeaning
10 likes • 138 views

🗺️ Plan Your Route

While waymarkers are helpful, check updated routes on apps like AllTrails. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. TikTok

Last weekend we had the pleasure of taking 3 more groups for their Bronze DofE assessment along the South West Coast Path from Dawlish to Paignton. Congratulations to those students from @paigntonacademy
havenbanksoec
16 likes • 567 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key

The path has varied terrain; good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike. TikTok+1

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Many sections are perfect for hiking with your furry friends! TikTok+1

🗺️ Plan Your Route

While waymarkers are helpful, check updated routes on apps like AllTrails. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water. TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

The coastal scenery is breathtaking; don't forget your camera! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking coastal scenery and the invigorating experience of walking the South West Coast Path. The accessibility of various sections and the opportunity to explore charming seaside towns are major highlights. Some find certain stretches challenging due to steep ascents and descents, and weather can be unpredictable.

What People Like

Stunning coastal views
Invigorating walks
Dog-friendly trails

What People Dislike

Challenging terrain
Unpredictable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access various points of the South West Coast Path near Paignton via local buses, which can take you to trailheads like Dawlish or Berry Head. Instagram+1 Driving and parking are also options, though can be busy in peak season.

Yes, many sections are well-served by public transport. Buses frequently run along the coast, allowing you to start or end your walk at different points. Instagram+1

Absolutely! This is a popular and scenic stretch. You can start in Paignton and walk towards Berry Head and then on to Brixham. Instagram

Local bus services are a great option for hopping between different points on the path, making it easy to plan linear walks. Instagram+1

Yes, train stations like Dawlish and Paignton provide access to coastal walking routes. You can take a train to Exmouth for another beautiful section. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the South West Coast Path is a public right of way and is free to access. Enjoy the stunning scenery without any admission charges. TikTok

There's no need to book tickets as it's a public footpath. However, if you plan to use specific transport like ferries or buses, check their booking requirements. TikTok

The path is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy walks at any time. However, consider daylight hours and weather conditions for safety. TikTok

Generally, no permits are required for hiking the South West Coast Path. However, always check local regulations if you plan on wild camping. TikTok

Yes, official maps are available for purchase, and many hikers use navigation apps like AllTrails, though be aware routes can sometimes be slightly outdated. TikTok

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The terrain varies, featuring coastal paths, some steep ascents and descents, and sections that can be muddy after rain. Be prepared for ups and downs! TikTokReddit

This section is approximately 9 miles and can take around 4 hours to walk, though it can be quicker if you run it. Expect some challenging ups and downs. Reddit

Facilities vary by section. Larger towns like Paignton and Brixham will have amenities, but some more remote stretches may have fewer. TikTok

Yes, many people hike the path solo, including female hikers. It's generally considered safe, but always inform someone of your plans. TikTok

You might spot various seabirds, seals, and other coastal wildlife. The diverse habitats offer a rich natural experience. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Cliff Gardens in Paignton offers stunning views of Brixham and Goodrington Sands. Berry Head also provides dramatic coastal vistas. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the coastal landscapes. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots. TikTok

The views from the higher points, like Berry Head or sections overlooking bays, are particularly photogenic. Instagram

Include a person or a recognizable landmark in your shot to give a sense of scale to the vast coastal scenery. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The South West Coast Path near Paignton offers family-friendly sections perfect for a day out. Consider shorter, flatter stretches like the walk from Waterside Holiday Park to Paignton, which is manageable for younger legs and offers lovely seaside views. Instagram Many sections are also dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too! TikTok+1 Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and check for accessible points if you're using a stroller. TikTok

🐶 Dog Owners

The South West Coast Path is a paradise for dog owners! Many sections are incredibly dog-friendly, allowing your canine companions to explore the stunning coastal landscapes alongside you. TikTok+2 Popular choices include walks where dogs can roam and enjoy the fresh sea air. Always ensure your dog is on a lead when necessary, especially around livestock or cliff edges, and be mindful of other walkers. TikTok

🚶 Day-Trippers

For a perfect day trip, focus on accessible sections with great views and amenities. The walk from Paignton to Berry Head and then on to Brixham is a popular choice, offering varied scenery and the chance to explore charming towns. InstagramReddit Alternatively, consider the Dawlish to Paignton stretch for a rewarding coastal hike. Instagram Utilize local bus services to create a linear walk, starting at one point and finishing at another, making your day trip efficient and enjoyable. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The South West Coast Path: A Thru-Hiker's Dream

The South West Coast Path is a monumental 630-mile (1000km) long-distance trail, winding through four counties: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. It's a dream for many adventurers, including those planning to 'thru-hike' the entire length. TikTok+1 This epic journey offers an unparalleled immersion into the diverse coastal landscapes of England, from dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches to charming fishing villages and rolling countryside. Planning a thru-hike requires significant preparation, including logistics for accommodation, resupply points, and understanding the varied terrain. TikTok+1

Many hikers, like Georgia and her dog Finn, embark on this challenge with their canine companions, turning the path into a shared adventure. TikTok+1 The path is renowned for its challenging ascents and descents, with some sections, like the Greater Hangman near Coombe Martin, reaching the highest points on the trail. TikTok While the entire path is a significant undertaking, even tackling smaller sections provides a fantastic taste of its beauty and challenge. TikTok+1

Navigating the Path: Tips from the Trail

Navigating the South West Coast Path involves more than just following a trail; it's about embracing the journey and being prepared. While the path is generally well-marked with wooden waymarkers, some routes on navigation apps might be slightly outdated, so always cross-reference. TikTok Many hikers recommend using apps like AllTrails for detailed route information and offline maps, which can be invaluable in areas with limited signal. TikTok

Comfortable footwear is paramount, as the path can be demanding with steep climbs and uneven surfaces. TikTok+1 Packing essentials like water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing is crucial, especially for longer walks. TikTok For those with dogs, the path offers numerous opportunities for them to join the adventure, making it a truly inclusive experience. TikTok+2 Remember to check local tide times if your route involves coastal stretches that might be affected. TikTok

The Paignton Stretch: Coastal Charm and Views

The section of the South West Coast Path near Paignton offers a delightful blend of coastal scenery and accessibility. A particularly beloved spot is the Cliff Gardens, offering breathtaking views out towards Brixham and Goodrington Sands. Instagram This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, providing a taste of the path's beauty without requiring an arduous trek. Instagram

This part of the path has also been a popular choice for educational and assessment purposes, such as the Bronze DofE assessments for students from Paignton Academy, who have hiked from Dawlish to Paignton. Instagram This highlights the path's suitability for various levels of hikers, from casual walkers to those undertaking more structured challenges. Whether you're looking for a short walk with stunning views or a segment of a longer journey, the Paignton area delivers a rewarding coastal experience. Instagram

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