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

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Milder weather, fewer crowds
South West Coast Path Paignton
Best Time
Milder weather, fewer crowds
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.
"The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views and a truly invigorating experience for walkers."
👟 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cliff Gardens Views
Paignton
Panoramic vistas of Brixham and Goodrington Sands. A favorite spot for a scenic pause.
Dawlish to Paignton Stretch
South West Coast Path
A popular section for DofE assessments, offering a rewarding coastal hike.
Paignton to Berry Head
South West Coast Path
Experience a beautiful walk with varied terrain, perfect for a day trip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Coastal Adventure
Embrace the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
While waymarkers are helpful, check updated routes on apps like AllTrails.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
While waymarkers are helpful, check updated routes on apps like AllTrails.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry plenty of water.
📸 Capture the Views
The coastal scenery is breathtaking; don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! This is a popular and scenic stretch. You can start in Paignton and walk towards Berry Head and then on to Brixham.
Local bus services are a great option for hopping between different points on the path, making it easy to plan linear walks.
Yes, train stations like Dawlish and Paignton provide access to coastal walking routes. You can take a train to Exmouth for another beautiful section.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
The path is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy walks at any time. However, consider daylight hours and weather conditions for safety.
Generally, no permits are required for hiking the South West Coast Path. However, always check local regulations if you plan on wild camping.
Yes, official maps are available for purchase, and many hikers use navigation apps like AllTrails, though be aware routes can sometimes be slightly outdated.
🎫 🚶 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!
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.
Facilities vary by section. Larger towns like Paignton and Brixham will have amenities, but some more remote stretches may have fewer.
Yes, many people hike the path solo, including female hikers. It's generally considered safe, but always inform someone of your plans.
You might spot various seabirds, seals, and other coastal wildlife. The diverse habitats offer a rich natural experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Cliff Gardens in Paignton offers stunning views of Brixham and Goodrington Sands. Berry Head also provides dramatic coastal vistas.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the coastal landscapes.
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.
The views from the higher points, like Berry Head or sections overlooking bays, are particularly photogenic.
Include a person or a recognizable landmark in your shot to give a sense of scale to the vast coastal scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The South West Coast Path: A Thru-Hiker's Dream
Many hikers, like Georgia and her dog Finn, embark on this challenge with their canine companions, turning the path into a shared adventure. 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. While the entire path is a significant undertaking, even tackling smaller sections provides a fantastic taste of its beauty and challenge.
Navigating the Path: Tips from the Trail
Comfortable footwear is paramount, as the path can be demanding with steep climbs and uneven surfaces. Packing essentials like water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing is crucial, especially for longer walks. For those with dogs, the path offers numerous opportunities for them to join the adventure, making it a truly inclusive experience. Remember to check local tide times if your route involves coastal stretches that might be affected.
The Paignton Stretch: Coastal Charm and Views
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. 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.
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