
South West Coast Path Exmoor
England's longest National Trail, offering 630 miles of stunning coastal scenery from Exmoor to the Jurassic Coast.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter trails, hotel discounts

South West Coast Path Exmoor
Best Time
Quieter trails, hotel discounts

Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's longest National Trail, offering 630 miles of stunning coastal scenery from Exmoor to the Jurassic Coast.
"Beautiful walks, mostly quiet, lovely views - never disappoints."

🎯 Plan Your Sections
The path is 630 miles! Focus on manageable sections like Valley of Rocks or specific coastal towns.
⚠️ Watch for Signage
Signposting can be hit-or-miss. Download offline maps or use a GPS app to stay on track.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Valley of Rocks
Near Lynton
Dramatic coastal valley with feral goat sightings. A scenic walk parallel to the sea.

Hartland Point
North Devon Coast
Iconic lighthouse and rugged coastline offering breathtaking sea views.
Minehead to County Gate
Eastern Exmoor
Challenging inclines with stunning views, a popular section for hikers and runners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit Exmoor's Coast
Navigating the South West Coast Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan Your Sections
The path is 630 miles! Focus on manageable sections like Valley of Rocks or specific coastal towns.
⚠️ Watch for Signage
Signposting can be hit-or-miss. Download offline maps or use a GPS app to stay on track.
🐐 Spot Feral Goats
Keep an eye out for wild goats, especially in areas like the Valley of Rocks!
🍺 Pub Pit Stops
Many charming pubs like The Blue Ball Inn offer great food and views, perfect for a break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan Your Sections
The path is 630 miles! Focus on manageable sections like Valley of Rocks or specific coastal towns.
⚠️ Watch for Signage
Signposting can be hit-or-miss. Download offline maps or use a GPS app to stay on track.
🐐 Spot Feral Goats
Keep an eye out for wild goats, especially in areas like the Valley of Rocks!
🍺 Pub Pit Stops
Many charming pubs like The Blue Ball Inn offer great food and views, perfect for a break.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Expect steep inclines and varied terrain. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🏕️ Discreet Wild Camping
Wild camping is not officially permitted but can be done discreetly away from paths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the South West Coast Path for its breathtaking views and diverse coastal scenery, with many highlighting the beauty of the Exmoor section. While the path is generally well-maintained, some reviewers note that signage can be inconsistent, leading to missed turns and challenging detours. The availability of charming villages and pubs along the route is also a frequent positive point.
"Beautiful walk, lovely views. Could be better signposted. We missed a turn onto the coastal path just after Talland, and ended up walking up a vertical road for what seemed forever, it was a serious challenge!"
Lindy Armstrong
"Such a great variety of coastal environments along this great stretch of British coastline. I walked along a stretch of this path in the beautiful Exmoor national park, I’ve also seen signs going through St Ives and Padstow. I’m so happy we can have wonderfully kept paths along the Cornish, Devon and Jurassic coastlines. Unless you’re a hiking monster you would probably only do part of this massive route. Even Gordon Ramsay likes this path as I saw him walking along it 2 years ago near Rock!
Great trek with nice villages, towns and plenty of pubs dotted along it, would recommend to any keen walkers."
R. Green
"Never disappoints. Beautiful walks, mostly quiet, lovely views"
Lucik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access points are numerous. For Exmoor, consider starting in Minehead or Lynton. Public transport options include buses to these towns, but services can be infrequent. Driving is common, with car parks available at various points like Kiberick Cove or Fowey main car park.
Traveling between sections can be challenging due to the remote nature of some areas. Local bus services connect some towns, but planning is key. Some visitors use taxis or arrange drop-off/pick-up points.
The Valley of Rocks is easily accessible from the charming village of Lynton, just a short walk away. You can also reach it via the South West Coast Path itself.
Yes, parking is available at various points, including National Trust car parks and town centers like Fowey and Lynton. Be aware that some car parks can fill up, especially during peak season.
While some towns along the path are served by buses, services can be limited, especially in more rural areas. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the South West Coast Path is a public right of way and is free to access. There are no entry fees for walking the trail itself.
Yes, several companies offer guided walks and challenges along sections of the path, including ultra-challenges like the South West Coast 50.
The South West Coast Path is open 24/7, year-round. However, daylight hours are important for safety and enjoyment, especially on more challenging sections.
Generally, no permits are needed for walking. However, if you plan on activities like wild camping, it's not officially permitted and requires discretion.
Accommodation can be booked in towns and villages along the path, ranging from hotels and B&Bs to campsites. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terrain varies greatly, from gentle coastal paths to steep, rugged climbs with significant elevation changes. Expect uneven surfaces, rocky sections, and muddy paths, especially after rain.
This depends entirely on the section and your pace. A short, popular route like Looe to Polperro might take 2-3 hours, while longer stretches can take a full day or more.
Many sections are dog-friendly, but always check local signage. Some areas may have restrictions, especially during lambing season or on certain beaches. Keep dogs on a lead where required.
You might spot seals, dolphins, various seabirds, and even feral goats in areas like the Valley of Rocks. The diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife.
Facilities vary. Larger towns and popular visitor spots will have public toilets and amenities. Smaller, more remote sections may have very few facilities, so be prepared.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Charming villages and towns dotted along the path offer pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Some sections have limited options, so carrying snacks and water is advisable.
Absolutely! Pubs like The Blue Ball Inn are popular pit stops, offering food, drinks, and stunning views, perfect for refueling after a hike.
In larger villages and towns, you'll find local shops where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and picnic supplies.
Both Lynton and Minehead are larger towns with a good selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets.
Definitely! There are countless scenic spots along the path perfect for a picnic. Just be sure to take all your litter with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire path offers stunning coastal vistas. Key spots include the Valley of Rocks, Hartland Point, and any high points offering panoramic sea views.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the most dramatic light and softer shadows, ideal for landscape photography.
Look for elevated points that provide expansive views of the coastline, cliffs, and the sea. The dramatic cliffs near North Hill are particularly photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sea and sky colors.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near wildlife reserves or National Trust properties. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the terrain; some parts are steep and can be challenging for very young children. Look for sections with easier access and fewer sheer drops. Bringing plenty of snacks, water, and making frequent stops at scenic points or villages with amenities will help keep everyone happy.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and snacks to avoid frequent purchases at cafes and pubs. Utilize local bus services where available, as they are often more economical than taxis. Many towns offer affordable B&Bs or hostels, providing a good base for exploring different sections of the path.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
For ultra-runners, the entire 630-mile path presents an ultimate challenge, with records being broken by dedicated athletes. Proper training, nutrition, and navigation skills are paramount for tackling these demanding routes. Remember to check for any race-specific regulations or route changes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The South West Coast Path: A National Treasure
Originally established as a route for coastguards to spot smugglers, it has evolved into a premier destination for hikers, runners, and nature lovers. The path offers a unique perspective on the British coastline, showcasing its raw power and delicate ecosystems. Whether you're tackling the entire trail or just a short section, the experience is unforgettable.
Recent efforts, like those by the National Trust's access team, have focused on maintaining and improving sections of the path, ensuring its accessibility and preservation for future generations. These improvements, such as widening and re-grading narrow footpaths, make the trail safer and more enjoyable for all walkers.
Exploring Exmoor's Coastal Edge
One of the most striking features of the Exmoor coast is the Valley of Rocks, a spectacular dry valley running parallel to the sea. This area is famous for its towering rock formations and is often home to herds of feral goats, adding a unique element to the scenery. It's a popular spot for photographers and walkers alike.
For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the stretch from Minehead to County Gate offers significant elevation changes and rewarding vistas. This section is also a popular route for trail runners and ultra-marathoners, highlighting its demanding yet exhilarating nature.
Tips for a Successful Hike
Pack appropriately for the unpredictable British weather. Layers are key, and waterproofs are essential. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are a must due to the varied and often challenging terrain. Don't forget essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and sun protection.
Consider the best time to visit. While summer offers long daylight hours, it can also be the busiest. Autumn (September to December) is often praised for its quieter trails and potential for hotel discounts, while spring brings blooming wildflowers.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit