Stretching 630 miles the south west coast path starts at Minehead on the edge of Exmoor along the North Devon Coast, around Cornwall and the South Devon coast ending at Poole harbour in Dorset. Originally a 19th century coastguard patrol route restricting smuggling of contraband. Now a modern, well marked coast path enjoyed by countless visitors each year.
Whilst the south west coast path offers the ultimate walking challenge for the experienced hiker, it is also easily picked up and is suitable for all abilities depending on where you join.
The south west coast path passes through a number of national nature reserves and heritage coasts, five areas of outstanding natural beauty, two world heritage sites, a UNESCO designated Biosphere reserve and a geopark, as well as one national park and dark sky reserve, Exmoor!
Minehead to Porlock along the South West Coast Path – Map
Beaches, Landmarks & Beauty Spots
Car Parks
Public Toilets
Walks For All Abilities
The South West Coast Paths official website is packed full with a variety of different walks, for all abilities from easy walks you can push your pram along to those that end at the pub!
South West Coast Path’s Easy Access Walks in North Devon
Baggy Point Walk
Easy
“A short easy walk out to the tip of Baggy Point and back again, taking in spectacular views of the coastline towards Bideford Bay and Hartland.“
2.8 miles
Baggy Point Car Park – EX33 1PA Baggy Point Car Park
Putsborough Marine Drive
Easy
“An easy level walk above Morte Bay with spectacular views from Baggy Point to Morte Point and out to Lundy.”
2.6 miles
Marine Drive Car Park Marine Drive Car Park
South West Coast Path’s North Devon Pub Walks
Torridge Tarka Trail
Easy
“From Bideford catch the bus to Instow, a Victorian seaside resort and one of the south west’s most important training areas for the D-Day Landings. Walk back along the eastern bank of the River Torridge, following the Tarka Trail cycleway along the old railway line. Fascinating features along the way include a country mansion with a colourful history and a medieval bridge that kept falling down.”
3 miles
Catch Bus to Instow – EX39 2BU Bideford
Porlock Woodland Walk
Moderate
“A delightful stroll around the western side of Porlock Bay, through the woodland cloaking the hills above Porlock Weir, along the clattering pebbles of Porlock Beach and back around the edge of marshy pastures.“
4.2 miles
Porlock Fire Station Car Park to TA24 8ND Porlock Fire Station car park
Cherryford Hill
Challenging
“A bracing walk around a rocky headland high above the sea and into ancient hanging oak woods, climbing to Martinhoe Common, with a breathtaking coastal waterfall, unusual rocks and a tale of a monster fish.”
6.1 miles
Hunter’s Inn – EX31 4PY Hunter’s Inn
Martinhoe Roman Fortlet
Challenging
“A wonderful walk along a green Roman carriageway high above the sea, winding through rocky scree-clad hillsides covered in old oak woodland, boasting one of England’s highest coastal waterfalls in a key geological site. Although it’s a long walk for little legs, older children will love the adventurous nature of the walk, the views out across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast, and the stories of the Romans who once camped here.”
5.3 miles
Hunter’s Inn – EX31 4PY Hunter’s Inn
The Hangman Hills
Challenging
“An inspiring walk that amply rewards the effort involved, with far-reaching views over coast and hills, through an area rich in history. A good walk in spring, when primroses and violets surround the new bracken unfurling below bushes covered in blossom. Listen out for warblers, as well as nesting seabirds on the cliffs and ravens on the hillside.”
4.7 miles
Kiln Car Park in Combe Martin – EX34 0DJ Kiln Car Park in Combe Martin
Watersmeet
Challenging
“Breathtaking woodland walks along the East Lyn and Hoar Oak rivers, with a coastal stretch high above the dark waters of Lynmouth Bay and dramatic views from a tree-clad hill flanking the village. Stunning all year round, it is at its best in autumn as the trees are turning and the woodland rings with the sound of the birds feasting on its wild harvest.”
9.1 miles
Lynmouth seafront car park – EX35 6EN Lynmouth Seafront
