THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH | Cicerone hiking guide

hiking guide

Experience the beauty of Britain’s longest National Trail, the South West Coast Path, a 1022km (635-mile) route from Minehead to South Haven Point, offering unmatched coastal scenery. Stretching across Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, including the Exmoor National Park and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, this epic long-distance walking trail can be completed in roughly four weeks or tackled in sections.

This guidebook transforms planning into a straightforward process, with 45 clearly defined stages between 12 and 38km (7.5–24 miles) and expert guidance on every aspect of the route. An optional diversion onto the 17-mile South Dorset Ridgeway from West Bexington to Osmington Mills provides a scenic shortcut, shaving 42 miles off the full distance for those short on time.

• For every stage, the guidebook provides detailed route descriptions, 1:50,000 OS mapping and elevation profiles so you're aware of what the coastal path has in store next
• Practical essentials are woven throughout, with comprehensive accommodation listings covering B&Bs, campsites, and hostels in towns and villages along the route, like St Ives, Falmouth, Plymouth, and Lyme Regis
• Public transport options are clearly presented to allow you to break each stage into manageable chunks, ideal for section hikers to plan their journey
• You'll find expert advice on baggage transfer services, when to go (spring and autumn are ideal) and what to pack, as well as considerations specific to coastal walking, such as tide awareness and rescue services
• Downloadable GPX files offer a digital alternative for navigating along the coast, suitable for use on your smartphone or GPS devices

Whether you are walking the entire path or exploring it in sections, this guidebook offers all the tools you need to plan your walking holiday with confidence. Immerse yourself in the freedom and beauty of England’s southwest coast, where every stage brings breathtaking views, historic sites, and unforgettable walking experiences. 

Three separate OS map booklets covering Minehead-St Ives, St Ives-Plymouth and Plymouth-Poole are also available to purchase, creating the ultimate navigation package for this world-class coastal trail.