Frequently Asked Questions
The questions walkers ask most often about England's longest National Trail — how long it takes, which way round, and where to start.
How long does the South West Coast Path take to walk?
Walking the full 630-mile (1,014 km) route typically takes 7 to 8 weeks. It is usually split into 52 official day-stages, so many walkers tackle it in sections over several trips.
Which direction should I walk it?
Most walkers go anti-clockwise, starting at Minehead in Somerset and finishing at South Haven Point in Dorset, so the steeper climbs are tackled early and the going eases towards the end.
When is the best time to walk the South West Coast Path?
April to October is the best season, with the longest days and most settled weather. High summer brings the busiest paths, while spring and autumn are quieter on the coast.
Is the South West Coast Path a National Trail?
Yes — the South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail, completed in 1978. It is waymarked with the National Trail acorn symbol throughout.
Do I need a guide?
No. The route is well-waymarked and our free app gives you offline maps and GPS for every stage. Many walkers use a baggage-transfer service so they only carry a day pack.
How much climbing is there on the South West Coast Path?
A great deal — the ascent, not the distance, is what makes this trail hard, because the path drops to sea level at every cove and river mouth and climbs straight back out. Measured along the mapped route, the 52 stages here come to roughly 24,500 m of climbing in total; published figures for the whole path vary, since the answer depends on how finely the route is sampled and where the ascent is aggregated. The comparison that holds either way is between days: the hardest single stage for climbing is Lynmouth to Combe Martin (Stage 3) at about 908 m. Every stage guide on this site shows its own elevation profile and its own total climb.
Are there ferries on the South West Coast Path?
Yes — 16 of them, plus one river with no boat at all. The ferries are part of the official route because the south coast is a chain of drowned river valleys with no bridge near the sea. 8 run year-round and the rest are seasonal, so a walk planned for early spring or late autumn needs checking. The River Erme on Stage 37 is waded at low tide.
Which section of the South West Coast Path should I walk first?
It depends on what you want. Cornwall is half the trail and has the most famous scenery; Dorset and the Jurassic Coast is the shortest full section and the easiest to reach from London; North Devon has the hardest climbing on the whole path. Each region has its own guide here with every stage, its distance, its climb and its grade.
Do I have to walk the whole 630 miles?
No, and most people do not. Walking it in sections over several years is the normal way to do this trail rather than the exception — the path passes through resort towns and fishing villages for its whole length, so public transport back to a base is usually available.
