Explore the South West Coast Path this summer

As the longest national trail in the UK and with routes across Devon and the neighbouring counties of Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall, there are plenty of adventures to be had while exploring the South West Coast Path.

Even if you don’t fancy taking on the 52-Day Itinerary, there are plenty of shorter routes, all with beautiful scenery and the chance to enjoy some of the region’s best-loved beaches. To help you plan a memorable trip exploring the South West Coast Path, we’ve picked some of the locations along the route, so you can choose the perfect base and enjoy everything the various sections of the trail have to offer.

North Devon

The North Devon section of the path includes the Hartland Peninsular, areas of Exmoor like Lynton and Lynmouth and some incredible beachside resorts, like Westward Ho! and Woolacombe.

One popular route along this part of the path is the Combe Martin to Woolacombe walk. At just over 13 miles long, there are challenging sections, so this won’t be suitable for all visitors, but if you can, it is a beautiful walk. This section of the path is known for being particularly wild and rugged, it takes in cliff paths, and pretty coves like Lee Bay and Morte Point.

Morte Point in particular is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

There is a shorter version of the walk which takes you from Combe Martin to Ilfracombe or if you fancy a challenge, a longer one which will take you through to Braunton and Croyde.

If you fancy setting up base in Combe Martin, there are plenty of places to stay, including Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park. The park has beautiful sea view, wherever you are. Walkers will love staying here, as there are plenty of opportunities to go for a trek around the surrounding woodland and private access down to its own beach.  On the edge of Combe Martin and not far from Lynton and Lynmouth, where you can also pick up the South West Coast Path, is Sandaway Beach Holiday Park. This one also has a private beach, Mermaid Cove, which is great for rockpooling and has lovely sea views. If you are the adventurous sort, you’ll enjoy staying here – they have a partnership with a local company so you can enjoy some watersports while you’re here too!

Image: Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park 

Don’t forget, if you decide to set up base in Combe Martin, you have to visit the famous Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.

Or why not choose Woolacombe as your base and join the South West Coast Path here instead?

Not only is it home to an award-winning beach, but Woolacombe is famous for providing fun holidays for the whole family. Right on the beach is Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park, where you’ll find a host of accommodation options and so many facilities you’ll be hard pressed to find time to venture off-site! Similarly, nearby is Golden Coast Leisure Park which has everything from swimming pools to surfing simulators, high ropes, climbing wall and just about everything else you can think of!

Other places in North Devon you can stay while picking up the South West Coast Path include Westward Ho!, Instow, Clovelly, Croyde and Hartland Peninsula.

In Hartland, there is the Hartland Quay Hotel, which actually sits along the South West Coast Path. The hotels is located right on the cliff edge overlooking the ocean which provides a dash of drama to your stay. Or for something a little different, why not book a stay at Sleepy Owl? They have a collection of luxury treehouses and retreats with hot tubs in North Devon, set within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.  The Nest Treehouse is a lovely option if you’ve been out walking all day, it has been built with relaxation in mind, including a wood fired hot tub and an outdoor bath hidden on the terrace so you can enjoy the view while you bathe. While you’re in the area, make time to visit Hartland Abbey – a stately home with beautiful gardens and an impressive art collection.

Image: Sleepy Owl 

South Devon

The South Devon section of the path takes you around the Ocean City of Plymouth towards the South Hams area and into the Torbay before venturing towards the Jurassic Coast to meet up with Dorset.

If you want the chance to explore lots of areas of the South West Coast Path, Plymouth is a good choice for a base. There are several sections of the path you can pick up from the city, including lots of smaller routes like the Bovisand and Hooe Lake walk, the Sutton Harbour to Royal William Yard and the Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail. For longer walks, try the Plymouth to the River Yealm route or for a challenge, the Plymouth to Exmouth route which will take you around 8 days.

If you want to stay in the city centre, the New Continental Hotel is located right in the heart of Plymouth and gives you easy access to everything the city has to offer. Or if you like the location but prefer self catering, there is always the Strathmore House Apartments, where you can enjoy all the facilities of a hotel, but with the addition of privacy, comfort and more space.

For a real experience, look to the outskirts of the city and book a stay at Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, this Elizabethan hotel is famous for its Afternoon Tea and the luxury spa, ideal for soaking those aching muscles after a trek along the South West Coast Path.

For a break from exploring the path, spend a day enjoying a tipple and learning about historic gin making at Plymouth Gin or treat yourself to food, drink and a spot of shopping at Royal William Yard.

The next stop on the path after the Plymouth region is the South Hams area, where you’ll find beautiful towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth. To break it up a little, why not spend some time paddleboarding on the River Dart? Or travelling on the sea tractor at Bigbury on Sea?

Image: The Lanterns

There are lots of lovely self catering options around the Salcombe area to call home including The Lanterns at nearby Hope Cove. These high end apartments are within the Natural Landscape (formerly AONBO and have direct access to the South West Coast Path. If you’re bringing your dog with you, Bolberry Farm Cottages, also near Hope Cove are a good option, pets are welcome and stay completely free of charge here.

Another popular place for exploring the South West Coast Path is the Torbay area. There are stops in Brixham and Babbacombe near Torquay. The Brixham to Babbacombe route is a lovely part of the trail and gives you a new experience of the English Riviera.

In Babbacombe there is the famous Babbacombe Model Village, which is always well worth a visit and for somewhere to stay, take a look at the Cary Arms Hotel and Spa which overlooks Babbacombe Bay and gives you easy access into Torquay, as well as the surrounding villages.

Image: Cary Arms and Spa 

From here you can also join the Babbacombe to Exmouth part of the trail which will leave the hustle and bustle of the Torbay behind and into the more rural and wild Jurassic Coast.

In Exmouth you’ll find plenty of things to see and do while exploring, including World of Country Life, lots of lovely beaches and of course, a chance to see the Jurassic Coast from a whole different angle with a trip with Stuart Line Cruises.

One of the most popular routes around Exmouth is the Exmouth to Sidmouth one. This easy to moderate walk is around 12 and a half miles and gives you some lovely views, while being fairly gentle as you start to enter the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

In Sidmouth there are a host of Regency hotels to stay in, including the Victoria Hotel and the Belmont Hotel, which both have incredible views over the beach and top notch food and drink. For a self catering option, take a look at Higher Wiscombe on the outskirts of the town, staying here will put you in peaceful countryside and is a great option for larger groups.

Now that you have an idea of the sorts places around the Soutn West Coast Path, will you be planning a summer of adventure?