The South West Coast Path in Sections
Very few people walk the entire South West Coast Path from end to end in one go. It has therefore evolved into a path of 6 sections each in the region of 100 miles or so and covered by a series of Maps from Harvey. Within each of these sections, there is a further division into 'Legs ' which seems to be the common unit for a daily walk typically between 7 and 15 miles.
When refering to parts of the South West Coast Path, we have adopted these sections as covered in each Harvey map and daily legs legs as evolved by both Harvey Maps and The South West Coast Path Team.
Minehead to Bude
The South West Coast Path begins at the western side of Minehead, with the 1st section finishing at Bude. This section is approximately 123 miles long and varies in terrain. You will walk across some of the highest cliffs in England. You will pass through an area recognised as ‘Heritage Coast’ between Porlock and Lymouth, through the ‘Valley of the Rocks’ – famous for its goats, the tarka trail, and also the largest sand dune system in England.
This final leg of the section is between Hartland Quay and Bude and is considered by many to be the hardest part of the entire SWCP. River valley crossings create stunning scenery, and finally, sandy beaches bring an easier finish to this section as you enter Bude. More
Bude to Portreath
This 2nd Stretch of the SWCP is a mix of easy and challenging and is about 125 miles long.
The 1st leg is between Bude and Crackington Haven, home to the highest cliff in Southern Britain (224m) and home to a number of rare birds.
Further along this stretch between Port Isaac and Padstow, you will need to catch the ferry to Padstow, then on to Porthcothan and later, after the famous ‘Bedruthan Steps’ you will take in the beautiful floral displays on the cliff tops between Newquay and Perranporth.
This section finishes between Perranporth and Portreath, which is a mix of easy walking and ups and downs makings it an interesting and enjoyable finish to the 2nd stretch of the SWCP. More
Portreath to The Lizard
This 3rd Section of the SWCP is only 87 miles long, and like all sections, is a mixture of easy and hard walking. The first part, to Hayle, is mainly flat and easy, but the 3rd leg to Pendeen is one of the hardest of the entire path. The ups and downs and at times boggy ground are made up for by stunning scenery. You then pass lands end and on to the south coast where you pass some of the most beautiful coastline and beaches anywhere in the world. Lamorna Cove is a good example of this, with the Minnack theatre looking over its stunning shallow waters. Further on to Marazion, porthleven, then the Lizard, this general area is busy with world famous sites of interest, like St Michaels Mount, Kynance Cove, Britains most southerly point with its fabulously situated café, and Marconi’s hut. Many think this section is the most stunning and interesting of all. More
The Lizard to Plymouth
This 4th stretch of the coast path is once again, a mixture of easy and hard, lasting 110 miles.
The Lizard to Coverack kicks off this stretch, and this area is designated as one of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), you will walk past the famous Lizard Lighthouse and through the quaint fishing village of Cadgwith before reaching Coverack. The 2nd leg takes you to Helford where you may need a ferry to Gillan Creek, dependant on the tide.
After reaching Falmouth with its huge natural harbour (3rd largest in world) you walk on to Portloe, Mevagissey and Par, just before which, sits the beautiful village of Charlestown. Then on to Polperro, via the National Cycle Trail, then high cliff paths lead you to Fowey Estuary, home of many sea birds and the setting for many of Daphne Du Maurier’s Books.
On to Portwrinkle, where high cliff paths and woodland give way to amazing views on the approach to Bettern Cliffs – being one of the highest points of the coast path at 462 feet.
The stretch finishes at Plymouth, as you say goodbye to Cornwall and hello to the gentle South Coast of Devon. More
Plymouth to Exmouth
From Plymouth, an area of outstanding natural beauty leads to Andurn Point and then on to Wembury. From there you walk to Bigbury-on-sea by beginning the day with a river crossing and another later on before the day is out. The 3rd day starts from Bigbury-on-sea and en-route to Salcombe, this days walk is considered by many to be one of the most stunning sections of the entire SWCP.
In amongst the 4th day journey of Salcombe to Torcross, is a site of special scientific interest due to it being one of the few places containing the rare ‘Cuckoo Bee’. The next day takes you from Torcross to Dartmouth, which is another area of outstanding natural beauty. The 6th days walk is to Brixham where you will need a ferry across the river Dart to Kingswear, and there is also some woodland walking here.
On the 7th leg you go from Brixham to Babbacombe then on the final leg you will walk to Exmouth, but before getting there you will need to take ferries to cross the River Teign and the Exe Esturary. More
Exmouth to Poole
The 1st leg begins at Exmouth, you will enter the East Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty which marks the start of the Jurassic Coast at Orcombe Point and a ferry is needed to cross the River Otter before arriving at Sidmouth.
On to Seaton on the 2nd day with lots of ups and downs and then on to Seatown during the 3rd days walking.
The 4th day is to Abbotsbury and you will cross a long pebbly beach of special scientific interest. A visit to Abbotsbury Swannery is a must during this leg.
The 5th day takes you to Portland Circuit with some spectacular views and the 6th day has woodland and rolling fields before reaching Fleet Lagoon and Ferry Bridge.
The 7th day takes you to Lulworth Cove and on the 8th day you have to ensure that the ‘Lulworth Cove firing range’ is closed prior to walking on to Worth Matravers.
On the 8th day, it is onwards to South Haven with some high cliff level walking around St Aldhelm’s Head. Three miles of golden sands then takes you to the South Haven Point Marker and the end of the SWCP. More
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