email: info@embarkwalkingholidays.com Tel:01873 379100 Mob:07399 330178
South West Coast Path
Routes offered on this trail
The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest National Trail, running the coast line through the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Here at Embark walking holidays we offer a variety of smaller sections, from Minehead in North Devon to Penzance in South West Cornwall. This walk follows the coast line past beautiful beaches, dramatic coastal scenery and breath-taking views of surrounding countryside and moorland. Offered in one direction, the sections can be combined if you are looking for a more challenging longer walk. Please contact us at Embark Walking Holidays where one of the team will be happy to help with your enquiry.
The South West Coast Path is classed as an easy to moderate walk in some sections and more challenging in others. Offering something for every type of walker. The route is very well marked and signposted.
On route you will have the opportunity to travel by small ferry boat, visit Tintagel- the birth place of King Arthur, explore St Ives, enjoy the panaramic views from Land's End, watch a performance at the Minack Theatre on the cliffs at Porthcurno Bay and walk the causeway to the island of St Michael's Mount. On route you will have chance to see a vast array of coastal wildlife, including dolphins, Seals, basking Sharks and a variety of seabirds.
The mileage shown below is from where the South West Coastal path starts and finishes each day and is for your guidance only. A large part of this walk includes along rural coastal areas, so you will find that sometimes the accommodations are very close to the path and other times you will need to walk a little further to reach your accommodation. You will not be asked to walk any further than one and a half miles from the path to your accommodation Please see the Itinerary pages for more details.
There are the occasional opportunities to use small ferry crossings long the South West Coast path route. This will reduce your mileage during the day. The cost for using the ferry is not included in your walking holiday but they provide a valuable service to visitors and locals alike. Offering a relaxing break to your days walking.
Dates to avoid in the area, due to large events taking all of the accommodation.
- Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026~~St Ives Food and Drink Festival~~St Ives and surrounding area
Friday 19th to Sunday 28th June 2026~~Penzance Golowan Festival~~Penzance and surrounding area
Saturday 12th to Saturday 26th September 2026~~St Ives September Music and Arts Festival~~St Ives and surrounding area
South West
Coastal Path.
Minehead to Westward Ho!
85 miles / 137 Km.
This route is classed as challenging
Walk the Northern section of the South West Coast Path from the Start at Minehead to Westward Ho!. Over 8 nights. From £995.00 per person
South West
Coastal Path. Westward Ho! to Padstow.
80 miles / 129 Km.
This route is classed as challenging
Walking the section of the South West Coast Path from Westward Ho! to Padstow. Over 9 nights. From £1115.00 per person
South West
Coastal Path. Padstow to St Ives.
65 miles / 105 Km
This route is classed as challenging
Walking the section of the South West Coast Path from Padstow to St Ives. Over 7 nights. From £895.00 per person
South West
Coastal Path.
St. Ives to Penzance.
41 Miles / 66 Km
This route is classed as moderate to challenging in some areas
Walking the section of the South West Coast Path from St. Ives to Penzance. Over 4 or 5 nights. From £595.00 per person
Rest Days, explore or relax it's your choice.
A rest day is a great way to break up your walking Holiday. You could explore the area or just take it easy for the day.
A fabulous way to make your holiday more bespoke.
We give you some ideas below on choice places to stop for that extra day.
Woolacombe
With an award-winning white sandy beach which is over two miles long, Woolacombe is a great place to stop for an extra day. The town is full of places where you can eat and drink, especially tasting the delights of Devon made Cider and cream teas.
St Ives
Whether you are visiting as a finishing point or a starting point this is a lovely place to spend a rest day. St Ives has a choice of beaches, stunning views, a wide range of places to eat and some of the finest art galleries in the UK. This could not be a better place to relax with a famous cream tea.
Porthcurno
For something a little different for your rest day, Porthcurno is where you will find the Minack Theatre. An open-air working theatre carved into the clifftop. Offering performances during the summer months. Booking in advance is essential.
Penzance
To get the most out of your visit to Penzance, a rest day is a great idea. It will give you time to explore the wonderful St Michaels Mount. The Causeway is only passable at certain times of the day. You will have chance to visit the Island, crossing over by foot. The Morrab Gardens looking over the Town of Penzance are also a must to visit. Full of spectacular subtropical plants. A delight for any gardener.
What we offer
Please see listed below information for this walk. If you have any questions, please contact us- we will be happy to help.
What is included
- You will be accommodated as close to the path as possible in good quality accommodation using a mixture of Guesthouse, Bed and Breakfast, Farmhouse, local Inns and Hotels.
- All rooms are booked as en-suite or private bathroom wherever possible
- Breakfast is always included. Sometimes this is continental not always a fully cooked breakfast.
- Your luggage will be transferred for you between each of your accommodations.
- Where your accommodation is not within a reasonable walking distance of the path you will be provided with a transfer to your accommodation.
- Your route planning will be provided as part of your holiday pack.
- Your Holiday pack will included your Trail Guide and map, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch information and evening meal recommendations, luggage transfer information and holiday planning details.
- A packed lunch and your evening meal are not included in your holiday cost.
- You will be responsible for getting to your first nights accommodation and departing from your last nights accommodation.
Additional Costs
Rest Days
If you would like to spend additional days in an area, a rest day can be included in your itinerary. This is great for exploring the area At £75.00 per person per night. Please let us know at the time of booking so this can be included.
Solo Walkers
Solo walker supplement is charged at £70 per night. All our walks are based on two people sharing a room. The Solo Walker supplement is applied per night for anyone holidaying on their own. It is charged to cover the extra costs passed on from the accommodations and luggage transfers.
Single Supplement
Single supplement applies if you are booking as part of a group but require a room of your own. Charged at £60 per person per night. Again, it is charged to cover the extra costs passed on from the accommodations and luggage transfers.
Postage Costs
Postage is calculated dependant on location, as listed below:
UK - £6.99 per pack
Europe - £17.99 per pack
Rest of World - £26.99 per pack
How to get to the South West Coast Path
Railway stations: can be found at Barnstaple, Newquay, Hayle, St Ives and Penzance.
Car Parking: There is secure parking available at St Ives There are very few other places to park your car. Please let us know that you wish to arrive by car and we will advise you.
If you would like any help with your arrival or departure arrangements, please contact us at the office where we will be happy to give advice. info@embarkwalkingholidays.com call us on +44 (0)7399 330178.
When would you like to start
We want to arrange your holiday to suit you. So you get to choose the start date and we will work from there.
Our walks are only offered between April and September, giving better daylight hours and safer walking conditions for you.