South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path, a 630-mile trek along England's south west peninsula, is possibly the ultimate challenge for long-distance hikers in the UK. It begins in Minehead, Somerset, and goes over the Exmoor shoreline before continuing down the North Devon coast into Cornwall. It follows the whole coastline of Cornwall, crosses the Tamar River, and continues into Devon. Following the south coast of Devon, it then follows the Dorset shoreline until arriving at Poole Harbour.

As a National Trail, the South West Coast Path is marked with an acorn all the way around. In addition, there are enormous memorial markers at significant sites along the path, including Minehead (the starting point), Porthallow (the mid-way), and South Haven Point (the end). All of which provide an excellent opportunity for a photograph! There are also a number of way signs along the path that indicate how far you are from each end of the trail. Although most walkers choose to walk the Path in an anti-clockwise orientation from Minehead to Poole, there is no reason why it cannot be walked in the reverse direction.

Cornwall has a lot of isolated beaches. Even in high season, you might be able to enjoy the sea all to yourself. Walk four kilometers around The Lizard, the mainland's most southernmost point. Continue to Housel Bay, which has turquoise sea and light sand and is peaceful even in the summer. The stroll provides spectacular coastal views and the opportunity to observe anything from wildflowers to dolphins playing in the ocean below.

Location: S W Coast Path, Ilfracombe EX34 9QG