Countryside

South West Coast Path National Trail

The South West Coast Path was voted 'Britain’s Greatest Walk' by readers of Country Walking magaine.

Minehead to Poole
The South West Coast Path is easily the longest and, in places, the most arduous, of England's National Trails. The path is actually the amalgamation of 4 paths; the Somerset & North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon, and Dorset Coastal paths. The route is quite popular, and it can be crowded in the summer months, though there are always long stretches where your only company will be a chorus of sea birds.

Sunset at Poole, Dorset

The trail can be windy - the prevailing wind is from the southwest, and numerous river estuaries along the way require ferry crossings. This means that a good guidebook with tide and ferry timetables is essential equipment for walkers.

The path has an interesting history; it is based on a footpath established by Coastguards who patrolled the entire length of the South West Peninsula - on foot, every day - watching for smugglers. This sentry activity was carried on right up until 1856, and the length of the path is dotted with coastguard cottages at convenient intervals.

Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Because the coastguards needed to be able to investigate every cove and inlet along the way, the path hugs the coast closely. This allows today's walkers superb views, but it also means that there are frequent changes in elevation.

The path is best enjoyed in May, for then the wildflowers are in full bloom. In full summer it may be difficult to find accommodation, so from that perspective the spring and autumn months are preferable. If you are willing to put up with the crowds, walking in the summer allows you to go swimming in the warmed water of the sea!

St. Ives, Cornwall

Highlights:
Durdle Door, Dorset - a huge arched passage in the sea cliffs
innumerable sandy beaches and rocky coves
sea birds and coastal flowers
coastal waterfalls between Heartland Point (Devon) and Bude (Cornwall)
The "Granite Coast" near Land's End - strange castellated rock formations
Exmoor National Park

Ordnance Survey maps covering the South West Coast Path National Trail:
Explorer OS maps (Scale: 4cm = 1 km / 1: 25000) - best for walking
009, 015, 020, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 115, 116, 126, 139

Landranger OS maps (Scale: 2cm = 1km / 1: 50000)
180, 181, 190, 192, 193, 194, 195, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204

All OS maps are available at 10% off retail price, by special arrangement if you order through Britain Express. Both laminated waterproof and plain paper maps are available.

Guidebooks

The South West Coast Path : Exmouth to Poole – National Trail Guide published by by Aurum Press, £8.79

The South West Coast Path : Falmouth to Exmouth – National Trail Guide published by by Aurum Press, £8.79

The South West Coast Path : Minehead to Padstow – National Trail Guide published by by Aurum Press, £8.79

The South West Coast Path : Padstow to Falmouth – National Trail Guide published by by Aurum Press, £8.79

South West Way: a Walker's Guide to the Coast Path Vol 1: Minehead to Penzance by Martin Collins, Cicerone Press, £8.99

South West Way: a Walker's Guide to the Coast Path Vol 2: Penzance to Poole by Martin Collins, Cicerone Press, £8.99

The South West Coast Path Guide by South West Way Association. £4.99 plus £1 postage. From RA central office (see below).

Stillwell's National Trail Companion by Tim Stillwell and Dean Conway, Stillwell Publications, £7.96 - lists accommodation on and near national trails throughout the UK and Ireland

The Rambler's Yearbook and Accommodation Guide published by the Rambler's Association, £4.99 - lists accommodation and walking resources.

Southwest Coast Path - A new full colour guide to the spectacular 560 mile coastal path around Britain's south-west peninsula. Extensively illustrated and filled with practical details.

Contacts

The South West Way Association
Windlestraw, Penquit, Ermington
Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0LU
Web Site

SW Coast Path Team, c/o Devon County Council
Matford Lane Offices, County Hall
Exeter EX2 4QW
Tel: +44 01392 383560
Fax: +44 01392 383526
Web: http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/

Ramblers Association
2nd Floor, Camelford House
87-90 Albert Embankment
London, SE1 7TW
Tel: 0171 339 8500
Fax: 0171 339 8501
email: ramblers@london.ramblers.org.uk
Web Site : http://www.ramblers.org.uk/index.html

Thanks to Joanne Paul for all the photos