Home > 52-Day South West Coast Path Itinerary

52-Day South West Coast Path Itinerary

Covering 630 miles along the coast of England’s south-west, the South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s toughest and most rewarding long-distance walks. From the wild headlands of Somerset to the chalk cliffs of Dorset, this route winds through dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and historic seaside towns.

Although the route can be tackled in either direction, most walkers start in Minehead and head anti-clockwise, finishing at South Haven Point near Poole. The path offers everything from steep climbs and cliff-top views to relaxed harbours and sandy bays. With over 115,000 feet of elevation change, it’s a serious challenge even for seasoned walkers.

south west coast path map

Here’s a suggested breakdown of the route into 52 daily sections, giving time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.

Week 1 – Minehead to Westward Ho! (87 miles)

Travel across Exmoor’s moorland and wooded valleys, then head towards the beaches of North Devon and the rivers Taw and Torridge.

  • Minehead to Porlock Weir – 9 miles
  • Porlock Weir to Lynmouth – 12 miles
  • Lynmouth to Combe Martin – 13 miles
  • Combe Martin to Woolacombe – 13 miles
  • Woolacombe to Braunton – 15 miles
  • Braunton to Instow – 13 miles
  • Instow to Westward Ho! – 11 miles

Week 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow (78 miles)

One of the most rugged stretches, with steep climbs and Atlantic-battered cliffs. Expect jaw-dropping views and a workout.

  • Westward Ho! to Clovelly – 11 miles
  • Clovelly to Hartland Quay – 10 miles
  • Hartland Quay to Bude – 15 miles
  • Bude to Crackington Haven – 10 miles
  • Crackington Haven to Tintagel – 11 miles
  • Tintagel to Port Isaac – 9 miles
  • Port Isaac to Padstow – 12 miles

Week 3 – Padstow to St Ives (66 miles)

Clifftop paths, surf beaches and hidden coves – this week takes you along the lively north coast of Cornwall.

  • Padstow to Porthcothan – 13.5 miles
  • Porthcothan to Newquay – 11 miles
  • Newquay to Perranporth – 11 miles
  • Perranporth to Portreath – 12 miles
  • Portreath to Hayle – 12 miles
  • Hayle to St Ives – 6 miles

Week 4 – St Ives to The Lizard (69 miles)

From the wild cliffs near Land’s End to the milder, green valleys of the south, this week shows off the variety of Cornwall’s coastline.

  • St Ives to Pendeen – 14 miles
  • Pendeen to Sennen Cove – 9 miles
  • Sennen Cove to Lamorna – 12 miles
  • Lamorna to Marazion – 9 miles
  • Marazion to Porthleven – 11 miles
  • Porthleven to The Lizard – 13 miles

Week 5 – The Lizard to Par (72 miles)

This section passes colourful harbours, tucked-away beaches and rolling headlands. A gentler pace, but still plenty of climbs.

  • The Lizard to Coverack – 11 miles
  • Coverack to Helford – 13 miles
  • Helford to Falmouth – 10 miles
  • Falmouth to Portloe – 14 miles
  • Portloe to Mevagissey – 12 miles
  • Mevagissey to Par – 12 miles

Week 6 – Par to Torcross (94 miles)

Rivers, estuaries, ferry crossings and farmland meet historic towns and busy harbours. One of the most varied weeks.

  • Par to Polperro – 13 miles
  • Polperro to Portwrinkle – 12 miles
  • Portwrinkle to Plymouth – 13 miles
  • Plymouth to River Yealm – 15 miles
  • Wembury to Bigbury-on-Sea – 14 miles
  • Bigbury-on-Sea to Salcombe – 14 miles
  • Salcombe to Torcross – 13 miles

Week 7 – Torcross to Seaton (72 miles)

Rolling farmland, red sandstone cliffs, and English Riviera resorts. The geology becomes more noticeable as you near Dorset.

  • Torcross to Dartmouth – 10 miles
  • Dartmouth to Brixham – 11 miles
  • Brixham to Babbacombe – 11 miles
  • Babbacombe to Exmouth – 16 miles
  • Exmouth to Sidmouth – 13 miles
  • Sidmouth to Seaton – 11 miles

Week 8 – Seaton to South Haven Point (92 miles)

Walking through the Jurassic Coast, you’ll pass fossil-rich cliffs, natural stone arches, and some of England’s most famous coastal views.

  • Seaton to Seatown – 14 miles
  • Seatown to Abbotsbury – 12 miles
  • Abbotsbury to Ferrybridge – 11 miles
  • Around the Isle of Portland – 13 miles
  • Ferrybridge to Lulworth – 14 miles
  • Lulworth to Worth Matravers – 14 miles
  • Worth Matravers to South Haven Point – 14 miles
  • Optional inland alternative via South Dorset Ridgeway – 17 miles

Things to Keep in Mind

Most walkers complete the path in stages over several years. It’s best to plan daily distances conservatively — terrain can be steep and demanding. Some days might feel longer than they look on paper, so give yourself time to rest, explore, and enjoy where you are.

Each daily stretch varies in difficulty, and ratings range from easy to severe depending on elevation, surface, and remoteness. Treat it as a personal journey, not a race — and however long it takes, finishing the South West Coast Path is an achievement to be proud of.