South West Peninsular Coast Path

Location: Somerset; Devon; Cornwall; Dorset. Established in stages between 1973 and 1978.

OS Maps: Outdoor Leisure 9, 15, 20; Explorer 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 115, 116, 126, 139 As this path follows the coast for it's entire length we do not recommend purchasing the appropriate 1:25,000 series maps since a large number of sheets would be required. We recommend, on the grounds of both cost and navigation needs, that you use the Countryside Agency official guide books listed below which contain the neccessary OS 1:25,000 mapping. However, rather than proposing to tackle all, or even half, of this trail, you are more likely to be planning to walk a short section, in which case it may be worth purchasing the relevant maps.

This is by far the longest National Trail. It was opened in stages and the north and south cornish paths were the first to be established. Very few walkers would consider tackling the complete route, and in this way it is different from the other National Trails. It's popularity is due to it's accessibility, wherever you are in Cornwall; virtually all holidaymakers with an interest in walking will sample a small section of it during their stay. There are so many stretches where the dramatic coastline offers stunning views that you are unlikely to be dissapointed with any section.

On the north coast the section from Tintagel, legendary home of King Arthur, to the Camel estuary and Padstow, then on to Newquay is memorable. There are a number of up's and down's where streams have cut steep valleys through the cliffs. The picturesque fishing villages of Port Isaac and Portgaverne nestle in such coombs. The fairly remote section from St. Ives to Lands End has dramatic granite cliffs pounded by the Atlantic.

On the south coast the stretch from the Lizard to Falmouth which includes the Helford estuary is attractive and varied. Other highlights on the southern coast include the area around Lyme Regis with its fossil rich cliffs and The Cobb, famous for its literary associations; Bolt Head near Salcombe and the sweeping arc of Chesil Beach. Indeed there are so many attractions and such a variety of coastal scenery along the whole Trail that, with few exceptions, it is all worth exploring. If only we had more time for walking.

	Guide Books: [Click for further information or to purchase]
	South West Coast Path - Minehead to Padstow by Roland Tarr This is the official Countryside Agency guide including OS mapping at 1:25,000. The Trail traces the beautiful coastline through Exmoor National Park, Clovelly and Tintagel. All the information you need is provided including route finding, background and features of interest and practical details. The guide is fully illustrated in colour and incudes some additional short circular routes.
	South West Coast Path - Padstow to Falmouth by John Macadam This is the official Countryside Agency guide including OS mapping at 1:25,000. The Trail hugs the coast right around Land's End and the Lizard via St. Ives and Penzance. All the information you need is provided including route finding, background and features of interest and practical details. The guide is fully illustrated in colour and incudes some additional short circular routes.
	South West Coast Path - Falmouth to Exmouth by Brian Le Messurier This is the official Countryside Agency guide including OS mapping at 1:25,000. The Trail passes stunning clifftop scenery, fen-like estuary margins and Cornish Coves. All the information you need is provided including route finding, background and features of interest and practical details. The guide is fully illustrated in colour and incudes some additional short circular routes.
	South West Coast Path - Exmouth to Poole by Roland Tarr This is the official Countryside Agency guide including OS mapping at 1:25,000. The Trail wends its way along the cliffs, past The Cobb at Lyme Regis and the impressive sweep of Chesil Beach. All the information you need is provided including route finding, background and features of interest and practical details. The guide is fully illustrated in colour and incudes some additional short circular routes.