Walk the South West Coast Path
England's longest National Trail — 630 miles of cliffs, coves and beaches from Minehead in Somerset, around Devon and Cornwall, to South Haven Point in Dorset.
England's greatest coastal walk
The South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail — 630 miles (1,014 km) tracing the entire peninsula from Minehead in Somerset, around the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to South Haven Point on Poole Harbour in Dorset. It began as the paths walked by coastguards patrolling the cliffs for smugglers, and was completed as a National Trail in 1978. You set out over the Exmoor cliffs, follow the surf coast of Cornwall past Land's End and the Lizard, and finish 630 miles later along the Jurassic Coast.
This is an independent guide and app to help you plan and walk it: every stage broken down, the history and wildlife along the route, and offline maps in your pocket. Walk it self-guided, or arrange baggage transfer and carry only a day pack.
The route, in four parts
From the Exmoor cliffs to the Jurassic Coast — see the full 52-stage guide.
630 miles around the South West coast
England's longest National Trail · Minehead → South Haven Point
Everything you need on the trail
The free South West Coast Path app turns your phone into a guide that works with no signal.
Offline GPS maps
Download each stage and navigate with full GPS even where there's no signal — along every cliff and cove.
Heritage audio guides
Listen to the story of the route — Tintagel, the Minack Theatre, St Michael's Mount, Durdle Door and more — as you reach each site.
Progress tracking
Tick off stages, log your hikes, and watch your progress build all the way from Minehead to South Haven Point.
Daily safety check-in
Share your plan with an emergency contact and check in each day — peace of mind on the remote clifftop stages.
Find a walking partner
The buddy finder helps you meet other walkers heading the same way on your dates.
Plan & pack
Build a day-by-day itinerary, get a kit checklist, and see what's at each overnight stop.
Scenes from the trail
A taste of the 630 miles — Exmoor cliffs, Cornish coves, the Lizard and the Jurassic Coast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the South West Coast Path take to walk?
Walking the full 630-mile (1,014 km) route typically takes 7 to 8 weeks. It's split into 52 official day-stages, so many walkers tackle it in sections over several trips.
Which direction should I walk it?
Most walkers go anti-clockwise — starting at Minehead in Somerset and finishing at South Haven Point in Dorset — taking on the steeper climbs early while still fresh.
When is the best time to go?
April to October is the best season, with the longest days and most settled weather. High summer is busiest; spring and autumn are quieter on the coast.
Is it really a National Trail?
Yes — the South West Coast Path is England's longest National Trail, completed in 1978 and waymarked throughout with the National Trail acorn symbol.
Do I need a guide?
No — the route is well-waymarked and the app gives you offline maps and GPS for every stage. Many walkers book a baggage-transfer service so they only carry a day pack.
Ready to walk the coast?
Start with the stage-by-stage guide, then take the app with you on the trail.