Hotels in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall
First trodden by vigilant excisemen who needed to see into every cove and bay in their unrelenting battle with smugglers, the South West Coast is a National Trail that huge some of the most precious coastline in Britain, recognized by the formal status afforded to much if it - the Path goes through World Heritage Sites, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, past offshore bird reserves...and of course follows a number of designated Heritage Coasts.
This is Britain's longest footpath, stretching for 1014 km (630 mi) from Minehead in Somerset along the coasts of North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon and Dorset to Poole Harbour. The number attempting the whole path is small, but many hike individual sections or complete the full length in different visits over the years. Those willing to undertake the ultimate challenge must be fit - with all those undulations, walkers who take on the entire path will climb a total of some 27000 m (88500 ft) - that's three times the height of Mount Everest - cross 17 large rivers, 300 bridges, 900 styles, skip up 27000 steps and pass 2500 way-marks. An epic undertaking indeed!
The West Country is Britain's most popular holiday destination and - whilst there is a beautiful countryside and many inland attractions - the real draw is the ocean, the dramatic coastline it sculpted and the heritage created by those who sought to make a living from the sea over countless centuries. Those who walk the length of the South West Coast Path will be rewarded by seeing it all - an extraordinary variety of terrain, dramatic landscapes, seascapes, breathtaking coastal vistas, bustling towns, quaint harbours, delightful villages, beautiful beaches, assorted wildlife and more. It really is the journey of a lifetime.
HOW
On foot
WHEN TO GO
Any time, though the weather is best between March to October.
TIME IT TAKES
About eight weeks for the entire Path.
HIGHLIGHTS
Somerset and North Devon - the Great Hangman (England's highest cliff), Brauton Burrows (England's largest sand dune system), historic Clovelly (English most quaint village?).
Cornwall - Tintagel (or King Arthur fame), St.Ives, Polperro (a classic fishing village).
South Devon - Slapton Sands (wonderful beach and adjacent freshwater lake), Dartmouth (historic port), Jurrasic Coast (fossils in eroded cliff faces).
Dorset - Lyme Regis (the Cobb breakwater featured in The French Lieutenant's Woman), Chesil Beach (a long shingle spit).
YOU SHOULD KNOW
As you hike through Westward Ho! you'll be visiting the only place in the British Isles with an exclamation mark in its name.
