The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail and if you ask anyone that has set foot on it, they will tell you it’s the UK’s best! It runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The South West Coast Path is a great place to connect to nature, relax, exercise, and take time away from the stresses of daily life.
The sheer variety of coastal scenery coupled with the unique history and culture make it a world class pinnacle of walking, one recognised by the likes of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks who list The South West Coast Path in its top ten walks, up there with the likes of Himalayan Trekking and the Inca Trail in Peru.
Here are a few fun facts about it!
- It stretches for 630 miles (1,014 km).
- The total height climbed has been calculated to be 114,931 ft (35,031 m), almost four times the height of Mount Everest.
- It has been voted ‘Britain’s Best Walking route twice in a row by readers of The Ramblers’ Walk magazine.
- Lonely Planet listed the South West Coast Path as one of the World’s Greatest Walks in 2009.
- It was listed by CNN Travel Guide as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring long-distance walks.
- It has also been included in National Geographic’s 100 Hikes of a Lifetime.
- The South West Coast Path Association, a registered charity, and was formed in 1973.
- Dogs are welcome on all 630 miles of the Coast Path.
- More than 70% of the Path is in either a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you’ll also pass through two World Heritage Sites, a UNESCO Biosphere and a UNESCO Geopark.
Brief History
On the South West Coast Path, you re-trace the footsteps, histories and lives of old tin miners, fisherman, smugglers, wreckers and of the customs men who chased them.
The path originated as a route for the Coastguard to walk along patrolling for smugglers. They needed to be able to look down into every bay and cove: as a result, the path closely hugs the coast providing excellent views but rarely the most direct path between two points. Although no longer used by the Coastguard, it has been transformed from a practical defence system into a resource for recreational walkers.
During the 70s the Path was created in stages and we attended the official openings; Cornwall (1973), South Devon and Dorset Paths (1974), Exmoor Coast (1975) and the final section through Somerset & North Devon (1978).
By the end of the 80s the Coast Path as we now see it existed, although it was far from ideal.
In 2003 the Isle of Portland was added to the official route, making the Path 630 miles in total
It has continued to grow from strength to strength and is enjoyed by 8.6 million visitors a year.
Visiting the South West Coastal Path
The South West Coast Path is just as good for short walks and gentle strolls as it is for long-distance walking, so whether you’re an experienced trekker looking for a huge challenge, a relaxed rambler wanting scenic strolls, a young backpacker embarking on an adventure or a family keen to explore the great outdoors you are sure to find something.
The South West Coast Path takes you to and through some of the most popular holiday destinations in England and once you discover what it has to offer, you’ll be coming back every year. With dramatic coastal scenery and breath-taking views of surrounding countryside and moorland each step brings new experiences.
Highlights include the dramatic scenery of Poldark country in Cornwall (where the hit BBC TV show was filmed), the Jurassic Coast in Dorset (with its 185 million years of history) and England’s highest sea cliff, Great Hangman, in Devon.
The wildlife on offer along this stretch of coastline is mind blowing! Keep an eye out for red deer stags, wild dolphins (sometimes even whales), grey seals, enormous basking sharks and soaring peregrine falcons and puffins.
With so many picturesque spots on offer along the way why not bring a picnic, stop for a pub lunch or have a traditional Cream Tea in one of the many tearooms on offer.
In Summary
To sum up a visit to The South West Coast Path will not disappoint. The towering cliffs, hidden coves, ghostly tin mines and lush subtropical climate can offer everything from the perfect family day out to a week’s exploring holiday.
What sets The South West Coast Path far above from other UK national trails is that around almost every corner is yet another surprise. The heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery along the way are truly inspirational.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/#
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