A Very Long Path
The South West Coast Path is a long-distance walking route that follows the coast of the southwest of England. It runs for more than 600 miles in total, from Somerset around the Cornish peninsula to Dorset, and a large share of that distance is in Cornwall. It is England’s longest waymarked national trail, and the Cornish sections are among the most popular because of the scenery: cliff tops, coves, beaches, fishing harbors, dunes and old mine workings.
You do not need to walk the whole thing, and most people do not. The path can be enjoyed in short pieces, such as a stroll between two villages, a morning loop from a car park, or a day walk with a bus back. Many walkers return over several years to cover a little more each time.
What to Expect
Walking the coast path is not like walking a flat promenade. The route follows the coastline and often drops into valleys and climbs out again, so even a short distance can involve a lot of up and down. Surfaces vary widely, and may include:
- grassy or earth paths along cliff tops
- rocky or stepped sections
- sand, shingle or dune paths
- stretches of road, lane or town pavement
- boardwalks and stiles, and gates between fields
Some parts are gentle, and others are steep and demanding. Walking times are usually longer than a map suggests, so it is wise to be modest about how far you can go. A few miles of coast path can take much longer than the same distance on level ground.
Footwear and What to Carry
Sturdy shoes or boots with good grip are the most important item. Paths can be muddy, slippery or stony, and wet grass on a slope is very slick. Trainers may be fine on dry, easy sections, but boots with ankle support are more comfortable on rough ones.
A sensible kit for a day walk includes:
- a waterproof jacket, since showers can arrive quickly
- an extra warm layer, as wind on exposed headlands can be cold even in summer
- water and food, because shops and cafes may be sparse between villages
- sun protection, as the coast can be bright with few trees
- a map or a downloaded route, plus a charged phone, bearing in mind that signal can be patchy
- a small bag for any trash
Check which direction and section suits you and how you will get back. Public transport along the coast can be limited, so look up bus times before setting off. Circular walks that use the path with an inland return are an alternative.
Weather and Conditions
Weather can change a walk dramatically. A calm morning may turn into a windy afternoon, and sea mist can reduce visibility. Rain makes steps and rocks treacherous, and strong wind makes clifftop sections hazardous. On the north coast, which tends to be more exposed to Atlantic swells, conditions can be more extreme than on the more sheltered south. The differences between the north and south coast are worth understanding when you choose a section.
Check the forecast before you go and again when you arrive. If conditions are poor, shorten the walk or choose a more sheltered route inland. The coast path is not the place for pushing on regardless. There is no shame in turning back.
Heed any path closures or diversions. Cliffs erode, and sections of the path occasionally move inland or are closed after landslips. Notices at the start of a section, or on local council or national trail websites, are the best sources. Detours are there for good reason.
Keeping to the Marked Path
The path is marked with a small acorn symbol on signposts and waymarkers. Stay on it. Cliff edges can be unstable, and the ground near the edge may be undercut or soft. Paths are placed back from the edge for a reason, and the fact that others have walked a short cut is not proof that it is safe. Cutting corners also causes erosion and damages vegetation.
Keep children and dogs under close control. Dogs should be on a lead near cliff edges and wherever livestock are grazing. Cattle and sheep are common in fields beside the path, and cows with calves can be protective. If cattle approach, stay calm, avoid getting between a cow and a calf, and walk around the herd if you can.
Close gates behind you unless they are clearly fixed open, and use stiles rather than climbing over walls. Cornish hedges and stone walls are often hundreds of years old, and climbing on them can damage them.
Sharing the Route
The coast path crosses private farmland, beach car parks, harbors and villages. Say hello to other walkers, step aside on narrow sections, and keep noise down near houses. Do not light fires, which are a real risk on dry heath and cliff tops.
Wildlife and Habitats
The path passes through coastal heathland, dunes and cliff slopes, which support wildflowers, insects and birds. Coastal seabirds nest on some cliffs in spring and early summer, and seals may rest on beaches. Keep your distance and keep dogs close.
Safety Basics
Tell someone your route and expected return time. If you need urgent help on the coast, call the emergency number and ask for the coastguard. For beaches you pass along the way, check tide times before heading down steps or around headlands, as you can be cut off.
A responsible walk is not a cautious one in the sense of being timid. It is one in which you are prepared, respectful and willing to adapt, and which leaves the path and the places around it as good as you found them.