South West Coast Path: Minehead to Westward Ho! | Stage 1
South West Coast Path: Minehead to Westward Ho! | Stage 1
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Embark on the inaugural stretch of the South West Coast Path, from Minehead to Westward Ho!, traversing an environment of extraordinary natural beauty that links England's highest cliffs with golden beaches, coastal forests and charming coastal villages.
- Walk along the edge of the Bristol Channel, advancing from the heights of Exmoor, where the cliffs rise up to 250 metres above the sea, towards secluded coves and quiet sandy beaches.
- Delve into landscapes teeming with wildlife and native flora, following trails that incorporate the Tarka Trail, evoking the footsteps of the legendary Tarka the Beaver.
- Marvel at the strange and fascinating rock formations of the magical Valley of the Rocks and the breathtaking views from Hurlstone Point and Porlock.
- Marvel at Hollow Brook, one of Britain's highest waterfalls, alongside historic chapels such as the restored St Nicholas' Chapel, the oldest lighthouse in the United Kingdom, which add history and spirituality to each stage.
- Delight in the local cuisine: fresh seafood, traditional cakes and artisan cheeses from Devon, which crown the experience with the taste of the sea and tradition.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Minehead
Begin your journey in Minehead, the official starting point of the South West Coast Path, where the hills of Exmoor meet the waters of the Bristol Channel. This traditional Somerset seaside town retains the charm of English seaside resorts, with its promenade, vintage shops and wide sandy beach.
Overnight in Minehead
The Parks
The rooms at this accommodation feature a flat-screen television, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, they serve a breakfast with vegetarian, continental, English, and Irish options.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Minehead to Porlock Weir 9,9 miles I 16 km
As you begin your journey along the South West Coast Path, you will be confronted by the imposing grandeur of England's highest coastline, where cliffs rise majestically above the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic wind accompanies your every step. On this first section, you will have the choice of following a peaceful path through gentle farmland, surrounded by pastures and livestock, or embarking on an adventure along the rugged coastline, where the terrain undulates with challenging climbs and steep descents.
The coastal path rewards your efforts with spectacular views, where the sea and cliffs merge in a symphony of height, light and foam. The force of the landscape, carved by time and the waves, gives character to this initial stage, which not only tests your legs but also awakens your spirit of exploration.
Whether among green valleys dotted with sheep or on the edge of vertiginous cliffs, this first day sets the tone for what is to come: a coastline that unfolds with character and wild beauty, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection with Atlantic nature.
Ascent: 353m (1,158ft) / Descent: 353m (1,158ft)
The coastal path rewards your efforts with spectacular views, where the sea and cliffs merge in a symphony of height, light and foam. The force of the landscape, carved by time and the waves, gives character to this initial stage, which not only tests your legs but also awakens your spirit of exploration.
Whether among green valleys dotted with sheep or on the edge of vertiginous cliffs, this first day sets the tone for what is to come: a coastline that unfolds with character and wild beauty, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection with Atlantic nature.
Ascent: 353m (1,158ft) / Descent: 353m (1,158ft)
Overnight in Porlock Weir
Rosebank House
This charming accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy its beautiful garden, where you can relax at the end of the day.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Porlock Weir to Lynmouth 11,2 miles I 18 km
Today you will leave behind the calm of Porlock Weir harbour and its tranquil waters to face an invigorating climb into the dense and mysterious Yearnor Forest. From the top, the path levels out and takes you under the shade of ancient oak trees, on a serene stretch that invites you to walk with all your senses awake.
Halfway along, you will come across the small, isolated church of Culbone, considered the smallest in England still in use, hidden among the vegetation and steeped in history. Shortly afterwards, the path forks, offering you two different experiences: a more open option through farmland, or a more immersive one through the thick Culbone Forest, where the humidity, silence and filtered light create an almost magical atmosphere.
Whichever route you choose, it will be a day of contrasts and renewed energy, between challenging climbs and shady trails, where the forest becomes your companion and guide on this deep immersion into the nature of the South West Coast Path.
Ascent: 665m (2,182ft) / Descent: 651m (2,136ft)
Halfway along, you will come across the small, isolated church of Culbone, considered the smallest in England still in use, hidden among the vegetation and steeped in history. Shortly afterwards, the path forks, offering you two different experiences: a more open option through farmland, or a more immersive one through the thick Culbone Forest, where the humidity, silence and filtered light create an almost magical atmosphere.
Whichever route you choose, it will be a day of contrasts and renewed energy, between challenging climbs and shady trails, where the forest becomes your companion and guide on this deep immersion into the nature of the South West Coast Path.
Ascent: 665m (2,182ft) / Descent: 651m (2,136ft)
Overnight in Lynmouth
North Cliff Hotel
Located in beautiful surroundings, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and a terrace with views.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Lynmouth to Combe Martin 13,7 miles I 22 km
From the steep slopes that mark the start of the day, the trail climbs to the highest point of the South West Coast Path, revealing spectacular views over the sea and the hills of Exmoor. This day, the longest of your journey through the national park, takes you to the legendary Valley of the Rocks, a unique rock formation that looks as if it were sculpted by giants and shrouded in ancient legends.
Surrounded by wild goats and a landscape that alternates between bare rock and green hillsides, this valley offers an unforgettable break before the trail continues across the open moorland. Here, contrasts set the pace: gentle hills that drop abruptly to the ocean, narrow paths carved into the slope and wide expanses of heather that merge with the horizon. It is a stage of raw, unfiltered beauty, where every bend in the road opens up a new perspective on the wild nature of northern Devon.
Ascent: 784m (2,572ft) / Descent: 780m (2,559ft)
Surrounded by wild goats and a landscape that alternates between bare rock and green hillsides, this valley offers an unforgettable break before the trail continues across the open moorland. Here, contrasts set the pace: gentle hills that drop abruptly to the ocean, narrow paths carved into the slope and wide expanses of heather that merge with the horizon. It is a stage of raw, unfiltered beauty, where every bend in the road opens up a new perspective on the wild nature of northern Devon.
Ascent: 784m (2,572ft) / Descent: 780m (2,559ft)
Overnight in Combe Martin
Channel Vista
Located in the charming village of Combe Martin, this accommodation offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, a delicious and complete breakfast is served in the mornings.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Combe Martin to Woolacombe 13,9 miles I 22,3 km
From the cliffs overlooking the village of Ilfracombe, the trail winds its way between steep slopes and open views of the Atlantic, marking the start of a day full of contrasts and changing beauty. As you head towards Lee Bay, the landscape becomes more intimate, with hidden coves and gentle descents to the sea, where the coastline seems to breathe with every bend in the path.
Further on, the terrain transforms once again. The path climbs and winds its way through thickets of yellow gorse, pink sagittaria and expanses of heather that paint the hills leading to Morte Point, a wild and rugged promontory declared a site of special scientific interest for its ecological and geological value.
From here, the views stretch out towards the dunes and estuaries that herald the arrival at Woolacombe, offering a glorious end to a stage that celebrates the diversity of the North Devon coastline. It is a day to be surprised by the evolution of the landscape, where each stretch reveals a new facet of this untamed and fascinating coastline.
Ascent: 711m (2,332ft) / Descent: 702m (2,303ft)
Further on, the terrain transforms once again. The path climbs and winds its way through thickets of yellow gorse, pink sagittaria and expanses of heather that paint the hills leading to Morte Point, a wild and rugged promontory declared a site of special scientific interest for its ecological and geological value.
From here, the views stretch out towards the dunes and estuaries that herald the arrival at Woolacombe, offering a glorious end to a stage that celebrates the diversity of the North Devon coastline. It is a day to be surprised by the evolution of the landscape, where each stretch reveals a new facet of this untamed and fascinating coastline.
Ascent: 711m (2,332ft) / Descent: 702m (2,303ft)
Overnight in Woolacombe
The Woolacombe Bay Hotel
This beautiful and comfortable accommodation offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a spectacular garden, two restaurants and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Woolacombe to Braunton 14,8 miles I 23,8 km
After leaving behind the demanding slopes of previous days, the trail levels out and invites you to enjoy a more relaxed stretch, where the sound of the sea accompanies your steps on the fine sand. You now walk alongside extensive open beaches, heading towards one of the natural gems of the route, the largest dune reserve in the United Kingdom.
This section, which coincides with the historic Tarka Trail, offers a constantly changing landscape, where wind-sculpted dunes mingle with wetlands and estuaries teeming with life. Wildlife is abundant: migratory birds, wild rabbits and a surprising diversity of insects and plants.
Ascent: 246m (807ft) / Descent: 256m (839ft)
This section, which coincides with the historic Tarka Trail, offers a constantly changing landscape, where wind-sculpted dunes mingle with wetlands and estuaries teeming with life. Wildlife is abundant: migratory birds, wild rabbits and a surprising diversity of insects and plants.
Ascent: 246m (807ft) / Descent: 256m (839ft)
Overnight in Braunton
Silver Cottage
This comfortable family-run accommodation offers well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a terrace and a beautiful garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Braunton to Instow 12,4 miles I 20 km
Following the Tarka Trail from Braunton, the path winds its way through disused railway tracks leading to Barnstaple, the largest town on this route, where industrial history blends with the rural landscape.
The route continues through marshlands and extensive nature reserves, home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife that invites leisurely contemplation. The sound of water and birdsong accompany every step as you make your way towards the picturesque village of Instow, located at the confluence of rivers and estuaries that flow into the sea.
Ascent: 1m (3ft) / Descent: 0m (0ft)
The route continues through marshlands and extensive nature reserves, home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife that invites leisurely contemplation. The sound of water and birdsong accompany every step as you make your way towards the picturesque village of Instow, located at the confluence of rivers and estuaries that flow into the sea.
Ascent: 1m (3ft) / Descent: 0m (0ft)
Overnight in Instow
Instow Barton
This lovely accommodation surrounded by a garden offers comfortable rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also offers a full continental or English and Irish breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Instow to Westward Ho! 11,2 miles I 18 km
Say goodbye to the Tarka Trail and enter a stretch that runs through woods and meadows, where the diversity of plants and birds in Burrows Country Park creates an environment full of life and colour. Walking here is like immersing yourself in a natural refuge that invites calm and leisurely enjoyment of the landscape.
As you approach the end of the day, the trail takes you along golden sandy beaches that lead to the iconic Westward Beach ridge, an iconic spot overlooking the Devon coast. Here, the sound of the waves and the sea breeze accompany you on the last stretch, until you reach Westward Ho!, with its lively coastal atmosphere and unique character.
Ascent: 67m (219ft) / Descent: 67m (219ft)
As you approach the end of the day, the trail takes you along golden sandy beaches that lead to the iconic Westward Beach ridge, an iconic spot overlooking the Devon coast. Here, the sound of the waves and the sea breeze accompany you on the last stretch, until you reach Westward Ho!, with its lively coastal atmosphere and unique character.
Ascent: 67m (219ft) / Descent: 67m (219ft)
Overnight in Westward Ho!
The Waterfront Inn
Located in the coastal town of Westward Ho!, its rooms feature a television, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 9 - Westward Ho!
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
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End of our services.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking route, we recommend flying to Bristol Airport, as it is the closest. From the city centre, take a train to Taunton and then bus number 28 or 28A to Minehead.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the First Bus website.
To return to your home town from Westward Ho!, you can fly from Exeter or Bristol airports, or you can travel to London. To get to Exeter, Bristol or London, take a bus to Barnstaple and from there take the train to the city centre from where your flight departs.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and buses on the Stagecoach South West website.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and about buses on the First Bus website.
To return to your home town from Westward Ho!, you can fly from Exeter or Bristol airports, or you can travel to London. To get to Exeter, Bristol or London, take a bus to Barnstaple and from there take the train to the city centre from where your flight departs.
You can find more information about trains on the GWR website and buses on the Stagecoach South West website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The tour is available from March to early October. April, May and June are particularly recommended, when spring flowers fill the landscape and temperatures are pleasant for walking. September and early October also offer an ideal experience, with fewer visitors after the high season. For those seeking tranquillity, it is also possible to take this trip in March and late October, when the villages and trails are quieter. However, during these months the weather can be more unpredictable, with cold, wind, rain and muddy paths, so it is advisable to come well prepared.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 6 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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