The South West Coast Path

The average time taken to complete the entire path is 7-8 weeks. The full walk is certainly an epic challenge and has been the subject of several best-selling books, such as The Salt Path by Raynor Winn or 500-Mile Walkies by Mark Wallington (he slightly underestimated the length!) This blog, however, focuses on some of the sections of the path that are most easily accessed for a shorter hike or day-trip while you’re on holiday at Forest Glade.

The South West Coast Path website has official maps, either on their website, or for purchase in more traditional formats. You can easily manage short sections without a map however, since the path is fairly well sign posted; just look our for the acorn way markers to keep you on track.

As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, Forest Glade is perfectly positioned for easy access to the Jurassic Coast. Just a short drive from the park offers exploration from any point along the path between Exmouth and Lyme Regis.

The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point in Exmouth marks the start of the Jurassic Coast and you can read more about Exmouth in our earlier blog. Other points of interest in East Devon include Sidmouth, Seaton, Beer and Branscombe. We recommend the section between Peak Hill at Sidmouth and Ladram Bay for some wonderful views back along the coast. The Beer to Branscombe walk is very popular with visitors and locals alike, or head into Dorset to try your hand at finding some Jurassic treasures of your own by fossil hunting at Lyme Regis or Charmouth.

About an hour and a quarter’s drive will get you to the North Devon section of the coast path for a taste of a very varied section of the path. Try parking up at Lynmouth, from where you can explore some truly beautiful and dramatic parts of the coastline such as Valley of Rocks, an area with towering, rocky outcrops that host wild goats; or the less-known and completely unspoilt Lee Bay. Drive a little further west to enjoy the stunning, long, sandy beaches of Woolacombe and Saunton Sands.

The first section of the coast path, starting on the promenade at Minehead in Somerset, skirts the edges of Exmoor National Park. A walk to Bossington and back is achievable in a day. It’s a challenging walk, with a lot of ups and downs, but with the contrasting colours of the gorse, the sea, and the moor – as well as the chance to see the wild ponies – it’s worth the effort.

Find out everything you need to know on the South West Coast Path website and find a comprehensive list of easy, moderate and challenging Walks on their interactive map.

We try to make sure information in our blogs is accurate. Please do ensure you are well-equipped before heading out on any walk with appropriate clothing, footwear and refreshments. The weather, especially by our beautiful coast, can change quickly and some of the cliff-top paths are quite challenging. Please ask at reception if you need more information