Are you ready for a truly unforgettable adventure? Lace up your walking boots and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world: the South West Coast Path.
The path stretches for over 600 miles along the coast of South West England, and it’s packed with breathtaking views, charming villages, and historic landmarks.
And today, we’re going to take you on a 10-day journey across North Devon, from Minehead to Marsland, so you can experience the very best of this incredible route.
Day 1: Minehead to Porlock Weir (6 miles)
Your adventure starts in the seaside town of Minehead, where you’ll find the official start of the South West Coast Path.
Follow the path as it winds its way through the picturesque villages of Bossington and Porlock, before arriving at Porlock Weir. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the rolling hills of Exmoor.
Stay at: The Porlock Weir Hotel
Eat at: Locanda on the Weir
Day 2: Porlock Weir to Lynmouth (11 miles)
Day two is when the real excitement begins! The second leg of your journey takes you along some of the most rugged and spectacular stretches of the South West Coast Path.
From Porlock Weir, you’ll climb up onto the dramatic cliffs that overlook the sea, and follow the path as it winds its way towards the village of Lynmouth.
This beautiful stretch of the path will take you through the charming village of Woody Bay and offer you stunning views of the Valley of Rocks.
Stay at: The Rising Sun Hotel, Lynmouth
Eat at: The Rising Sun Hotel, Lynmouth
Day 3: Lynmouth to Combe Martin (12 miles)
Get ready for another day of stunning coastal scenery, as you make your way from Lynmouth to Combe Martin. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful village of Watersmeet and the fascinating geological formation of Hangman Cliffs.
Your journey will end in the charming village of Combe Martin, which is home to a beautiful beach and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Stay at: Saffron House Bed & Breakfast, Combe Martin
Eat at: The Dolphin Inn, Combe Martin
Day 4: Combe Martin to Woolacombe (10 miles)
The fourth leg of your journey takes you from Combe Martin to the popular seaside town of Woolacombe.
Be sure to take in the stunning views of the coastline and the Bristol Channel, and don’t forget to stop in the charming village of Lee Bay. Your journey will end in Woolacombe, which boasts another beautiful sandy beach and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Stay at: Watersmeet Hotel, Woolacombe
Eat at: The Captain’s Rest, Woolacombe
Day 5: Woolacombe to Saunton Sands (6 miles)
Day five is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy a leisurely 1.5 hour walk along the beach from Woolacombe to Saunton Sands.
This stretch of the path offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Day five will end at Saunton Sands, where you can enjoy another beautiful beach and a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Stay at: The Saunton Sands Hotel
Eat at: Beachside Grill, Saunton Sands
Day 6: Saunton Sands to Instow (15 miles)
Despite it’s length, this is an absolute breeze of a route and is very easy for all levels of walker.
The Coast Path will lead you along the Tarka Trail, which runs alongside the River Taw’s estuary. The Tarka Trail is part of the Biosphere Reserve up in North Devon, and you’ll be strolling along old railway trackbeds that are now perfect for walkers and cyclists alike.
Before you know it, you’ll have arrived at the charming village of Instow, complete with its delightful level crossing and Grade 2 listed signal box.
Stay at: The Wayfarer Inn, Instow
Eat at: The Boathouse, Instow
Day 7: Instow to Westward Ho! (15 miles)
Like the previous day, don’t panic at the length of this route! The pleasurable stroll along this section of the Coast Path allows ample opportunity to bask in the plethora of plants and birds inhabiting the grassland and dunes of the Taw/Torridge Estuary.
Follow the old railway trackbeds along the Tarka Trail to the impeccably preserved station at East-the-Water, where you traverse the Torridge and follow it up the opposite side to Appledore and Northam Burrows SSSI. Here, the path transforms into an easy amble across Northam Burrows, leading you seamlessly into the golden sands of Westward Ho!
Stay at: The Waterfront Inn, Westward Ho!
Eat at: The Drift Restaurant, Westward Ho!
Day 8: Westward Ho! to Clovelly (11 miles)
As you continue your journey on the Coast Path, you’ll follow an easy route along the old railway track up to the stunning cliffs above Westward Ho! However, be prepared for some strenuous walking as the path begins to zigzag and rollercoaster.
The contrasting woodland paths along the second half of the route provide a welcome break from the open cliff tops at the beginning of the day.
End your day’s walk at the beautiful and fascinating village of Clovelly. With its rich history of fishing, smuggling, and wrecking, it’s no wonder that it has inspired many works of literature and film.
Stay at: New Inn Hotel, Clovelly
Eat at: The Red Lion, Clovelly
Day 9: Clovelly to Hartland Quay (10 miles)
On your ninth day of walking the South West Coast path, the diverse landscapes of the Hartland Peninsula will leave you spellbound.
After winding through ancient woodland, the path opens up onto pastoral land atop the open cliff tops. Upon reaching Hartland Point, the valleys and woodlands recede from view, replaced by a more barren and striking landscape along the rocky coast that leads you to Hartland Quay.
Here, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls that plunge down to the secluded rocky beaches of the Atlantic, and the presence of wildflowers and seabirds will only serve to deepen your sense of being far from the bustling towns and villages of the north coast.
Stay at: Hartland Quay Hotel
Eat at: Hartland Quay Hotel
Day 10: Hartland Quay to Marsland Mouth (10 miles)
The final leg of your journey takes you from Clovelly to Marsland Mouth, offering views of the rugged coastline and the beauty of the surrounding area. This part of the walk includes some very steep hills and cliffs, so be prepared.
Stop by Ronald Duncan’s Writing Hut, then take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before arriving at the end of your journey at Marsland Mouth, where you can reflect on the incredible experience of walking the South Coast Path.
You’ll then have to walk back the way you came to Welcombe Mouth Beach. The postcode for the end of the journey is EX39 6HL (Welcombe Mouth).
End your walk with a stay at The Old Smithy Inn, a 13th Century thatched inn and luxury B&B, and enjoy a well deserved rest and hearty meal!
