South West Coast Path Stage 1: Minehead to Bude
Minehead, Somerset → Bude, Cornwall
- Exmoor's highest coastal cliffs in England
- Victorian cliff railway at Lynton-Lynmouth
- Dramatic Hartland Point's wild Atlantic exposure
Why people love the South West Coast Path Stage 1: Minehead to Bude
Beginning at Minehead's Victorian seafront, the path immediately climbs onto Exmoor's spectacular cliff-top moorlands, reaching heights of over 400 meters with sweeping views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The route passes through charming villages like Lynton and Lynmouth, connected by the famous cliff railway, before continuing past Ilfracombe's dramatic harbor and the surf beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe.
The trail's character transforms as it enters Cornwall, becoming wilder and more remote. Challenging sections around Hartland Point feature steep ascents and descents through deep valleys carved by Atlantic storms. The final approach to Bude reveals expansive sandy beaches and the distinctive stratified cliffs that mark Cornwall's geological signature. This section includes some technical terrain requiring careful navigation in poor weather, though no ropes or ladders are needed.
Build Your South West Coast Path Stage 1: Minehead to Bude Adventure
Choose your pace, package and group size — we'll do the rest.
Your Adventure
What's Included:
- Hostels & bunkhouses booked
- Breakfast included
- On-trail support
Your Adventure
What's Included:
- Hostels & bunkhouses booked
- Breakfast included
- On-trail support
The Journey in Pictures
Sample Itinerary
Here's what's on the trail. We'll split the stages to each day just right for your pace.
Stage 1: Minehead to Lynmouth
The South West Coast Path begins at Minehead’s seafront and climbs steeply through North Hill’s woodlands to England’s highest coastline. After ascending towards Selworthy Beacon (308m), panoramic views stretch across the Bristol Channel and inland to Exmoor./p>
Descending into Hurlstone Combe, the path reaches Bossington, where thatched cottages and Kitnors Tea Room offer charm and refreshments. Crossing Porlock Marsh, the route reaches historic Porlock Weir, with harbour views and stops like the Bottom Ship Inn./p>
Climbing through Yearnor Wood leads to Culbone and its tiny church, seating just 33. Culbone Wood’s ancient canopy gives way to Chubhill Wood and the Devon border. Past Foreland and Butter Hill, views of Wales open up before descending into Lynmouth./p>
Stage 2: Lynmouth to Woolacombe
A steep climb or a cliff railway leads to Lynton. The path winds past Lee Abbey and Lee Bay, where sandstone cliffs tower above. Beyond Crock Point’s dramatic rock formations, the route reaches Woody Bay, a once-ambitious Victorian resort.
The trail crosses steep-sided coastal slopes to Heddon Valley, climbs to Holdstone and Trentishoe Downs, then reaches Great Hangman (318m), the path’s highest point. From Little Hangman, it descends into Combe Martin, where pubs and cafés await.
The route continues through Sandy Cove and Watermouth Castle, with views from Widmouth Head and Rillage Point. After Hele village and Hillsborough, it follows Iron Age ramparts to Ilfracombe’s harbour. Torrs Walk leads to the peaceful cove at Lee and on to Bull Point lighthouse and secluded Rockham Bay.
At Morte Point, notorious for shipwrecks, seals can be seen. From here, the golden beach at Woolacombe stretches south.
Stage 3: Woolacombe to Croyde
Stage 4: Croyde to Braunton
Stage 5: Braunton to Instow
Stage 6: Instow to Westward Ho!
From Instow the route continues to Bideford, however there is a shortcut option that takes a seasonal ferry across to Appledore and misses Bideford completely along with a 10km section of trail.
A visitor centre and cafés at Bideford offer a break before reaching Appledore and Northam Burrows Country Park. Here, sand dunes lead to Westward Ho!
Stage 7: Westward Ho! to Clovelly
Stage 8: Clovelly to Hartland
Through Gallantry Bower and steep descents, the route reaches Mouth Mill beach and then traverses Brownsham Cliff before descending and ascending steeply to Windbury Head, overlooking Lundy Island.
The route becomes increasingly dramatic, crossing North Cliff before reaching Blagdon Cliff and Upright Cliff with remarkable rock scenery. Descending to Blackpool Mill valley, where the River Abbey flows past the cottage featured in 'The Shell Seekers' film, the path climbs steeply again.
Passing through wild terrain, the route reaches Hartland Quay and Speke’s Mill waterfall.
Stage 9: Hartland to Bude
The demanding section continues past Embury Beacon and Nabor Point to Welcombe Mouth, crossing into Cornwall at Marsland Water. Near Morwenstow, a detour offers refreshment.
Highlights include Hawker’s Hut and Higher Sharpnose Point’s striking promontory. The path winds past the GCHQ satellite station to secluded coves like Stanbury Mouth and Duckpool, habitat of rare glow worms. After Sandy Mouth and Maer Down, the journey ends at Bude’s Crooklets Beach—completing this 200km trek across some of England’s most dramatic coastline.
Essential Travel Information
Best hiking season: May through September provides optimal conditions, with May-June and September offering the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. The coastal location moderates temperature extremes, but exposes walkers to Atlantic weather systems and strong winds.
Weather patterns and challenges: The southwest coast experiences a maritime climate with mild winters and moderate summers. Rainfall occurs throughout the year but is heaviest from October through March. Sea mists can develop rapidly, particularly in early morning and evening hours. Wind exposure is significant on clifftop sections, with prevailing southwesterly winds often creating challenging conditions.
Seasonal hazards include:
- Spring: Muddy paths after winter rain, unpredictable weather, limited daylight hours in early season
- Summer: Extreme heat on exposed clifftops, overcrowding at popular viewpoints, higher risk of dehydration
- Autumn: Shorter daylight hours, increasing storm frequency, wet and slippery rock surfaces
- Winter: Severe weather exposure, limited accommodation and transport, dangerous conditions on clifftop sections
Timing of facilities/refuge openings: Most coastal accommodations, cafes, and visitor facilities operate fully from Easter through October. Many establishments in remote coastal locations close completely from November through February, with reduced hours during shoulder seasons. Transport links, particularly rural bus services, operate on reduced winter timetables.
The South West Coast Path offers exceptional accommodation variety along its 630-mile length:
B&Bs/Guesthouses: £80-150 per night (double room), representing the most common and reliable option. Walker-friendly establishments typically offer packed lunch services, drying facilities, and early breakfast options.
Hotels: £120-300+ per night, available in larger coastal towns and cities including St Ives, Falmouth, Dartmouth, and Bath. Prices range from less than £10 for a camping pitch, to £300+ for a high end spa hotel.
Hostels: £18-40 per night (dormitory bed), strategically located at key points including Beer, Hartland, Tintagel, Land's End, and Exmouth. YHA properties offer excellent walker facilities and represent outstanding value.
Bunkhouses/Hostels: £25-45 per night, basic but clean dormitory-style accommodation popular with budget-conscious walkers and groups.
Camping: £10-25 per night at designated sites, with excellent coastal campsites throughout the route. Wild camping is not permitted along most of the path due to National Trust and private land ownership.
Booking requirements and timing: Advance booking is absolutely essential during peak season (June-September), particularly for weekend dates and in smaller coastal villages with limited options like Clovelly, Boscastle, and Port Isaac. Book at least 4-6 months ahead for summer trips, with some popular establishments filling up to a year in advance.
Popular stopover points: Key overnight locations include Minehead, Lynmouth, Clovelly, Bude, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Padstow, St Ives, Penzance, Falmouth, Fowey, Polperro, Plymouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Torbay, Sidmouth, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, and Poole.
Nearest airports/major cities:
- Bristol Airport (2 hours drive to Minehead)
- Exeter Airport (1.5 hours to Minehead, 1 hour to Bude)
- Major cities: Bristol (1.5 hours), Exeter (1 hour to Bude)
Public transportation options:
- Minehead: West Somerset Railway connects to Taunton (mainline rail)
- Regular bus services from Taunton and Bridgwater
- Bude: Bus connections to Exeter and Plymouth
- Limited Sunday services in winter months
Trailhead access:
- Minehead: Start at seafront near Butlin's holiday camp
- Multiple car parks available, some with overnight parking restrictions
- Bude: Finish at Crooklets Beach or town center
Evacuation points and bail-out options:
- Lynton/Lynmouth (bus to Barnstaple)
- Ilfracombe (rail and bus connections)
- Woolacombe (seasonal bus services)
- Hartland Quay (limited access, emergency only)
- Clovelly (tourist buses, seasonal)
Accommodation costs for a complete 10 day trek:
- Mid-range option (B&Bs/guesthouses): £100-140 per night (£1,000-1,400 total)
- Mixed accommodation (hostels/B&Bs): £70-110 per night (£700-1,100 total)
- Budget option (camping/hostels): £35-65 per night (£350-650 total)
Transportation expenses:
- Return train fare to/from London: £150-280
- Local buses to accommodation off-route: £200-350
- Baggage transfer service (optional): £200 -250 for complete route
- Ferry crossings (Kingswear-Dartmouth, Salcombe, etc.): £30-50 total
Food and supplies:
- Breakfast (usually included in accommodation): £0-12 per day
- Packed lunch: £6-12 per day (£60-120 total)
- Evening meal: £18-35 per day (£180-350 total)
- Snacks and drinks: £12-20 per day (£120-200 total)
Additional expenses:
- Official guidebooks and maps: £35-60
- Equipment purchases/replacements: varies significantly
- Emergency fund: £300-400 recommended
- National Trust membership (optional but valuable): £60
Total estimated budget ranges:
- Comfort option (B&Bs, baggage transfer, restaurant meals): £2,000-2,500
- Standard option (mixed accommodation, some baggage transfer): £1,200-1,500
- Budget option (camping/hostels, carrying own pack): £700-900
The South West Coast Path stands as Britain's longest National Trail and most popular coastal walk, with approximately 300,000 people walking sections annually and roughly 1,000 completing the entire route each year.
Peak seasons and crowding: July and August see the highest traffic, with popular sections like Land's End to St Ives, the Jurassic Coast, and North Devon experiencing significant congestion. Accommodation fills months in advance during peak season, and popular clifftop viewpoints can become uncomfortably crowded.
Quieter alternatives for maximum solitude:
- Walking in May, early June, or September-October
- Hiking midweek rather than weekends
- Starting very early (6-7am) to avoid crowds at popular sections
- Choosing alternative inland routes where available
- Considering less famous but equally beautiful sections like Somerset and South Devon
Cultural considerations: The path passes through numerous fishing villages and coastal communities where tourism provides vital income while creating infrastructure pressures. Respect local communities by following the Countryside Code, supporting local businesses, booking accommodations well in advance, and being mindful of noise levels in small villages. The path crosses extensive National Trust land, private estates, and working farmland requiring careful adherence to designated routes.
Typical hiker demographics: The trail attracts a diverse international community with strong representation from Germany, Netherlands, Australia, and North America (approximately 25% international walkers). Age demographics skew toward mature walkers, with the 50-70 age bracket particularly well represented, though the trail attracts all ages during school holidays.
Opportunities for solitude: Despite its popularity, the path's 630-mile length provides numerous opportunities for peaceful walking, particularly on weekdays and during shoulder seasons. Early morning starts reward walkers with empty clifftops and stunning sunrise views. Remote sections in North Cornwall and North Devon offer extended periods of solitude even during busy periods.
The coastal pub culture creates natural gathering points where walkers share experiences, weather updates, and route advice. Many form lasting friendships after meeting on the path, with the shared challenge of Britain's longest trail creating a unique sense of community. Traditional celebrations often occur at journey's end, whether at Minehead, Poole Harbour, or any of the intermediate completion points chosen by section walkers.