There are many great things to discover within the natural and built environment of the South West Coast Path, from stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife to fascinating reminders of our history and heritage. All of this and more can be found with a short walk or long distance ramble on the South West Coast Path.
Discover the scenery and how the ever changing nature of the coast helped to shape the landscapes we see today and the lives of people that live alongside it. For many, it’s the human stories of times gone by told through tales of shipwrecks, smugglers and villages lost to the sea that makes the coastal scene so awe inspiring. Others enjoy the simple pleasure of breathing in fresh coastal air with endless sea views whilst contemplating what's beyond the horizon.
Discover wildlife habitats, from rare colonies of birds or species of butterflies, to the plants and flowers that colour the coast throughout the year. On both the landward and the seaward side of the Coast Path, there’s plenty to look out for, including seals basking on outcrops of rock or even a pod of dolphins.
Many landscapes are protected as designated National Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Discover our heritage and industry, from the tin mining that marked the industrial revolution to the maritime history and fishing trade that continues to this day. The Cornish Mining World Heritage site provides a constant reminder of the region’s past, whilst the tourism it relies on today is equally attracted to the natural qualities of the coastline.
Discover geology and the passing of time through the earth’s crust. The area around Torbay is the UK’s first urban designated Geopark for the special scientific interest of its rocks that date back over 400 million years. The Jurassic Coast in East Devon and Dorset, is the UK’s only natural World Heritage site and features 185 million year’s of the earth’s history along 95 miles of coast.
Discover culture through the imaginations of artists and writers that have drawn from the landscape. Their work provides further food for thought as you gaze upon the horizon from a significant spot. Through the words of Charles Kingsley or Daphne du Maurier, to name but two examples of writers, the landscape is given a new lease of life. The seascape and the land it comes to meet, provides endless fascination for all kinds of art, from painting and music to theatre and film.
Few other landscapes provide so much interest for so many people. With such a variety of different landscapes to choose from, its little wonder the South West Coast Path is the UK’s most popular National Trail and regarded by many, as one of the world’s greatest walks.
Scenery
Wildlife
Heritage
Geology
Culture