The Official Guide to the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is just as good for short walks and gentle strolls as it is for long-distance walking. Use this section to find a walk that suits you.

Either search by area - using the map, or choose from the options below:

Distance:

Grade:

Circular Walk

Free from obstacles and steep gradients

Short Walks, less than 1/2 day

Special Interest: Scenery Wildlife Heritage Geology Culture
Area: North Devon and Exmoor North East Cornwall North West Cornwall South West Cornwall South East Cornwall South Devon East Devon and Dorset - The Jurassic Coast

Map areas: a-North Devon & Exmoor, b-North East Cornwall, c-North West Cornwall, d-South West Cornwall, e-South East Cornwall, f-South Devon, g-East Devon & Dorset

A note about the walk gradings

The terrain along the South West Coast Path varies immensely - sometimes over quite short distances. The recommended walks have been graded to help you find one that will suit you. The grade allocated to the walk is an informed judgement given in good faith, but it can only be a guide. (The degree of difficulty will vary in relation to your pace, and fitness!)

We would be very pleased to hear whether you think the grade given to a walk is realistic – please use the Review this Walk icon at the end of the walk description to tell us what you think about this and any other aspect of your walk.

Walks for people with mobility problems, pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters

Use the tick box, ‘Free from obstacles and steep gradients’ to find a list of walks that may suit you. The walks that will be displayed are along fairly flat paths that are at least 850mm (2'6") wide, have a minimal cross camber, and no steps or stiles.

Click on the ‘more information’ button for a map and general description of the walk and what you will see. On both the list of walks and on each individual walk description there is a heading ‘Terrain’. From here you can go to a fresh page with a more detailed map and description of path gradients and surfaces with photos to help you to decide whether the walk is suitable for you.

The most accessible paths have been graded with 1 to 3 stars dependent on their gradient and surface.

Accessible grading 3* A smooth and level path, likely to be suitable for all types of wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Accessible grading 2* A reasonably smooth path with some gentle ups and downs.

Accessible grading 1* A path with a firm but uneven surface and/or gradients steeper than 1:10, more suited to a powerful mobility scooter or an all-terrain pram.