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Minehead to St Ives – the north section of the South West Coast Path. The South West Coast Path stretches over 630 miles along our glorious English coastline. Great British Walks have split this walk into three, more mana... Read more below
Minehead to St Ives – the north section of the South West Coast Path.
The South West Coast Path stretches over 630 miles along our glorious English coastline. Great British Walks have split this walk into three, more manageable, sections. The north section will cover the coast from Minehead to St Ives. This first section of the South West Coast Path is 230 miles long. Well known as our longest National Trail in England, the South West Coast Path walk is quite simply breath-taking. Including 70% of the walk in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
So, let’s take a look at why you might choose Great British Walks formerly The Walking Holiday Company to arrange your walking holiday on the South West Coast Path. This gorgeous corner of England on the south west coast, has 4 counties vying for its attention. Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. All beautiful in their own right. Our north section starts you in Somerset walking down through to Devon into Cornwall on the northern coastline of this area.
This is one of those walks where you will be well advised to take your time. Don’t be fooled by some of those short mileage days, as there are more than a few ascents and descents to test your leg muscles! Anyway, why rush a good thing? With so many reasons to take your time, spoil yourself, and soak up those views.
The south coast can have some quite magnificent weather (it can also have some wet & windy days too). During the walking season, there are more sunny days than showery ones, you should expect to experience both. If you are lucky and get a dry week or two in the Spring (March – June), then you are in for a treat. Wild flowers adorn the south west coast path, as spring lambs bounce around in the meadows. This is often the time of year when the sun can shine like the middle of summer. Summer is a busier time of year, and on super sunny days, sun cream is a must. Walking is possible till late September / early October.
Some highlights along your walking holiday would be the West Somerset Railway, where you can take a steam train ride. The submerged forest near Porlock Weir which is around 5 – 6 thousand years old. The cliff railway between Lynton and Lynmouth will save you an uphill trudge of over 800 ft. In the late 19th Century this would have been a pony back ride. The pretty and friendly town of Woolacombe has plenty of amenities and a wonderful beach. Surfers enjoy this fabulous beach which stretches for almost 2 miles. The pretty little white town of Bideford has plenty to see. Quay Fountain, Long Bridge, Chudleigh Fort, Pannier Market, Art galleries, and Museums. You could visit the Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle, the Castle at Tintagel, or the fabulous tourist resort at Padstow renowned for its fish restaurants. Newquay, with its large range of facilities. The razor edged rocky cove at Ralphs cupboard near Portreath. The list really goes on and on!
There are quite a few festivals and events along this route, so check your dates out with Great British Walks. The South West Coast Path has a couple more treats in store apart from the magnificent scenery – Cider is one, and cream teas are the other! Opportunities to try out these local delights should not be missed. You can argue that a cream scone will aid your energy levels, whilst a long cool cider will relax you after your days walking.
We have lots of itineraries along this route. If you don’t see what you want, just contact Great British Walks, and we can make a bespoke itinerary for
you. Happy walking!
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Everything was perfect, I will definitely use your company again and recommend you. The arrangements were brilliant, the pack fantastic and all the accommodation was excellent.