Our first 231 miles on the South West Coast Path have revealed a stunning variety of landscapes — some of the most dramatic, challenging, and rewarding walking in the UK. From the wooded combes and moorland ridges between Minehead and Combe Martin to the wild cliffs and contorted rock formations between Hartland Quay and Bude, these early stages tested us with relentless ascents, steep descents, exposed headlands, and remote stretches of coastal beauty. With ancient woodland, sweeping moors, and some of the best cliff-top walking in Britain, the path has delivered a tough but unforgettable start.

The challenge continued around Hartland Point and along the North Cornwall coast, where narrow trails clung to towering headlands and sea views were breathtaking. Severe sections such as Hartland Quay to Bude and Tintagel to Port Isaac are rated that way for good reason! Yet there has also been balance — gentler stages between Woolacombe and Westward Ho! or Padstow and Porthcothan showcased estuaries, golden bays, and wide dune systems. The route around St Agnes added an atmospheric new dimension with the dramatic ruins of Cornwall’s tin-mining heritage, where engine houses and shafts still mark the cliffs. From there, we pressed on through Portreath and Hayle to St Ives, reaching one of Cornwall’s most iconic harbours and a natural milestone. Here, the walk pauses for now, with the next challenge waiting after St Ives as we continue into West Cornwall and around Lands End next year.

22 March 2024 – 20 September 2025
23 walking days so far