Being local to Devon and Cornwall, and a fairly outdoorsy bunch, the Luxury Coastal team loves the South West Coast Path – all 630 miles of it.
We all have our favourite walks, and there’s usually a bit of chat about where we’ve been over the weekend, along with recommendations for new sections of the path we’ve discovered. Quite often, these conversations happen over a cup of tea during the daily tea round!
So, we’ve put together a handful of our favourite walks for you to try. We hope they’ll inspire you to get out and discover somewhere new along our beautiful coastline on your next visit.
“I love the North Devon coastline. It’s rugged and beautiful and the views are spectacular. It’s even home to the ‘Happiest View in Britain’ which just happens to be my favourite part of the South West Coast Path. There is a 45-minute walk from Hele, just outside Ilfracombe to Broadsands Beach, taking in Watermouth Cove on route. There is a view down to Watermouth Harbour as you reach the top of a steep incline that just takes my breath away each time I see it, and then when you see the view down to Broadsand Beach, you could be anywhere in the world! It’s my happy place!”
“My favourite section of the South West Coast Path is the bit in between St Ives and Carbis Bay beach. It’s the up-high views that win me over every time; you have such a fabulous view of St Ives, Carbis Bay and out to sea.
The sea air and the scenery is the best medicine – the coastal walk never fails to help me feel relaxed and take my mind of everything. It’s great physical exercise too, as the route back from Carbis Bay beach is on the steeper side and can be a bit challenging; especially after an ice cream or two!”
“The bit around St Mary’s Bay in Brixham. There’s a lot of ups and downs in the path, it’s pretty steep. But at the top you are awarded with amazing views and it’s perfect dog walking territory. The beach at the bottom of the steps is so nice to swim in. The whole walk reminds me of my childhood as my mum and dad live at the bottom of the road that leads to the coastpath.“
“Growing up on the South Devon coast, I didn’t think you could beat the sections of the coast path that run between Exeter and Teignmouth; I have since been proven wrong!
Since moving to East Devon a few years ago, recent exploration has resulted in a new favourite. If you’re a fan of breathtaking views, challenging up-hills, glorious down-hills and ice cream stops, then I highly recommend the section of coast path between Ladram Bay and Budleigh Salterton. There is a great circular route that starts from Otterton.”
“St Ives to Zennor is an incredible walk. It can be quite difficult in places with some scrambling on hands and knees, but you go past seal island and normally see Seals in the water when on the walk. Ultimately, it’s 8 miles of stunning clifftop views.“
“Starting in Torquay harbour, this coastal path walk towards Babbacombe is an enjoyable mixture of winding paths, open greens and lots of steps! With stunning views across to Thatchers Rock, plenty of sea swimming spots and most importantly a chance to stop for a cold drink or an ice cream at the Meadfoot beach cafe, this 7 mile walk gives you a glimpse of the true beauty of the English Riviera.”
We’ve always loved the South West Coast Path, so we were really proud to sponsor the special 50th anniversary edition of the South West Coast Path Passport in 2023.
Although our sponsorship was part of that special anniversary, our love for the Coast Path certainly hasn’t stopped there. We love encouraging our guests to get out and explore the South West Coast Path while they’re staying with us, whether that’s a gentle coastal stroll, a full day’s walk or discovering a new stretch of the Devon or Cornwall coastline.
The South West Coast Path Association still offers its Coast Path Passport, which is a fantastic way to discover the entire route, record the sections you’ve walked and support local businesses along the way. It’s a great way to explore the South West Coast Path one walk at a time.
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