South West Coast Path Walking Holiday, 174 miles of great walking

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday in Cornwall
South Devon and English Riviera Falmouth to Exmouth
16 nights and 15 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary
following National Trail Guide Book

Noss Mayo, Devon

South West Coast Path Walking Holidays
Itinerary based on the National Trail guide book: Falmouth to Exmouth

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday
in Cornwall, South Devon and The English Riviera
Falmouth to Exmouth
16 nights and 15 days walking

Enjoy a 174 mile self-guided South West Coast Path walking holiday on the section of the South West Coast Path from Falmouth to Exmouth, as per the National Trail Guide South West Coast Path book.

On this South West Coast Path walking holiday you visit the picturesque Cornish fishing harbours of Falmouth, Portloe, Mevagissey, Charlestown, Fowey and Looe. There are options to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project. Visit the famous Devon ports of Dartmouth and Salcombe and the towns of Brixham and Torquay on the English Riviera.

We don’t expect you to do the whole South West Coast Path walking holiday in one go!
Take your time and enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

We are based in the South West of England and all our team have detailed local knowledge of the whole of the South West Coast Path.

Please note the Plymouth Half Marathon will take place in Plymouth on Sunday 11th May 2025.
This affects the availability of accommodation in Plymouth and our ability to deliver your luggage.
Therefore when booking your walking holiday on South West Coast Path we suggest you avoid Plymouth on this date.

Our self-guided walking holidays are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind and can be tailor-made to your own personal requirements.

The routes are clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your hiking vacation.

We use a selection of guest houses, inns or small hotels with en-suite or private bathroom to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing. Rest assured that all our accommodation walking holiday providers are hand-picked and offer you that famous British hospitality.

Special diets can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.

We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive. We try to get your bags delivered by 4pm, but this may be delayed due to road conditions.

Let’s Go Walking has developed one of the largest selection of walking holidays.
Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch.

All our walking holidays are self-guided and you must be a confident map reader and able to navigate from a compass bearing. The weather in the UK and Ireland can change quickly effecting visibility and underfoot conditions. It is important to carry a selection of clothing with you on your hike each day to cope with changing weather conditions. If you are not confident of completing any days walk, do not set out.

This walking holiday in the UK operates March to September and in either direction.

The daily distances are only a suggestion. If you would like to walk longer or shorter distances, we can arrange that too.
Our stated distances include mileage to the accommodation or pickup point and so may not agree with the guide book mileages.
Rest days can be taken in any location.

Why not combine this walk with a hiking tour in another part of the UK or Ireland. Our staff will be happy to advise on necessary transfers.

Online booking available.
A deposit of £85 per person is required to secure the booking, with the balance due 6 weeks before departure.
Optional extra days and accommodation upgrades can be added during the booking process online.
Please wait for the confirmation of your holiday before making final travel plans just in case your holiday is not available for your requested date.

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday
Falmouth to Exmouth
Suggested Tour Duration:
16 nights, 15 days walking
Total Distance:
174 miles
Min/max daily distance:
7/15 miles
Average Daily distance:
12 miles

Features:
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Dartmouth
This route connects with:
South West Coast Path Padstow to Falmouth
South West Coast Path Exmouth to Poole
Saints Way
Two Moors Way
Dart Valley Trail
Exe Valley Way

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday
Cornwall, South Devon and The English Riviera
Falmouth to Exmouth
16 nights and 15 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Falmouth
If arriving by car, you make your own way to Falmouth for the start of your walking holiday. We can assist with rail and coach transfers if necessary. Car parking is available for the duration of the walk on the South West Coast Path, and we can return you to your car or station at the end of the holiday.

Day 2: Falmouth to Portloe 14 miles Easy, then Strenuous

You begin today with two ferry rides, first across Carrick Roads to St Mawes and then across the Percuil River to Place. The gardens of Lamorran in St Mawes are worth a visit. It is a very pleasant stroll around St Anthony Head and Porthmellin Head to Portscatho in time for lunch. This afternoon you walk around Gerrans Bay to Nare Head. After a few ups and downs the little coastal village of Portloe suddenly comes into sight.

Day 3: Portloe to Mevagissey 12 miles Strenuous
Today you walk around Veryan Bay through the villages of West and East Portholland where there is an old limekiln on the beach. After passing Caehays Castle and Gardens you head towards Dodman Point which has a tall granite cross at its summit. Through the small harbour and village of Gorran Haven and then an easy stroll around Chapel Point to Mevagissey.

Optional Day in Mevagissey: to visit Lost Gardens of Heligan
Spend an extra day in Mevagissey to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Day 4: Mevagissey to Par 11 miles Strenuous
The first electric lights in this 13th century fishing village of Mevagissey were powered by generating fed on pilchard oil! The path becomes a little more adventurous as you pass through the old china clay port of Pentewan and round Black Head. The 18th century port of Charlestown comes into view. The harbour is home to some fine old sailing ships and has been used as a location in many films. From Charlestown the South West Coast Path passes through Carloyn Bay to Par for your overnight stay

Day 5: Par to Polperro 13 miles Strenuous
The day begins once again with an easy stroll to Polkerris. Then you head up to the red and white daymark tower on top of Gribbin Head, . Relax and enjoy the view before a challenging walk into Fowey. This attractive town is still a working harbour but is home to many sailing boats. In Fowey the South West Coast Path connect with the Saints Way. From Fowey you take the ferry to Polruan to begin the day and then climb uphill from the harbour to the Coastwatch Station. You head for Pencarrow Head and around Lantivet Bay before arriving at Polperro with its tiny alleyways and narrow streets.

Day 6: Polperro to Portwrinkle 13 miles Strenuous
Leaving Polperro the South west Coast soon reaches the the popular fishing village of Looe. Walking on from Looe the path follows the cliff top past Seaton and Downderry when the Long Stone comes into view.

Day 7: Portwrinkle to Plymouth 15 miles Moderate
Today you walk along the stunning Whitsand Bay, past Tregantle Fort and heading towards Rame Head. Dive boats are often moored over the Scylla, the naval frigate sunk in 2004 as an artificial reef. Once you round Penlee Point Plymouth Sound comes into view.After walking through Mount Edgcumbe Country Park you take the Cremyll Ferry across the River Tamar to Plymouth. This historic city has many points of interest; the Aquarium, Smeaton Tower, the Barbican and the Hoe to name but a few.

Day 8: Plymouth to Newton Ferrers 7 miles Easy
Leaving Plymouth you make your way around to Mount Batten Point and follow a very pleasant path along the east side of Plymouth Sound towards Wembury Point. After a laze on Wembury Beach a short stroll takes you to Warren Point and the ferry across the River Yealm to Newton Ferrers. At Wembury the South West Coast Path connects with the Two Moors Way.

Day 9: Newton Ferrers to Bigbury-on-Sea 13 miles Easy, then Strenuous
You start the day with another ferry across Newton Creek, followed by a delightful walk around to the River Erme, which you have to wade across at low tide. The path now becomes a little more undulating before it arrives at Bigbury-on-Sea. Burgh Island can be visited by walking across the sands, or by ‘sea tractor’ if the tide is in. The art deco hotel was an inspiration to Agatha Cristie.

Day 10: Bigbury-on-Sea to Salcombe 14 miles Strenuous
It’s the turn of the ferry across the River Avon today, and then a fairly easy walk until Outer Hope. After Hope Cove the path goes out to Bolt Tail and Bolt Head, after which you turn towards Starehole Bay and Salcombe.

Optional Day: in Salcombe
Spend an extra day in Salcombe to relax and enjoy the town, take a ferry ride up the Kingsbridge Estuary to Kingsbridge.

Day 11: Salcombe to Torcross 13 miles Strenuous
Optional transfer from Starcross to Salcombe if arriving by car. You start the day on the ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth. Then you follow a rugged path out toward Prawle Point, the southernmost point in Devon. The path is quite stunning between Prawle Point and Start Point, and then you walk the long shingle beach to Torcross

Day 12: Torcross to Dartmouth 10 miles Moderate
The South West Coast Path follows the shingle ridge which separates Start Bay from the reed-fringed Slapton Ley, the largest natural lake in the West Country. The Nature Reserve hosts ducks, grebes, swans, herons and otters. As you reach Dartmouth you are treated to a magnificent view of Dartmouth Castle. At Dartmouth the South West Coast Path connects with the Dart Valley Trail.

Optional Day: in Dartmouth
Spend an extra day in Dartmouth to relax and enjoy the town, take a ferry ride up the River Dart to Totnes or a steam train ride to Paignton.

Day 13: Dartmouth to Brixham 11 miles Strenuous
Dartmouth, built on a natural deep-water channel, has been favoured as a port since the 12th century. You take the ferry to Kingswear then follow the path as it follows wooded slopes with fine views across to Dartmouth Castle. An energetic walk brings you to Sharkham Point and Berry Head, before arriving in Brixham.

Day 14: Brixham to Torquay 8 miles Moderate
Brixham is a working fishing port which contains a replica of the Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake’s vessel from 1577-80. The path follows rocky headlands, dense woodland, secluded bays and little parks as it makes its way through Paignton and on to Torquay. At Torquay the South West Coast Path connects with the Dart Valley Trail.

Day 15: Torquay to Teignmouth 11 miles Strenuous
There is plenty to see and do on this section, from Kent’s Cavern to the Babbacombe Model Village. The path winds up and down, in and out through mature woodland as it makes its way through Oddicombe, Watcombe and Maidencombe. You can take the ferry across the River Teign to Teignmouth or walk across Shaldon Bridge.

Day 16: Teignmouth to Exmouth 8 miles Easy
The South West Coast Path makes its way along the breakwater to Dawlish, famous for its black swans. After Dawlish Warren the path follows the River Exe to Starcross. From Starcross you take the ferry to Exmouth for your overnight stop.

Day 17: Depart after breakfast
Depart after breakfast or extend your holiday and spend some time in the area.
We can transfer you to your car or you can depart by train or bus.

South West Coast Path Terrain Grading

Easy:  flat or undulating terrain

Moderate:  a few ups and downs, the section requiring more effort than an easy section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 12 miles.

Strenuous:  many ups and downs, the section requiring more effort than a moderate section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 15 miles.

Severe:   many steep climbs, the section requiring twice the amount of effort as an easy section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 18 miles.

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday
17 day itinerary
Falmouth to Exmouth
15 days walking and 16 nights

Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Falmouth
Day 2: Falmouth to Portloe 14 miles   Easy, then Strenuous
Day 3: Portloe to Mevagissey       12 miles     Strenuous
Optional Day in Mevagissey to visit Lost Gardens of Heligan
Day 4: Mevagissey to Par     11 miles    Strenuous
Day 5: Par to Polperro       13 miles    Strenuous
Day 6: Polperro to Portwrinkle   13 miles    Strenuous
Day 7: Portwrinkle to Plymouth    15 miles   Moderate
Day 8: Plymouth to Newton Ferrers    7 miles    Easy
Day 9: Newton Ferrers to Bigbury-on-Sea 13 miles   Easy, then Strenuous
Day 10: Bigbury-on-Sea to Salcombe 14 miles      Strenuous
Optional Day in Salcombe
Day 11: Salcombe to Torcross       13 miles     Strenuous
Day 12: Torcross to Dartmouth    10 miles   Moderate
Optional Day in Dartmouth
Day 13: Dartmouth to Brixham       11 miles     Strenuous
Day 14: Brixham to Torquay        8 miles    Moderate
Day 15: Torquay to Teignmouth        11 miles   Strenuous
Day 16: Teignmouth to Exmouth           8 miles   Easy
Day 17: Depart after breakfast

Prices per person for South West Coast Path
17 day itinerary 16 nights

	Double or Twin Occupancy	Single Occupancy travelling with others	Solo Traveller
2025	£2,176	£3,440	3,760

All prices subject to change

Optional Accommodation Upgrades for
South West Coast Path Walking Holiday
Falmouth to Exmouth
Can be added when booking online

Subject to availability Supplement per person per night

Falmouth
Falmouth Hotel

double/twin
£55.00

Single
please ask

Greenbank Hotel

£75.00

please ask

St Michaels Resort

£75.00

please ask

Portloe
Lugger Hotel

double/twin
£83.00

single
please ask

Salcombe
Fortescue Inn

double/twin
£49.99

single
please ask

Dartmouth
Bayards Cove Inn

double/twin
£55.00

single
please ask

What’s included
in your South West Coast Path Walking Holiday in UK

accommodation at high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
room with en-suite or private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities
daily luggage transfer
support should there be any problems on route
detailed itineraries
guide book
Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps

Optional Extras
for your South West Coast Path Walking Holiday in UK

upgrade to the region’s most elegant, prestigious and famous hotels, where available
transfers back to car or station
parking facilities
rest days
inn to inn walks

What’s not included
in your South West Coast Path Walking Holiday in UK

lunches and dinners
travel insurance

What our customers say about our UK South West Coast Path walking holiday

Lunches and Dinners
These are not included.
Evening meals
These are available at overnight locations, either at your accommodation or in the town/village.
Packed lunches
These can be provided by your accommodation or can be obtained from a local store, or cafe or inn along the route.

Holiday Travel Insurance
We require that you take out holiday insurance as Let’s Go Biking Ltd accepts no liability for the following:
cancellation, personal accident, illness, loss/theft of personal possessions and/or money, and any unforeseen circumstances, especially travel delays.

This is in addition to our existing
booking conditions.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our telephone Lines are open 7 days a week.

UK +44 (0)1837 880075
or +44 (0)207 193 1252
March to September 9am to 9pm
October to February 9am to 5pm
US +1 (646) 233-1541
New York 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182
Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time:
March to September 7pm to 7am EADT
October to February 7pm to 3am EADT
CAN +1 (647) 4786251
Toronto 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
or

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday Falmouth to Exmouth:
How to get there

By Plane to Exeter or Newquay where we can arrange transfer to Falmouth
By Car to Falmouth where parking is available
By Train to Falmouth or Exmouth
By Bus to Falmouth or Exmouth

South West Coast Path Walking Holiday

A 630 mile walking route which starts in Minehead in Somerset, goes through Devon and Cornwall and finishes in South Haven Point in Dorset. This forms part of the England Coast Path.

This is one of our Coastal Walking Holidays in UK and Ireland, one of our Cornwall and Bodmin Moor Walking Holidays, one of our Devon and Dartmoor Walking Holidays, one of our Dorset and Jurassic Coast Walking Holidays, one of our Somerset and Exmoor Walking Holidays, and also one of our National Trail Walking Holidays.

Coastal Walking Holidays

We have Coastal Walking Holidays in the UK in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.

This is one of our categories of walking holidays.