Britain's longest waymarked trail, the South West Coast Path (SWCP) measures a staggering 630 miles (1015km) from Minehead on the Somerset coast right round Devon and Cornwall to Poole in Dorset. Although the route is long, it should be accessible for any well-prepared backpacker. The weather conditions, which can make clifftop walking dangerous, are an important factor.
This epic route takes in Exmoor National Park, several designated Areas of Outstanding National Beauty and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, numerous Heritage Coasts National and Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Trust holdings. No other stretch of coastline compares for scenic splendour, historical sites and availability of refreshments, accommodation and public transport: this last amenity makes it easy to split the SWCP into week or weekend-long sections.
Written by prolific outdoor writer Paddy Dillon, this guide provides a wealth of detailed knowledge to help tackle this immense route with confidence, with lots of information for planning a trek, including public transport links, accommodation and facilities along the way. To assist forward planning the guidebook divides the coast path into sections beginning and ending where amenities are available. Also described is the 17-mile South Dorset Ridgeway, from West Bexington to Osmington Mills, which can be used as a scenic way to shave 42 miles off the total distance
