The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is Britain's longest waymarked trail,
measuring a staggering 630 miles (1015km), from Minehead on the Somerset
coast right round Devon and Cornwall and back to Poole harbour in
Dorset. Although the route is long, it is described step-by-step here
and should be accessible for any well-prepared backpacker, with days
varying from fairly easy to difficult and always dependent on the
weather conditions, which can make clifftop walking dangerous.This epic
route takes in Exmoor National Park, several designated Areas of
Outstanding National Beauty and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
No other stretch of coastline compares for scenic splendour, historical
sites, and availability of refreshments, accommodation, and public
transport, making 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. 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.