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Rooftops and thatched cottages in Minehead with hills of Exmoor in the background.

Walking Holidays and Stays in Minehead

A coastal starting point where town meets trail

Minehead is best known as the official starting point of the South West Coast Path, but it’s more than just a trailhead. Sitting on the edge of Exmoor National Park, the town offers an easy, welcoming introduction to coastal walking holidays, with the convenience of a seaside town and immediate access to some of England’s wildest coastline.

For walkers, Minehead represents both arrival and departure — a place to prepare, pause, and then step straight onto the path.

Walking at the Gateway to Exmoor

From the harbour and seafront, the South West Coast Path leaves Minehead almost immediately, climbing away from the town and onto the cliffs above the Bristol Channel. The transition is swift and dramatic: streets give way to open hillside, woodland, and exposed coastal paths within the first mile.

Beyond the town, walking quickly becomes more physical and immersive. Steep ascents and descents shape the route as it follows the edge of Exmoor, where moorland meets the sea and views open out across headlands and wooded valleys.

This contrast — easy access followed by demanding terrain — is what makes Minehead such a compelling place to begin a walking holiday.

A Practical Base for Walking Holidays

Minehead’s appeal lies partly in its practicality. As a larger coastal town, it offers a range of accommodation, places to eat, and transport connections that smaller villages along the coast can’t match.

For walkers starting the South West Coast Path, this makes Minehead an ideal first night or final stop. It’s also well suited to shorter breaks, where a day or two of walking on Exmoor’s coastal paths can be combined with time spent exploring the town itself.

Rail connections via Taunton and road access from across the South West make Minehead one of the most accessible gateways to Exmoor.

Beyond the Trail

While walking dominates, Minehead also works well as a base for gentler exploration.

Level promenades and coastal paths offer easier options, while inland routes lead toward woodland walks, river valleys, and quieter corners of Exmoor. The town’s harbour, beaches, and traditional seaside character provide a softer counterpoint to the demanding terrain beyond.

This balance makes Minehead suitable for mixed-ability groups or for walkers easing into longer routes.

Why Walk in and Around Minehead

  • Official start (or finish) of the South West Coast Path
  • Immediate access to Exmoor National Park
  • Strong transport links and year-round services
  • A mix of challenging coastal walking and gentler local routes
  • Clear, waymarked access from town to trail without needing a car

Nearby Trails

  • South West Coast Path – Begins on Minehead seafront and heads west along the Exmoor coast
  • Coastal and inland Exmoor paths linking cliffs, combes, and moorland

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minehead a good place to start the South West Coast Path?

Yes. Minehead is the official starting point of the South West Coast Path and offers excellent transport links, accommodation, and services for walkers.

Can Minehead be used as a base for shorter walks?

Yes. There are several coastal and inland walks directly from the town, including sections of the South West Coast Path and routes into Exmoor National Park.

Is Minehead suitable for first-time walking holidays?

Minehead itself is very accessible, though walkers should be aware that the coastal terrain beyond the town becomes steep and demanding.

How do you get to Minehead without a car?

Minehead can be reached by train via Taunton, followed by a bus connection. It’s one of the more accessible gateways to Exmoor by public transport.

When is the best time of year to walk in and around Minehead?

Spring and early autumn are particularly good, offering cooler temperatures, clearer views, and quieter paths, though walking is possible year-round with appropriate planning.