Minehead, Somerset – Coast and Exmoor Walking at the Start of the South West Coast Path

Bristol Channel Shoreline, Moorland Slopes, and the Gateway to Exmoor

Minehead is a coastal town in Somerset on the Bristol Channel, set at the north-eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. It marks the official start and finish point of the South West Coast Path, linking long-distance coastal routes with inland paths across the moorland and wooded combes of Exmoor.

The town sits on level ground beside a long seafront and harbour, with North Hill rising immediately behind. From the promenade, paths climb quickly onto higher ground, giving wide views across the Bristol Channel toward Wales. The landscape changes rapidly from beach and town streets to open heath, woodland, and upland slopes.

Minehead provides full services including shops, supermarkets, accommodation, cafés, and rail connections via the West Somerset Railway. It functions as a practical base or staging point for both coastal and inland routes.

From the harbour, the South West Coast Path heads west along the cliffs toward Porlock Weir and the Exmoor coast. Inland, bridleways and footpaths cross North Hill and connect with longer routes through Exmoor National Park. Terrain ranges from level promenade walking to steeper coastal climbs and moorland tracks.