South West Coast Path, Somerset & Exmoor

Walking the South West Coast Path through Somerset and Exmoor

This section of the South West Coast Path runs for approximately 50 miles / 80 km from Minehead in Somerset to Combe Martin in North Devon. Beginning at the western edge of Minehead, the route follows the coast through Exmoor National Park, crossing high cliffs, wooded combes, open moorland and coastal settlements before reaching Devon.

From Minehead, the South West Coast Path climbs onto the hills above the Bristol Channel and continues towards Bossington and Porlock, with views across the coast towards Wales. The route then reaches Porlock Weir before entering a more remote stretch of coastline beneath the wooded slopes of Exmoor.

Beyond Porlock Weir, the trail continues through woodland and across the coastal slopes towards Culbone, passing close to Culbone Church before climbing through the landscape around Countisbury. The route then descends towards Lynmouth, where the East and West Lyn rivers meet the coast beneath the neighbouring town of Lynton.

From Lynmouth, the South West Coast Path climbs back onto the cliffs and continues west through the coastal landscape around Valley of Rocks. Beyond Lynton, the route crosses some of the highest coastal ground on the South West Coast Path, passing Lee Abbey, Woody Bay and the slopes around Heddon's Mouth.

The final part of the section continues towards Great Hangman, the highest sea cliff in England, before descending towards Combe Martin. Here the route leaves Exmoor and continues onto the North Devon section of the South West Coast Path.

Across the section, repeated climbs and descents make the route physically demanding despite its relatively short distance. Woodland, moorland, river valleys, cliffs and small coastal settlements give the opening miles of the South West Coast Path a distinctive character before the trail continues around the North Devon coast.

Overview

Distance: 50 miles / 80 km
Typical duration: 4–6 walking days
Difficulty: Challenging
Start: Minehead, Somerset
Finish: Combe Martin, Devon
Terrain: Steep clifftop paths, moorland, wooded combes, river valleys and coastal settlements
Waymarking: National Trail acorn symbols throughout