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South West Coast of England

South West Coast Path – Stage 1 – Minehead to Westward Ho! – 7 Nights

April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct£964 pp

Beat the Price Rise – Book by Fri 18th October!£934 pp

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SUMMARY

South West Coast Path – Stage 1 – Minehead to Westward Ho! – 7 Nights

No. of People: 1

PAYMENT

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TOTAL £999

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Take on the first section of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Westward Ho! This is a wonderfully diverse stretch, encompassing some of the highest cliffs that Britain has to offer as well as coastal woodland, vast beaches and the sand dunes and wetlands of the estuaries of the Taw and Torridge Rivers. For anyone familiar with Tarka the Otter in the book by Henry Williamson, this section of the path also joins up with the unspoiled countryside of the Tarka Trail. With the remainder of the South West Coast path also just waiting to be explored, you may just find you keep coming back for more!

Quick Facts

  • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • 7 days’ walking
  • Guide book and map provided
  • Daily door to door luggage transfers
  • 24hr telephone support during your walk
  • 87 miles (140km) and 4,862m (15,953ft) of ascent
  • Walk the first section of the South West Coast Path

About & Details

Confined to the extreme south-western peninsula of Britain, the South West Coast Path is the longest of Britain’s National Trails, at an astonishing 1014km (630 miles) long!

Completing the whole path is the ultimate challenge for any long distance trekker, so why not begin with this self-guided itinerary which gives you the opportunity to take on the first 87 miles, beginning in the bustling town of Minehead and ending in the seaside resort of Westward Ho! This is a brilliantly diverse section of the South West Coast Path, heading up to the high cliffs of the Exmoor National Park before descending to secluded sandy beaches. This section of the trial is prized for its wildlife and so it is definitely one for the nature lovers amongst you!

We take the stress out of your trip with expert local knowledge, hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers and detailed support to help you find your way. You will need full walking kit including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a comfortable day sack and comfortable walking boots. You will receive a more detailed kit list upon booking.

The price for this trip is based on 2 people sharing.

Inclusions

  • 7 nights’ accommodation in good quality B&Bs or hotels with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
  • Luggage transfers each walking day (1 x bag per person, max. weight limit 20kg)
  • Map and guide book plus detailed directions to your accommodation from the trail
  • Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
  • Professional event organisation
Exclusions
  • Travel to the start and finish points of the trip
  • Lunches and evening meals
  • Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
  • Guiding (please contact us if you would like this trip to be guided)

Optional extras

  • Single room supplement £90 per person per night (subject to availability)
  • Solo traveler supplement £90 per person per night
  • Odd group supplement £90 per group per night may apply if a single room is required
  • Extra night prior to start (single room) £180 per person
  • Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (single room) £180 per person
  • Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Getting there and back

Getting There

By road: There are a number of long-stay car parks available in Minehead which is located just off the A39.

By public transport: Take a train to Taunton, where you can catch one of the regular bus services to Minehead.

By air: The nearest airport to Minehead is Bristol Airport, from where you can take a train to Taunton and then a bus to Minehead.

Getting Away

By road: Take the A39 followed by the A361 to reach the M5 towards the Midlands. Alternatively, take the A303 towards London.

By public transport: There is no train station in Westward Ho! however it is possible to take a bus or a taxi to Barnstaple where you can get a train for onward travel.

By air: The nearest airports to Westward Ho! are Exeter Airport and Cornwall Airport.

Evening meals and lunches

You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our event planners send you the schedule with itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.

For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally at B&B, guest houses and small hotels. Once booked in, your event planner will send you a list of your booked accommodation. It is possible to adjust according to preference at this stage so please mention it if you wish to change.

Dog-friendly

If you would like to bring your four legged friend, then we will do our best to source dog friendly accommodation. It is usually possible but if it were not, then we would suggest a change of date to enable it or offer a refund. There may be a small surcharge for the overnight stays. Therefore, once booked in, please alert your event planner that you would like to bring your dog and we can proceed from there.

Need a guide?

If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us.
A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.

Dates and prices

For available dates please click on the ‘Book Now’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.

After you book

After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.

In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.

Your personal event planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The event planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.

At the end of your trip

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive at Westward Ho! you have one of several options. If you have not booked an additional night’s stay in Westward Ho! then we can transfer your luggage to a location of your choice. From there you may have onward travel arranged as per the ‘Getting There and Back’ tab above.

Some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay in Westward Ho! at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional add on with your event planner.

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Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrival in Minehead

    Arrive at your accommodation in Minehead.

  • Day 2 – Minehead to Porlock Weir

    After starting your walk at the official South West Coast Path Monument and leaving the pavements of Minehead behind in favour of woodlands and farm tracks, you then have two options to choose from. You can opt for a gentler inland walk through farmland, passing fields of livestock or you can take on the tougher ‘Rugged Coast Path’ which stays closer to the coast but offers magnificent views across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh Coast.
    16km (10 miles) and 620m (2035ft) of ascent

  • Day 3 – Porlock Weir to Lynmouth

    Leaving the quiet harbour of Porlock Weir behind, your day starts with a steep climb up to Yearnor Wood, before a steady stroll to Culbone Church – said to be the smallest parish church in England. From here, you once again have two options as to which path you take. The main (southern) trail once again heads into farmland and quiet country roads with occasional glimpses of the sea.  Alternatively, the northern trail heads through ancient woods, steeped in history. Either way, you are sure to be treated to dramatic landscapes.
    18km (11 miles) and 1200m (3935ft) of ascent

  • Day 4 – Lynmouth to Combe Martin

    Today starts with a nice easy walk out of Lynmouth, heading for the legendary Valley of Rocks – magnificent rock formations running parallel to the sea. From here, there are some steep, challenging climbs up to the summit of Great Hangman, the highest point on the South West Coast Path at 1043ft where you are rewarded with amazing views of Exmoor, the coast of South Wales and Lundy Island. It is then a short descent down to Combe Martin where you can put your feet up after a demanding day!
    21.5km (13.5 miles) and 1330m (4365ft) of ascent

  • Day 5 – Combe Martin to Woolacombe

    Today’s walk is well known for being one of the most wild and beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path. This stretch encompasses both easy cliff paths and some strenuous ascents between Lee Bay and Morte Point.  Morte Point is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its heathland and grasses. Be sure to keep your binoculars close by to look out for the Atlantic grey seals popping up for air every 15 minutes or so! Your day finishes with a walk into the seaside resort of Woolacombe.
    23.5km (14.5 miles) and 1020m (3345ft) of ascent

  • Day 6 – Woolacombe to Braunton

    Leaving the steep climbs of the last few days behind, the path becomes much flatter and as you walk along the cliff tops, you have the chance to admire the route ahead and notice the change in scenery. At low tide, there is also the option to walk along sandy beaches. This section which is also part of the Tarka Trail, is well known for its wealth of wildlife and geological interest. As the walk comes to an end today, you will have the opportunity to visit the Braunton Burrows Nature Reserve – a sand dune system which is home to a large number of rare plants and animals.
    23.5km (14.5 miles) and 430m (1410ft) of ascent

  • Day 7 - Braunton to Instow

    Leaving Braunton, the South West Coast path once again follows the Tarka Trail along the estuary of the River Taw. Much of this part of the trail follows disused railway tracks, popular with cyclists and other walkers. After crossing the Long Bridge of Barnstaple – one of the largest medieval bridges in Britain – the route continues past marshland and nature reserves containing an abundance of wildlife, before arriving at the charming small town of Instow.
    20km (12.5 miles) and 102m (337ft) of ascent

  • Day 8 - Instow to Westward Ho!

    After leaving Instow, the trail is relatively flat and easy-going and so there is ample opportunity today to not only enjoy the views back over the River Taw, but also to take in the vast array of wildlife and plants inhabiting the grassland and dunes of the Taw estuary. After passing through the small village of Appledore, you will reach Northam Burrows Country Park – an SSSI site. The route then runs parallel to the iconic Pebble Ridge into Westward Ho! – your finishing point. The trip ends at the end of the walk unless you have booked extra nights or other optional services with us.
    18km (11 miles) and 160m (526ft) of ascent

Notes:

This itinerary is a guide only. Timings and mileages are approximate.

We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. An additional charge may be payable. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.

 

The Route
Reviews

Find some of the reviews our wonderful customers have left for us below, or read them all here!

Heather Parr
3 months ago

Maximum Adventure exceeded expectations, planning a trip for me last minute and off season through the glorious Lake District. The hotels were top rate, as was the food and my daily gluten free sandwich. Nathalie got the route guide sent to me in a couple of days and the baggage service was impeccable. It was the only tour guide company that responded immediately to my last minute request. Looking forward to more adventures with your company!!!

Chris Evans
3 months ago

David and I walked the Speyside Way in September 2023 and very much enjoyed the adventure. Maximum Adventure Ltd organised our nightly accommodation and uplifting of our luggage in a seamless manner, which made the whole trip so easy with no stress. This is the second time that I have personally used Maximum Adventures Ltd and I would recommend them to others as they offer a friendly and efficient service.

Göte Fredriksson
4 months ago

We realy appreciated the tour we did on Hadrians Wall path in May.Beautiful scenery, decent weather, god arrangements including lodging, transport, bagagehandling etc. We came well prepared . In this preparation Maximum adventures gave us great support, as we are coming from abroad with no knowledge of conditions on the path. We had great BnBs and could concentrate on de daily walks that gave us great pleasure.Thank you England and Hadrians Wall path for your friendly reception and well mantained walking path.Thank you Maximum Adventures for your good service.We would love to come back in the future.

Jerry Kashinski
4 months ago

Maximum Adventure did a great job for us. With less than a month's notice, it set up an itinerary, lodging and luggage porterage for a walk from Carlisle to Newcastle, England along Hadrian's Wall. The lodging was fantastic, as was the itinerary and support during the walk. We'd definitely use Maximum Adventure again and would recommend them without reservation!

Fiona Reilly
5 months ago

I was part of a climb on 23/09, didn't think I would make ut, but I did. The descent was a different story.. I got jelly legs and lost my confidence. If it wasn't for James, my Sherpa would never have made it. Can't thank him enough, Will, met you briefly.Both of them were very knowledgeable, we had the most amazing views at the summit...the pain is still worth it and

Tom Graham
5 months ago

I walked the West Highland Way with my dad and brother. The organisation was excellent by Samantha. Itinerary and instructions were clear and all the bookings and luggage transfers went smoothly. As a result we were able to ensure the fantastic walk and not worry about anything. I would happily recommend Maximum Adventure to others.

Sarah Bracken
5 months ago

Absolutely brilliant guide - knowledgeable, interesting and humorous in addition to looking after our safety so well - making sure we ate and suggesting when to layer up! Would highly recommend!

Diana Straub
6 months ago

We just got home from our 8-days Hadrian's Wall hike and we just loved it!Everything was perfectly organized!We had great B&Bs and hotels with very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Our favorite was the Dacre House with Clare. But then again, all were great!The luggage was always at the day's destination, no matter how early we got to the accommodation.The description of how to get to the accommodations were clear and precise.The road map and the guide book were waiting for us as we got to the first B&B and were very helpful and interestingThanks, Maximum Adventure!

Kristin Hentschel
6 months ago

Praise for the West Highland Hike and the Maximum Adventure planners, esp. our planner Samantha. Great experience in every regard.

Simon Bradish
6 months ago

Booked for the 3 UK Peaks adventure, it was organised perfectly and everything when to plan. Accommodation was good, transport excellent, our guide (Patrick) brilliant, so cannot fault the trip and adventure. I personally expected too much from myself and was unable to fully summit as this adventure is not for beginners, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2003 when I was 42 and twenty years later, although relatively fit, my endurance didn't last. So I did a half summit for Ben Nevis & Scafell, thanks to Patrick for letting go back down on my own, it was brilliant. With Snowdon, a half summit is tricky as you can't descend the way you go up, so I decided to do some hiking in the area while the rest of the group did the climb. I took a chance and went to the ticket office and managed to get a single return ticket up to the summit of Snowdon at 9am which returned down by 11.30am. I was hoping to see my group on top and spring a surprise but the weather was terrible. I highly recommend the trip but make sure you are fit enough otherwise as there is an emphasis on time, so a slow walk up is going to slow everyone down and really delay the trip. Have Fun, Simon Bradish

Why book with us

We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:

  • We are an established adventure travel business
  • We have been trading since 2002
  • We are financially protected in accordance with the 1992 travel regulation
  • Knowledgeable and available office staff
  • Qualified leaders and guides with ascents ranging from Ben Nevis to Mount Everest
  • All activities are risk assessed
  • We will provide you with the best service available
  • We are aware this is your holiday/your challenge and will do our best to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience
  • We have many repeat clients stretching back over a number of years
20+ years adventure organisation experience
Full liability & financial protection
Leading provider of high quality adventure challenges
Great team of staff to support you

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