Private 7 Day Tour: South West Coast Path Walk
What your day looks like
This journey takes you along the most breathtaking sections of Britain’s longest national trail, offering an unforgettable experience of rugged cliffs, charming villages, and the rich tapestry of English and Celtic history. While the entire Southwest Coast Path stretches 630 miles (1,013 km) from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, our carefully crafted 7-day Pack Free walking holiday highlights the most stunning segments, ensuring you see the best the trail has to offer. Experience sweeping coastal views, traverse ancient footpaths, and uncover stories of smugglers, fishermen, and long-forgotten kingdoms, all while taking in the area’s unique natural beauty. The tour balances adventure with comfort, featuring handpicked accommodations in remarkable locations that provide a perfect blend of luxury and local character. Stay in upmarket lodgings with spectacular views, where you can unwind each evening and enjoy fine dining that showcases regional ingredients and exceptional wines. Each day’s walk is pack free, with daily luggage transfers so you can walk unburdened and focus on the experience. Along the way, you’ll explore the renowned Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its fossil-studded cliffs and millions of years of geological history. Take in the iconic landmarks such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, and soak up the scenery of Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, where steep cliffs meet golden beaches. Discover quaint fishing villages with their whitewashed cottages and enjoy a taste of the region’s famous cream teas, pasties, and local seafood. This 7-day Southwest Coast Path Walk is more than just a hiking holiday—it’s a journey through time, nature, and culture, providing a truly immersive experience. Perfect for those seeking to tick off a bucket-list adventure in comfort and style, it promises a rewarding blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
The experience, in brief
- Duration & Route
- Trail Highlights
- Jurassic Coast
- PackFree Experience
- Comfortable Accommodations
- Historical & Cultural Insights
- Nature & Adventure
- Local Cuisine
Your day, step by step
Richmond
Transportation. Welcome to London! Meet your guides in the foyer of the Petersham Hotel, this hotel is ideally located in the vibrant suburban town of Richmond in South-West London, 14kms from London’s CBD. This town has great restaurants and cafes, a magnificent park and a short train ride away to central London. This morning, we drive to the Dorset region of Southwest England, approximately 2.5 hours' drive.
Richmond
Eco Tour at Lulworth Cove. Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove: We start our walk at quaint Osmington Mills and follow a quiet rural path leading to high undulating cliffs. From here we explore the Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural World Heritage Site, putting it on a par with the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon. This striking shoreline encompassing 185 million years of the Earth’s history. It means you can walk, in just a few hours, many millions of years in geological time. En route, we take in spectacular views of the spectacular limestone arch of Durdle Door, surrounded by striking azure seas, reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Take in magnificent views of the high cliffs of White Nothe, Weymouth Bay and Portland beyond. We walk into our accommodation perfectly located overlooking pretty Lulworth Cove. Bishops Cottage is a 4-star boutique B&B featuring comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and views of the sea. Enjoy time to wander the quaint shops of the Cove, take a swim in the pool or cove before joining the group. Walk Terrain notes: Walk begins through a rural area with undulating hills. Walking becomes progressively harder as we move along the impressive cliffs of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. There are some particularly steep ascents and descents on the way to Lulworth Cove, but our efforts are certainly rewarded. Easier option available: 7.9km to Durdle Door
Richmond
Dinner at a local restaurant featuring a seasonal menu of locally sourced dishes served with wine.
Richmond
Accommodation.
Richmond
Hiking at Abbotsbury. Walk Fleet to Abbotsbury: After breakfast, we drive to Fleet to walk the next section of the Southwest Coast Path to Abbotsbury. This section of the Jurassic Coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the views of Chesil Beach, and the Fleet are truly unique. Stories of a past of smuggling and wrecking add another level to the rich history of the area. We make our way to the historic village of Abbotsbury with its thatched-roof stone houses.
Richmond
Transportation. After our walk, we transfer to Dartmoor National Park to our accommodation (1.5 hours' drive). This hotel is ideally located allowing us a shorter transfer time tomorrow as we make our way to the Cornish coast. Our accommodation tonight is at the charming Mill End Hotel, a country house on the River Teign in Dartmoor National Park, Devon.
Richmond
Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight dine in the restaurant encompassing a classic English menu with quality local produce from Devon and Cornwall.
Richmond
Accommodation.
Port Isaac
Eco Tour. Walk Boscastle to Tintagel - Port Isaac: Enjoy a hearty breakfast, before transferring to the Cornish Coast (60 min drive). Today’s walk along the South Coast Path takes us from Boscastle to Tintagel which has links to the legend of King Arthur and on to the fishing village of charming Port Isaac of TV series ‘Doc Martin’ fame. Today we will discover extraordinary rock formations, as we climb through valleys and across spectacular cliffs with the Atlantic below. This section of Coast Path is very rewarding if you enjoy bird watching and you may also spot the herds of goats whose grazing helps to encourage the growth of spectacular wildflowers. There has reputedly been more imported post Roman pottery excavated from the headland of Tintagel than in the rest of Britain put together and this fact, along with the heroic and mysterious literary legends of King Arthur which surround the area, should highlight how historically significant this stretch of Cornish coastland really is. Afterwards we transfer to the charming seaside village of Port Isaac is a real reward at the end of this strenuous walk, with its beautiful alleyways, many listed buildings and harbourside cafes and pubs. You may well recognise Port Isaac from the TV series Doc Martin, as it is the village he lives in (renamed as Portwenn in the series). Tonight, we stay in The Old School Hotel. Located on the dramatic edge of the cliff, this charming, renovated hotel has stunning views over Port Isaac.
Richmond
Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight, we dinner completed with fine wines. (note some departures spend 2 nights at Port Issac)
Richmond
Accommodation.
Richmond
Eco Tour at Porthcothan. Walk Porthcothan to Newquay: After breakfast, we transfer to the start of our walk at Porthcothan (40 mins). This stretch of coast, with its vicious rocks and wild seas, was once particularly hazardous for ships and responsible for many wrecks before the lighthouse was built at Trevose Head. We follow the coastal path in and out of little coves and headlands. Some of this stretch is quite populated, especially as we approach the busy holiday resort of Newquay, however, you can also feel a sense of escape when looking out to sea from one of the many headlands, such as the windswept Park Head which also offers fantastic views of the famous Bedruthan Steps. Local legend, fed to the Victorian tourists who loved this area, told of the Cornish giant Bedruthan who used the stacks as stepping-stones to cross the bay.
Richmond
Leisure. If you feel like a picnic break and the tide is out, you may be tempted to take the long flight of steps down to explore the stacks as well as the many pools and caves on the beach. In the afternoon we walk directly into our accommodation in Newquay at The Watergate Hotel.
Richmond
Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner served with wine.
Richmond
Accommodation.
Richmond
Local Flavor at Cadgwith. Walk Cadgwith: Enjoy breakfast before we transfer from Newquay to Cadgwith (1 hr.). Today’s walk takes us from the seaside village of Cadgwith to spectacular Kynance Cove. The fishing village of Cadgwith dates back to medieval times and is a small village set on the side on a hill with cute, thatched roof houses and colorful fishing boats.
Richmond
Hiking at Kynance Cove. Road to Kynance Cove: From here we follow the coastal trail on a walk through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as we set off towards the most southerly point of Great Britain, Lizard Point. Here we stop for lunch at the Lizard Point Café. We will see some extraordinary geology along this stretch as the Path crosses serpentine, granite and schist. Serpentine is a dark green rock veined with red and white which is easily carved and can be polished to a really beautiful sheen. It was very popular in the 19th century when it was used for shop fronts and fireplaces. It is no surprise that the white sand and turquoise sea of Kynance Cove has been recognized as being part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the seas are particularly dramatic at high tide. Here we relax for an afternoon Cornish Cream tea overlooking the cove. Afterwards, we head to our hotel in St Ives. Along the way we stop and see fantastic views of St. Michael’s Mount where the remains of a Benedictine Priory sit on a tiny island just offshore. From here we head to Tregenna Castle or St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa. Walk Terrain notes: There are some strenuous climbs as we leave Cadgwith and later a few relatively short steep ascents and descents as we reach Lizard Point.
Richmond
Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner with wine.
Richmond
Accommodation
Richmond
Eco Tour at Pendeen Lighthouse. Cornwall - Carbis Bay – Walk Sennen Cove to Pendeen Watch: This morning after a delightful breakfast overlooking the bay we transfer to the start of our walk to Sennen (1 hr.). Today our walk takes us on the South Coast Path towards the remote, gleaming lighthouse at Pendeen Watch along the rugged paths of the Granite Coast from the beautiful sweep of golden sand at Sennen Cove. Taking in part of Cornwall’s oldest mining district (featured in the TV series Poldark) and leading around Cape Cornwall where the Atlantic currents split, the path is a mixture of easy-open walking along the high cliff tops and short, rough ascents and descents. You may spot seals, as well as a variety of seabirds, as you walk beside the banks of seasonal pink thrift and carpets of purple heather and look out to the Atlantic crashing on the rocks below. Walk Terrain: Moderate, apart from a short section near Aire Point where you have to clamber over a rock outcrop.
Richmond
We return to Tregenna Castle or St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa for dinner.
Richmond
Accommodation.
Richmond
Hiking at Zennor. Cornwall - St Ives to Zennor: After breakfast at the hotel, we head out for our last walk on the South Coast Path. We enjoy the views as our walk journeys out of St Ives to Clodgy Point. From here the path plunges down towering cliffs into beautiful coves and back up again. There is a real feeling of remoteness here, unlike any other part of the Coast Path. The landscape is beautifully wild and rugged and the area around the parish of Zennor is designated both an Environmentally Sensitive Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Richmond
Today we will have our final celebratory lunch at the fabulous Tinner Arms at Zennor, a typical English pub.
Richmond
From here we transfer to the city of Newquay where our tour concludes. Flights can be booked from here to London or Manchester or to Spain or Portugal to join our Camino walks. Thanks for travelling with us!
What to know before booking
Included
Pack Free fully supported walk with no heavy packs to carry Professional and passionate guides Transfers from London to start your walk
Not Included
Tips and gratuities
What to Bring
Hiking shoes Comfortable clothes
Meeting & Pickup
Guests will be required to fly into London the day prior to the tour. Meet your guides in the foyer of the Petersham Hotel, this hotel is ideally located in the vibrant suburban town of Richmond in South-West London, 14kms from London’s CBD.
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
wdqwd - 899.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business