You do not need seven weeks, a heroic beard or a relationship with waterproof trousers to enjoy the South West Coast Path. The full National Trail runs for 630 miles around England’s south-west peninsula, but some of its most satisfying stretches work perfectly as single-day walks.

The secret is to choose a section for its landscape and logistics, not simply because two attractive place names happen to appear close together on a map. Coastal miles can involve repeated descents into coves followed by steep climbs back to the cliffs.

This article is part of our Devon and Cornwall guide. Hear travel writer Richard Collett discuss the path, the peninsula and the border between its two counties in Episode 35 of Destination Unlocked.

How long is the South West Coast Path?

The official route covers 630 miles, or 1,014 kilometres, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. It follows the coasts of Devon and Cornwall along the way. The South West Coast Path Association suggests roughly 52 days for a leisurely end-to-end journey, while strong walkers may complete it in about 30.

For a first trip, ignore the urge to “complete” anything. Pick one excellent section, arrange a clear return journey and leave enough time to stop. A coastal walk loses something when every view becomes an obstacle between you and the last bus.

Four rewarding sections for a first trip

1. Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton, Devon

This East Devon section offers red cliffs, broad sea views and a manageable introduction to the path. Exmouth has useful rail connections, while Budleigh Salterton provides a satisfying destination rather than an arbitrary turning point.

The geology belongs to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, although the path is not a fossil-hunting trail throughout. Keep away from cliff edges and bases, where erosion and rockfall are real hazards.

2. Salcombe to Hope Cove, Devon

South Devon becomes more muscular here. The walk links Salcombe’s estuary setting with headlands, coves and the beaches around Hope Cove. It feels like a journey even when completed as a day section.

Check seasonal bus services before setting out. If the return connection is poor, use a local taxi company and book ahead rather than discovering at dusk that everybody else had the same idea.

3. Padstow to Trevone, Cornwall

Leaving Padstow’s harbour, the path follows the Camel Estuary towards open Atlantic coast. The contrast arrives quickly: sheltered water gives way to cliffs, headlands and the wider horizon beyond Stepper Point.

A shorter out-and-back walk works well if time is limited. Do not let the promise of lunch in Padstow persuade you to underestimate the return distance.

4. Lizard Point to Cadgwith, Cornwall

This is Cornwall in concentrated form: exposed cliffs, coves, maritime history and a fishing village at the end. Lizard Point is the southernmost point of mainland Britain, but the walk is more interesting than the geographical superlative.

Conditions can change quickly on the Lizard. In strong wind or poor visibility, choose a shorter local circuit rather than treating the planned route as a contract.

How difficult is the coast path?

Difficulty varies enormously. A short distance may include steep steps, uneven rock, mud and several hundred metres of accumulated ascent. Official route descriptions and elevation profiles are more useful than mileage alone.

• Choose a distance below your normal inland limit for the first day.
• Allow time for photographs, food and wrong turns.
• Wear footwear with dependable grip.
• Carry water, a waterproof layer and sun protection.
• Download the route and transport details before leaving.
• Keep dogs under close control near livestock and cliffs.

Use public transport to avoid retracing your steps

Linear walks are often the most rewarding, but they depend on transport. Trains are useful around Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torbay, St Ives and parts of south-east Cornwall. Buses reach many coastal communities, although timetables can be seasonal and Sunday services limited.

Plan the return journey first. Then choose the walk. If the final bus leaves at 16:40, that fact is more important than the optimistic time estimate attached to somebody else’s route online.

When is the best time to walk?

Late spring and early autumn often offer a useful balance of longer daylight, fewer visitors and operating seasonal services. Summer brings the broadest transport network but also heat, crowded paths and pressure on parking. Winter can be exhilarating, yet daylight is short and wet ground makes exposed sections more demanding.

Always check the official National Trail information, local weather, tides where relevant, ferry times and route diversions shortly before walking.

Read before, or after, you go

Richard Collett walked through the south-west while researching Along the Borders: In Search of What Divides and Unites the British Isles. Meet Richard in his Destination Unlocked guest profile, then listen to the full Devon and Cornwall conversation.

The coast path works because it reveals the peninsula at human speed. One headland hides the next village; one estuary changes the route; one climb makes two neighbouring coves feel genuinely separate. Choose a section you can enjoy, not merely survive.

Featured photograph: Land’s End, Cornwall, by Andy Holmes, used under the Unsplash Licence.