Guided Trail on the Somerset & North Devon Coast Path

54 miles with 9 - 13 miles and up to 1,800 feet of ascent in a day.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Minehead to Porlock Weir - The coach will pick us up from Holnicote House and take us to the seafront at Minehead. We ascend gradually to a high-level cliff path which takes us to Hurlstone Point, either via Selworthy Beacon or via a wilder and more rugged coastal path. From Hurlstone we continue to Bossington village and westwards to Porlock Weir across Porlock Marsh. Distance: 9-10 miles with 1,100-1,400 feet of ascent

Day 3: Porlock Weir to Lynmouth - Leaving the shore, we make our way through woodland to the cliff path and on to Culbone Church, the smallest parish church in England. Continuing westwards, the woodland path through Glenthorne Estate is a delight in all seasons. Shortly after leaving the estate the path becomes more remote, overlooking parts of the cliff edge with some fine viewpoints. We continue to Countisbury Hill and a spectacular cliff path which takes us down to Lynmouth. Here we may have time for refreshment and the opportunity to look around this interesting village before returning to Holnicote House by coach. Distance: 12½ miles with 1,400 feet of ascent

Day 4: Lynmouth to Trentishoe Down - Starting from Lynmouth, we take the path near the cliff railway which winds uphill to Lynton, then following the North Walk along the seaward side of Hollerday Hill and into the Valley of Rocks with its unusual geological features. The coast path takes us past Lee Bay and Woody Bay. After a descent almost to sea level, we climb steeply up out of Heddons Mouth Cleave. We then follow the high level path west above East Cleave until we strike inland for Trentishoe Down and take the coach home from Holdstone Down. Distance: 9¼ miles with 1,800 feet of ascent
 
Day 5: This is a day without any walks programmed, giving you the opportunity to explore the local area independently, or to use the Country House facilities.

Day 6: Trentishoe Down to Ilfracombe Harbour - A coach ride takes us back to Holdstone where we start along a wide open track leading round to Holdstone Down and the deep valley of Sherrycombe. A steep ascent out of the combe and up to Great Hangman (the highest point on the whole of the South West Coast Path) follows and we continue on to Little Hangman overlooking Combe Martin. We walk down for a short stop in the town before continuing along the coast path to Watermouth Bay, round the headlands to Hele and up to Hillsborough for its fine views. We then descend into Ilfracombe where there may be the opportunity to sample a Devon cream tea before our journey back home. Distance: 9½ miles and 1,700 feet of ascent

Day 7: Ilfracombe Harbour to Croyde Bay - Our final day begins in Ilfracombe with an ascent through the spectacular Torrs Walk to the old coast track on the open downs. From Lee to Woolacombe the coast path hugs the cliffs and has a remote feel to it, with many ascents and descents. Depending on the tide, we may walk along the sands or along the road/track between Woolacombe and Vention. The path takes us out to Baggy Point, our most westerly point, with its fine views of Lundy Island. We follow the track east into Croyde Bay where we conclude our section of the South West Coast Path. Our coach takes us back to Holnicote House. Distance: 13 miles and 1,600 feet of ascent

Day 8: Departure day