South West Coast Path - harder option

Somerset & North Devon - Minehead to Woolacombe
Alternative harder itinerary route from Minehead to Woolacombe Sands.

Day 1: arrive at your friendly accommodation at Minehead, the official start of the South West Coast Path.

Day 2: experience the beautiful rugged landscape of the Exmoor National Park as you walk over Selworthy Beacon to the pretty hamlet of Porlock Weir. (9½ miles, 1,000ft of ascent)

Day 3: discover the lovely little church in Culbourne and walk to the famous twin towns of Lynmouth and Lynton. (11½ miles, 1,850ft of ascent)

Day 4: follow the trail through the Valley of Rocks and along the coast to Heddon's Mouth, before a steep ascent to the top of the Great Hangman on the way to Combe Martin. (12 miles, 3,000ft of ascent)

Day 5: from Combe Martin visit the historic seaside town of Ilfracombe and walk to the secluded cove of Lee Bay. (8½ miles, 1,400ft of ascent)

Day 6: your last day continues from Lee Bay to the holiday resort of Woolacombe. From here walk as far as you like along the sandy beach, and then back to Woolacombe. (Lee Bay to Woolacombe 4 miles 1,000ft of ascent)

Day 7: depart after breakfast or extend your stay.

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Day 1: arrive at your friendly accommodation in the historic city of Plymouth.

Day 2: walk from Plymouth to Mothecombe, past the pretty village of Newton Ferrers, taking the small ferry across the River Yealm. (14 miles, 2,200ft of ascent)

Day 3: walk from Wonwell to the harbour village of Hope Cove. Enjoy more challenging coastline and discover Burgh Island, before taking a short transfer around the River Avon. (12 miles, 2,165ft of ascent)

Day 4: walk from Hope Cove, past stunning views from Bolt Head, to Salcombe, where you have plenty of time to explore before a transfer to the lovely coastal town of Kingsbridge. (8 miles, 840ft of ascent)

Day 5: your adventure continues from East Portlemouth, past rugged coastline, to Torcross where the beautiful Slapton Sands begin. (13 miles, 2,030ft of ascent)

Day 6: from Torcross, follow the path alongside the expansive beach at Slapton Sands, and continue to Dartmouth where you can visit the historic castle. (8 miles, 1,400ft of ascent)

Day 7: depart after breakfast or extend your stay.

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