has quietened down and you are left with quieter beaches and walking routes, yet are still blessed with warm waters and often some warm September and November sun. That is why we thought it would be a great time to chat with you about the South West Coast Path.
What is it?
The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked footpath! During the 19th Century it was used as a coastguard patrol route to restrict smuggling. The entire route covers 630 miles, from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor to Poole Harbour. The entire route is one epic challenge for the long-distance walker, however, because many of the walks are split into segments it makes shorter walks that are also fantastic.
Somerset and Exmoor
Today we are going to look at the section between Somerset and Exmoor. It starts at Minehead and ends at Combe Martin, stretching over 25 miles which actually only makes up 5% of the entire National Trail. The Exmoor coast holds outstanding beauty and has quite a few titles too! In England and Wales, it holds titles for; the highest coastline with it rising to an impressive 433M at Culbone Hill, the highest cliff with Great Hangman peaking at 244m and the longest stretch of coastal woodland between The Foreland and Porlock. One final and very impressive fact about Exmoor’s coastline is that it has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world with the tides rising and falling as much as 15m! It is only second to Fundy Bay in Canada.
Key spots
We wanted to share with you some of our favourite spots along the way. First up Culbone which is a beautiful 5.2 mile walk starting at the Porlock Weir Car Park. The wonderful walk showcases England’s smallest church which is only accessible by the coastal path. The walk has some fantastic woods and of course a beautiful coastline, which on a clear day provides amazing views across the Bristol Channel.
Our second spot we just had to share with you is the Valley of the Rocks. The stunning formation is a U shaped valley that sits parallel to the sea. The theory is that during the Ice Age the East Lyn River was diverted from its usual route due to an ice sheet and the Valley of the Rocks was created. It is quite a spectacular view and something not to be missed.
Finally, is Lynton and Lynmouth, it is two beautiful villages which are connected by a cliff railway. The railway is the highest and steepest, totally watered powered railway in the world, so one not to be missed. The two picturesque villages are filled with history, shops and good food. There is a brilliant circular route around the coastal path and down into the point where the two rivers meet which you can follow to the shore. Lynmouth is the village at the bottom, while Lynton sits above.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and have been inspired to head down to Devon to Explore Exmoor’s coastal paths. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for our future blogs on the other areas of the South West Coastal Path. Plus, if you need somewhere to stay we have lots of beautiful accommodation nearby from Self-Catering cottages to cosy Bed and Breakfasts, just click here to learn more.