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South West Coast Path Section 2, Westward Ho! to Padstow

South West Coast Path Section 2, Westward Ho! to Padstow

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8 nightsAverage
79.5Total
9.9Average
3513m / 11526ftElevation
MixedAccommodation

South West Coast Path Section 2, Westward Ho! to Padstow

Difficulty Grade
Accommodation Type
Mixed
Activity
Walking Holiday
Start/Finish
Devon / Cornwall
Average Daily Cost
£161
Best Months
May - Sept

Difficulty grade based on 1 star being the easiest and 5 star being the most difficult

Costs based on two people sharing

Overview

From the remote and windswept border of the ancient Cornish kingdom to the cosmopolitan bustle of Padstow's fishing harbour lies a magnificent section of dramatic, inspiring and unspoilt coastal trail. Lose yourself in isolation on this continuous panorama of stunning cliffs, hidden coves and remote golden beaches whilst passing through an historical tapestry of shipwrecks, frontier mining, literature and a Cornish people's struggle against the rugged Atlantic coastline. ​ Seals, kestrels, puffins and peregrines still occupy this dramatic and inspiring coastline and if you are here is both challenging and rewarding without exception on what is the toughest section of the South West Coast Path a seemingly endless rollercoaster of climbs and descents along the coastline. Recover with cosy and welcoming overnight stays in idyllic fishing villages prepare you well for days gazing out in peaceful isolation over saw toothed cliffs and rocks, passing waterfalls that tumble over precipitous crags. ​ A trail full of variety and surprises including King Arthur's stark and imposing Tintagel Castle Bronze Age rock carvings, the driftwood cliff huts of poets, the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle and mysteriously abandoned villages. At the tail end of Devon overnight at Clovelly the most stunning fishing harbour in the region where the car is banned and your bags are moved up and down almost sheer cobbled alleys by sledge. ​ With history & legend abounding there is something fascinating, unusual and surreal to encounter on every leg along with the ever rising anticipation of whether the next cove will be more beautiful and unspoilt than the last. ​ Ultimately this is shipwreck and smuggling country and as you traverse Hells Mouth, The Strangles, The Rumps, several Devil's Holes and the Doom Bar it only adds to the atmosphere en route to Padstow. This walking holiday is truly the most inspiring way to enter and immerse yourselves in the stunning lands of Cornwall past and present. With its scenery and history preserved and unique take your personal pilgrimage into the heart of Cornwall in the footsteps of Hardy, King Arthur, Betjemen and the Celtic peoples of many centuries past and present.

Your Journey

Estimated Cost Calculator

2

Your Selection

6 Days / 7 Nights13 miles/daystandard

Cost Per Person

£1,125

Based on 2 people sharing

Total Cost

£2,250

Capture The Moment

A glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences awaiting you

Anne and Tom's experience on South West Coast Path Section 2, Westward Ho! to Padstow

Verified Walker

Walker

Traveler's Story

This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.

Walking Holiday79.5

Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom

Explorer

Getting There

How to reach your starting point

Travel by By Train

Train Arrival - Fast direct trains run from London, The Midlands and the North to Exeter station where you change for the scenic branch line journey to Barnstaple on the North Devon Coast. Time from London to Barnstaple is 3.5 to 4 hours. From Barnstaple regular buses take 1 hour to reach Westward Ho! OR we can advise on private transfers to the trail.

For those arriving for shorter holidays at Bude you take the train to Exeter (between 2 and 3 hours from London) and then the fast bus from Exeter Station direct to Bude (around 2 hours)

Train Departure - From Padstow regular buses take one hour to Bodmin Parkway Main Line Station. Fast trains to London from here take 4 hours with connections for Bristol, the Midlands and The North.

Travel Tip: Consider taking the train for a more sustainable journey

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Route Map

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Start/Finish

Devon / Cornwall

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Elevation Profile

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Points of Interest

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