South West Coast Path
~52 days · 599.6 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the South West Coast Path is known for
England’s South West Coast Path follows 630.5 official miles from Minehead around the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to South Haven Point near Poole. The South West Coast Path Association publishes the 52 section names, mileages, and endpoints used to label this OSM-only route; internal camp markers denote the official section stops (Ferrybridge carries two nights for the Isle of Portland circuit), not documented campsites. Several estuary crossings are transport legs and require ferries or seasonal alternatives.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 10 ft to 2,313 ft over 599.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 23.1 mi · 4%
- Downhill 18.9 mi · 3%
- Flat 552.9 mi · 93%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the South West Coast Path?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the South West Coast Path scores 75/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the South West Coast Path take?
Most backpackers hike the South West Coast Path in about 52 days (51 nights out) over its 599.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the South West Coast Path?
The South West Coast Path climbs roughly 63,648 ft total — about 106 ft per mile, topping out near 1,033 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.