South West Coast Path: The Exmoor Section

The route at a glance

The South West Coast Path runs 1,014 km (630 miles) from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, making it the longest National Trail in Britain. The Exmoor section is the first: it leaves Minehead's seafront, climbs straight onto North Hill and does not stop rolling until Combe Martin in Devon.

Overall distance	56 km / 35 miles
Typical duration	3 days for fit walkers, 4 days at a comfortable pace
Total ascent	Roughly 2,200 m across the section
Highest point	Great Hangman, 318 m - the highest sea cliff in England
Waymarking	Acorn symbols throughout; navigation is straightforward in clear weather

Stage by stage

Stage 1 — Minehead to Porlock Weir (9.6 km / 6 miles, 3-4 h)

Start on Minehead seafront, climb through the National Trust's North Hill and follow the wooded clifftops above the Bristol Channel. The path drops into Porlock Weir past salt marsh and shingle. Moderate: one long initial climb, then undulating contours.

Stage 2 — Porlock Weir to Lynmouth (19 km / 12 miles, 6-7 h)

The queen stage and the hardest day in the section. Culbone Church — reputedly the smallest in England — Yearnor Wood, the switchbacks above Foreland Point, and the long descent into Lynmouth with its cliff railway and pubs. Expect 900 m of cumulative ascent and a day you will remember for years.

Stage 3 — Lynmouth to Combe Martin (19 km / 12 miles, 6-7 h)

Climb out of Lynmouth past the Valley of the Rocks, then over the Hangman cliffs: Great Hangman at 318 m is the highest sea cliff in England, with Little Hangman beyond. Descend through Combe Martin's combe to finish at the beach. Sustained up-and-down all day, with no bail-out points once committed.

Climbs, terrain & difficulty

• Total ascent: around 2,200 m for the section - roughly the height of Mont Blanc in total, spread over three days.
• Terrain: mud, roots, stone steps and open clifftop grass. Trail shoes or boots with grip are essential.
• Exposure: the path is unfenced above the sea in places, and wind is constant. Take care with children and dogs.
• Navigation: well waymarked, but mist rolls in fast. Carry a paper map (OS Explorer OL9 for Exmoor) or an offline app.

Where to sleep & luggage transfer

The classic rhythm is Minehead, Porlock (or Porlock Weir), Lynmouth and Combe Martin. Book 2-3 months ahead for May to September; the stage-2 stopping points have limited beds. Several local companies transfer luggage between villages for around 8-12 GBP per bag per day, which transforms the experience if you are walking with a family or over 50.

For accommodation comparisons, see our best hotels in Exmoor and where to stay guides - Porlock and Lynmouth listings are covered village by village.

When to walk it

Season	Conditions	Verdict
April-June	Bluebells, long days, drier paths	Best overall
July-August	Warm and busy, some mud remains	Good, book early
September-October	Golden light, quieter, early dusk	Excellent
November-March	Short days, mud, gales	For experienced walkers only