Step outside the front door of The Cottage Hotel and you’ll find yourself on one of the most celebrated walking routes in the world – the South West Coast Path. This designated National Trail is part of the official network of national trails in England, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and protected status. Hugging the dramatic coastline for over 630 miles, this National Trail winds its way through some of the most breathtaking scenery the UK has to offer – and right here in Hope Cove, we’re lucky enough to have it quite literally on our doorstep. The South West Coast Path is considered one of the world's most spectacular walking routes.
At The Cottage Hotel, we’re proud to be a Way Maker Business, supporting and championing the Path that brings so much joy and wellbeing to millions of walkers, nature lovers, and adventurers every year. Whether you’re tackling a long-distance trek or simply enjoying a short coastal stroll, Hope Cove is a natural resting point on your journey. Many of our guests arrive with boots dusty from the trail, ready for a cream tea, a hearty meal, or a well-earned night’s sleep – and we’re delighted to welcome every single one. The South West Coast Path has even been voted Britain's best walk, a testament to its popularity and acclaim among outdoor enthusiasts.
More than just a walking route, the South West Coast Path is a vital part of our local heritage and economy. It attracts over 9 million visitors each year, generating more than £520 million in visitor spend and supporting over 10,000 jobs across the region.
As part of this living landscape, The Cottage Hotel contributes to the protection and preservation of the Path through an annual donation to the South West Coast Path Association – helping to safeguard it from the increasing pressures of climate change, erosion, and growing usage.
The Association advocates for the diverse interests of walkers, nature lovers, and local communities, ensuring the Path remains accessible and enjoyable for all. The South West Coast Path stands out among the many iconic trails in the UK, forming a key part of the broader network of long-distance walking routes that showcase the country's natural and cultural heritage.
What Is the South West Coast Path?
The South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest National Trail — a continuous, waymarked footpath stretching 630 miles (1,014 km) around the entire south west peninsula of England. It begins on the western side of the harbour town of Minehead in Somerset and winds its way around the coast through Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, before finishing at South Haven Point near Poole Harbour. The path is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction from the western side of Minehead to Poole, but it is well signposted in both directions.
Originally created by coastguards patrolling for smugglers, the path now offers an unforgettable walking experience with dramatic coastal scenery, tracing the line of the coastline along cliff tops, beaches, estuaries, fishing villages, and seaside towns, with ever-changing views of the sea and countryside. Walkers are guided by clear signs, including acorn symbols and waymarks, that help with navigation along the route.
Which Counties and Towns Does it Pass Through?
The path runs through four counties:
-
Somerset (starting in Minehead)
-
North Devon and South Devon (including coastal towns like Lynmouth, Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Clovelly, Bideford, Westward Ho!, Hartland, Brixham, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Hope Cove, and Plymouth, as well as notable points such as headlands and promontories along the route. In South Devon, Dawlish Warren is a significant sand spit and nature reserve located at the mouth of the River Exe, recognized as an important site for wildlife and conservation.)
-
Cornwall (including Bude, Padstow, St Ives in North Cornwall and Penzance, Land’s End, Falmouth, and Looe in South Cornwall, with several key points and sites of historical and environmental significance along the coast)
-
Dorset’s South Coast (including Lyme Regis, Weymouth, and Swanage, ending at South Haven Point, another notable point on the route)
From bustling towns like St Ives, Falmouth and Weymouth to quiet coves like Hope Cove, the path showcases the rich diversity of the South West’s coast, passing by the mouths of major rivers and many important sites and points of interest.
Do You Have to Walk It All?
No you don’t have to be a long distance walker – you can walk as much or as little as you like. The South West Coast Path can be walked in its entirety or in sections. While some adventurers spend 6–8 weeks walking the entire trail end-to-end, most people choose to tackle it in sections, returning year after year to explore new stretches. Completing the entire route is considered a notable accomplishment for walkers.
Just ‘follow the acorn symbol’ wherever you are on the coast. The acorn is the mark of the South West Coast Path.
For hotel guests at The Cottage Hotel, this is where the magic lies — you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy the path. Whether it’s a gentle stroll to Bolt Tail, a longer day hike to Salcombe, or just a moment sat on a bench admiring the sea, the South West Coast Path welcomes everyone.
Challenges Faced by the Coast Path
While the South West Coast Path offers awe-inspiring beauty and a sense of freedom to millions each year, maintaining this historic trail is no small feat. With a total amount of descent along the route that rivals the height of Mount Everest, the path presents a physical challenge as well as logistical ones. The path is constantly under threat from coastal erosion, climate change, and the ongoing cost of maintenance, and the task of keeping it open, safe, and accessible requires significant resources and community support.
The Cost of Maintenance
Keeping 630 miles of coast path in walkable condition is a continuous and costly undertaking. From repairing storm-damaged paths and collapsed cliffs to renewing signage, steps, and waymarks, the trail needs year-round attention. It costs over £1,500 per mile, per year to maintain the path to a safe standard — a figure that adds up quickly when you consider its full length.
Funding comes from a mix of public and charitable sources, but it’s often not enough. That’s why the support of individuals, local authorities, and Way Maker businesses like The Cottage Hotel is so vital. Our annual donation to the South West Coast Path Association helps to directly fund this work, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same access we do today.
Coastal Erosion
The very cliffs and coastlines that make the path so scenic are also some of its greatest vulnerabilities. Erosion, landslips, and cliff collapses are increasingly common, particularly after periods of heavy rain or storms. In some areas, whole sections of the path have had to be re-routed inland or rebuilt entirely. South Devon, with its soft coastal geology, is especially susceptible.
Climate Change
The South West’s coastal environment is feeling the effects of climate change more each year. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and more intense rainfall events are accelerating erosion and putting extra strain on the trail's infrastructure. The path also experiences more frequent closures or diversions due to damage caused by extreme weather events — challenges that are only likely to increase.
The South West Coast Path is more than just a trail — it’s a cultural, economic, and environmental lifeline for the region. Protecting it in the face of these challenges means we all have a role to play, whether that’s making a donation, supporting Way Maker businesses, or simply walking the path with care.
Safety and Emergency Procedures
Walking the South West Coast Path is an unforgettable adventure, but as with any National Trail that traverses dramatic coastal scenery, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges along the way. Whether you’re exploring the wild cliffs of north Devon, the rugged stretches near Hartland Point, or the windswept beaches of north Cornwall, a little planning goes a long way to ensuring your journey is both safe and enjoyable.
The coast path is well-marked with the familiar acorn symbol, guiding walkers through coastal towns, over cliff tops, and along some of the most breathtaking coastline in England. However, the route can be demanding in places, with steep ascents, sudden descents, and exposed sections where weather conditions can change rapidly—especially during autumn and winter. Areas like Hartland Point are renowned for their challenging terrain and should be approached with extra care.
Before setting out, check the latest updates from Natural England and the South West Coast Path Association, both of which provide essential information on any temporary closures, diversions, or hazards along the trail. Their websites and social media channels are invaluable resources for up-to-date details, especially if you’re planning to complete the path over several years or tackle more remote stretches.
Day Walks from Hope Cove Along the South West Coast Path
Whether you’re up for a brisk morning stroll or a full-day hike, Hope Cove is the perfect base for exploring the South West Coast Path. The area benefits from excellent transport links, including bus, train, and ferry services, which link different sections of the path and make it easy to plan flexible walking routes. Here are some of the best circular and linear walks you can do in a day from the hotel.
1. Bolt Tail and Back: A Quick Clifftop Walk
-
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) return
-
Time: 1 hour
-
Difficulty: Easy
-
Highlights: Ancient cliff fort, panoramic sea views, good for sunset
A short but rewarding walk, this route takes you west from Inner Hope up to Bolt Tail, where you can explore the remains of an Iron Age promontory fort and enjoy sweeping views back over Hope Cove and out to sea. A perfect leg-stretcher before or after lunch.
2. Hope Cove to Salcombe via Soar Mill Cove (Linear Walk)
-
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km) one way
-
Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
-
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
-
Highlights: Dramatic coastline, secluded beaches, Bolt Head, Salcombe Estuary
This is a stunning stretch of coast path featuring wild, rugged cliffs, hidden coves like Soar Mill Cove, and the dramatic headland of Bolt Head before descending into the chic town of Salcombe. You can return by bus (check seasonal timetable for the No. 164), or arrange a taxi back to Hope Cove.
3. Hope Cove to Bantham and Back (Circular Option)
-
Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip
-
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
-
Difficulty: Moderate
-
Highlights: South Milton Sands, estuary views, nature reserve
Head east from Hope Cove along the coast to Thurlestone Sands and over the footbridge at South Milton Ley, a freshwater wetland rich in birdlife. The path continues through rolling countryside to Bantham, offering great views of the River Avon estuary. Loop back via quiet lanes or retrace your steps along the coast.
4. Hope Cove to Thurlestone and Back
-
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) return
-
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
-
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
-
Route map: Hope Cove to Thurlestone on OS Maps
-
Highlights: Golden beaches, Thurlestone Rock, sea birds
This is a relaxing and scenic walk along the sandy shoreline and low clifftops east of Hope Cove. It’s perfect for families, offering opportunities for a paddle on the beach, picnic, or even an ice cream en route. Look out for the arch-shaped Thurlestone Rock just offshore.
5. Hope Cove to Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island (Linear Walk)
-
Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km) one way
-
Time: 5 – 6 hours
-
Difficulty: Challenging
-
Route map: Hope Cove to Bigbury on OS Maps
-
Highlights: River crossings, expansive sea views, famous sea tractor, literary history
A full-day expedition along the path eastwards, through Thurlestone, Bantham, and across to Bigbury-on-Sea. If the tide is right, cross over the sand bar to visit Burgh Island, famously linked to Agatha Christie. Return by taxi or arrange a pick-up.
6. Hope Cove Circular via Galmpton and South Huish
-
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) loop
-
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
-
Difficulty: Moderate
-
Route map: Hope Cove Circular on OS Maps
-
Highlights: Rolling countryside, quaint villages, varied scenery
This walk combines a stretch of the coast path with peaceful inland lanes and footpaths. From Hope Cove, walk up to Galmpton and return via South Huish, enjoying green fields, Devon hedgerows, and a different perspective on the coastline.
A Path for All Seasons — and for Everyone
There’s something magical about the South West Coast Path in every season. In spring, it comes alive with primroses and birdsong, as swallows swoop along the cliffs. Summer brings the vibrant energy of families, sun-seekers and long hazy days stretching into golden evenings. In autumn, the path quiets again, as rust-coloured bracken carpets the hills and the sea glows in low light. Even in winter, it offers moments of raw, windswept beauty – crashing waves, stormy skies, and the deep peace of walking alone in nature.
No matter when you visit, the path offers something profound — a connection to land, sea, and self. It’s no wonder that so many people return year after year to walk a favourite section, or to slowly complete the whole thing in stages. It’s more than a trail. For many, it’s a lifelong companion.
That love has been reflected in national and international recognition. The South West Coast Path has twice been voted “Britain’s Best Walking Route” by readers of Walk magazine, published by the Ramblers’ Association. It has been featured by Lonely Planet as one of the greatest walks in the world, and is championed by Natural England as a key part of our National Trail network.
For the communities it winds through, including us here at Hope Cove, the path is deeply treasured. And for visitors, it offers a chance to walk through some of the most glorious landscapes the UK has to offer.
Who Looks After the South West Coast Path?
The South West Coast Path may feel wild and natural underfoot, but it takes a huge amount of behind-the-scenes care to keep it open, safe, and accessible year-round. That responsibility falls to the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) — a registered charity working to protect and promote the Path for everyone, now and into the future.
Founded in 1973, the SWCPA works in partnership with Natural England, local authorities, landowners, and volunteers to coordinate the maintenance and development of the trail. The Association’s role includes:
-
Funding and overseeing repairs to damaged or eroded sections
-
Improving access with new signage, steps, bridges, and waymarks
-
Running awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts
-
Supporting volunteers and trail wardens across the region
-
Lobbying to protect the trail from coastal development or neglect
A Shared Mission with the National Trust
While the SWCPA leads on trail advocacy and fundraising, the National Trust also plays a key role, as a major landowner along many sections of the route — especially in Devon and Cornwall. In fact, the Path crosses over more than 300 miles of National Trust-owned coastline.
This connection goes all the way back to Project Neptune, launched by the National Trust in 1965, which aimed to protect the UK’s coastline from unchecked development. Thanks to the generosity of public donations, the Trust was able to buy up and safeguard huge stretches of unspoiled coastal land, including clifftops, beaches, and headlands that would later form much of the Coast Path’s route.
Today, Project Neptune continues under the banner of the Trust’s Coastline Campaign, and the National Trust and SWCPA work closely together to manage erosion, conserve habitats, and keep the path open to all.