Is the South West coast path finally having its moment?

Today I met a beautiful soul from the Netherlands. She was on the final stretch of her spring adventure — hiking and wild camping along the South West Coast Path. With just a week to go to complete the last 50 miles, she shared stories of windswept mornings, sea-view campsites, and the quiet rhythm of walking for days on end.

It really made me pause. I live just minutes from this incredible trail — a path people cross oceans to experience — and yet, like so many of us, I take it for granted, despite visiting its paths every week. She reminded me of what a gift it is to live beside a route that others dream of.

And with the rise in popularity of The Salt Path — first the memoir by Raynor Winn, now a feature film — it feels like the South West Coast Path might finally be getting the recognition it deserves. But the truth is, it’s always been extraordinary.

More Than a Trail

The full path runs 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, winding through rugged cliffs, sleepy harbours, sweeping beaches, and dramatic headlands. That number can sound intimidating — but you don’t have to walk it all to experience its magic.

That’s what makes this trail so special. Whether you’ve got ten minutes or ten days, there’s a stretch that’ll meet you where you’re at.

A Playground, a Breather, a Reset Button

For me, the Coast Path is a reset button. It’s where I go when I need space — from work, from noise, from the everyday juggle of family life. Some days I’m alone with the dog, soaking up the stillness. Other days I’ve got kids in tow, pockets full of snacks, and the temptation of an ice cream keeping little legs motivated.

There’s something about being here — fresh air, big skies, the sound of the sea — that makes everything else feel smaller. Lighter. It’s nature’s version of a deep breath.

And what’s more, it’s accessible. You don’t need fancy boots or a background in hiking. You just need a bit of curiosity and a sense of adventure. There are plenty of entry points with easy terrain, shorter loops, family-friendly walks as well as more arduous traks — there really is something for all and as a bonus, its exceptionally well sign posted.

So, Why Now?

Maybe it’s post-pandemic. Maybe it’s the growing love for UK travel. Or maybe it’s just time. But more and more people seem to be discovering what’s been quietly here all along.

Whether you’re setting off with a rucksack for weeks, or just walking off a pub lunch with a sea view, the South West Coast Path offers something rare — a feeling of being part of the land, not just passing through it

As someone who loves to combine work with play, it would be adream of mine to hike the entire route and perhaps that golden timing is sooner than I think. If you're interested in Presenter led work showcasing our dramatic coastal paths in all their glory, I'd love to take this challenge on, together