The UK offers plenty of amazing places to hike and walk, from the flat fenlands in the South East of the country to the Highlands of Scotland in the North. One of the most stunning hiking trails is found in the South West, in the counties of Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall. The South West coast path offers over 600 miles of incredible trails, with the sea almost always in sight. Check out these three reasons to visit this incredible path.
Spot Some Marine Life
With species including dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks making a comeback in UK waters, hiking sections of the coast path is a great way to potentially spot some marine life. Spring and autumn are particularly good times to visit, as this is when several species are migrating or breeding.
Enjoy An Active Break
Sections of the South West coast path are incredibly steep and offer plenty of ascents and descents. If you’re somebody who enjoys a certain amount of exercise and activity during a break, then this trail is a great option for you. Particularly steep sections are found around the north coast of Cornwall near the village of Boscastle, and around the southern Devon coast near the town of Salcombe.
Appreciate Stunning Views
Whether or not you’re blessed with blue skies and sunshine, the South West coast path offers some of the best views in Britain. There are plenty of wild, secluded rocky coves to enjoy exploring, as well as long stretches of sandy beaches. Combining swimming with hiking is always an option, although you will need to be aware that for the majority of coast path beaches, there is no lifeguard service in action.