Introducing Barney Munn, who is kindly volunteering at the Association in the communications team. Barney will be writing inspiring articles to encourage others to step out on the Coast Path as he shares his favourite places along the Trail as he walks to fulfil his ambition of completing the entire 630 miles of South West Coast Path – welcome Barney!
When you think of Summer, what comes to mind? Vibrant green hedgerows bursting with life, dipping your toes in the cool sea, long balmy days capped off with a cold pint while the sun sets? If this is your vision of a perfect Summer’s day, the South West Coast Path will make it a reality.
There’s nothing I find more blissful and healing than spending a bright Summer’s day on the Coast Path, with thriving wildlife and stunning views around every corner. Everyone you meet is in a good mood and happy to chat, while the sea is always a stone’s throw away for a much-needed cool-off. Let’s not forget the moment when you arrive at your destination for an ice-cold drink, a hearty meal and a place to rest your legs.
Whether you’re planning a gentle stroll on the weekend or a longer adventure, you’re sure to enjoy soaking up the positive vibes on these four summer walks.
Branscombe to Beer, East Devon
I think of this walk as the jewel in East Devon’s crown. The Branscombe to Beer path provides breathtaking views, varied landscapes and a fairly good workout, all within the space of five miles.
For me, two highlights are the cave at Hooken, which brave walkers can access with a rope for assistance, and the view over the chalk pinnacles and wooded chasm at Hooken Undercliff. This scene always takes my breath away, seeming like something from the other side of the world rather than a sleepy corner of East Devon.
This walk can be finished in a couple of hours or spread across a whole day, with bags of extra things to see and do along the route. The beach at Branscombe is popular for swimming, fishing and just chilling out, but doesn’t get overwhelmed, even in the height of Summer, thanks to its tucked-away location. At the other end, Beer is a picture-perfect seaside village with boat hire, the famous Beer Quarry Caves, and plenty of food and drink outlets for the hungry hiker.
This walk can be done as a short circuit (this one starts in Beer) or as part of the longer Sidmouth to Seaton walk.
Valley of the Rocks, North Devon
Regardless of the time of year, the Valley of the Rocks is possibly my favourite section of South West Coast Path. It may be because I was dragged here hundreds of times as a child, or because of my love for North Devon, but there’s no denying the wow factor of this stretch of path. With some of the South West’s most impressive geological features and far-reaching views of Wales, I will always think of this walk as underrated, no matter how viral it goes.
This walk has too many highlights for me to list them all, but here are just a few:
- Scrambling up Castle Rock for panoramic views and an on-top-of-the-world feeling at the peak
- Observing the goats navigate cliffs and, on occasion, lock horns (from a safe distance)
- Cooling off in the shaded garden while tucking into a cream tea at Mother Meldrum’s
- Watching the cricket with a one-of-a-kind backdrop
- Exploring all Lynton and Lynmouth have to offer, including the famous Cliff Railway
There are several walks which incorporate the Valley of the Rocks, including a very doable short circuit. If you fancy more of a challenge, I’d recommend the walk from Lynton to Combe Martin. The Valley of the Rocks is quite early in this route, perfect for an early picnic breakfast, looking out to sea on a dewy Summer’s morning.
Sennen Cove to Lamorna, West Cornwall
A relatively short but strenuous walk, my partner and I did this in the height of Summer 2020. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t sweaty moments with a 10kg pack on, but bountiful wildlife, sun-soaked views and an ice-cold IPA at the end made it a perfect Summer walk.
My favourite aspect of this route is the dramatic cliff views that meet you after Land’s End; this really is Cornish scenery at its best. It’s difficult to convey with words just how rugged and gnarly these cliffs are, so I highly recommend seeing them for yourself. Make sure to keep your wits about you though, along with a good pair of walking boots, as there are some sheer drops which aren’t for the faint-hearted.
The Minack Theatre is another point of interest, sticking out of the rock like something out of a fairytale. Walking past and observing was exciting enough for us, but catching a play here would make an excellent stop-off along your journey. Just past the Minack Theatre are Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder beaches, giving picture-perfect views from the cliffs and an ideal opportunity to cool off in the sea.
Pedn Vounder Beach by George Harwood
There’s also a great place to stay the night in Treen Farm Campsite – we stopped off here to find cold beers and a tent pitch with views of the Atlantic.
Woolacombe to Croyde Via Baggy Point
If you’re looking for sun, sand and spectacular views, this walk is perfect. Any self-respecting beach lover knows all about the Blue Flag bays of Woolacombe and Croyde. With long stretches of golden sand, perfect surfing and a sprinkle of beach-life culture, these bays are unmatched.
The walk to Baggy Point is a bit of a hike, but the exceptional wildflowers, birdlife and geology make it all worthwhile. The point delivers far-reaching views of Lundy, Bideford Bay and Hartland, providing the ideal backdrop for a picnic lunch or coffee break.
We did this walk recently with friends, trekking from Woolacombe, to the end of the point and around into Croyde.
We enjoyed a few refreshments in Croyde’s surprising number of pubs, before cutting back across the point to Woolacombe.
A real highlight for me on the day was seeing an adder sunning itself above Woolacombe Beach, which my friends took great delight in directing cars around.
If you fancy a quicker walk as part of your beach day, take a look at this short loop, or if you’re up for more of a mission, I’d recommend the 15-mile Woolacombe to Braunton walk.
About me
I’m Barney, a 24-year-old walking addict who’s delighted to be a new communications volunteer for the South West Coast Path Association.
I’ve always been an avid walker and lover of the Coast Path, but have recently found a specific love for long-distance walking. Although I appreciate a leisurely trundle broken up by a pub lunch, I’m happiest on day-long walks that really give me a sense of mystery and adventure. Another interest of mine is prehistory, meaning any walk with standing stones, hillforts or dolmens has a firm place in my heart.
Despite the countless show-stopping things to see along the Coast Path, my favourite part is the peace and meditation I feel when walking it. There’s nothing that makes me forget all my troubles like stomping along trails, engulfed in nature, with nothing to do but think. The sense of journey and achievement I get from completing long walks also gives me a huge dopamine hit, which I’ve found myself thoroughly addicted to.
Although I’ve walked plenty of the coast path before, my partner, Mary, and I are currently working through the whole route in order, using any long weekends or free weeks available. We started in Minehead and have now reached Bude, with a week’s walk to Perranporth next on the agenda. Keep tuned for more of that in my blogs to come.
The South West Coast Path 