- Bristol to Minehead via Taunton
It’s only natural to kick off the top Rail to Trail walks at the very beginning of the South West Coast Path in Minehead. There are various ways of reaching Minehead via public transport, with a simple journey from Exeter or Bristol by train to Taunton in as little as 25 minutes, before boarding the bus from Taunton to Minehead. This is the start of many walkers’ journey on the Coast Path, however it is also simple enough by public transport to explore in a short trip.
Set forth on your Coast Path adventure from Minehead, the gateway to exploring the stunning Exmoor coastline. Climb the winding woodland path out of Minehead to exposed coastal moorland, offering spectacular views of the Glamorgan Coast across the Bristol Channel. For a taste of the Path, why not try a moderate 3.4 mile circular route from Minehead to Greenaleigh Farm.
- Exeter to Barnstaple
Next stop, the high cliffs and cliff railways of North Devon’s dramatic coastline. North Devon offers a variety of treats for the walker. From the stunning cliffs of Hartland Quay, to the rocky delights of the Valley of Rocks and a Victorian cliff railway at Lynton & Lynmouth. The Tarka Line from Exeter takes you through scenic Devon countryside to Barnstaple. From here you can walk the Tarka Trail to Instow passing through the quaint, colourful streets of Appledore, or get a bus to the coast (Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Lynton & Lynmouth). Find details of this walk on our website.
- Par to Newquay
On the Cornish Atlantic Coast, the seaside town of Newquay is home to some of Cornwall’s best beaches and coastal walks. From Newquay station there is a selection of walks with stunning views, coastal wildlife, and fascinating historical features. Step back in time and take in the prehistoric landmarks on the tramway from Newquay to the Pentire; Walk along the cliffs riddled with caves and disused mines towards Trevelgue Head; or listen out for the calls of gulls, curlews, kittiwakes, and terns along the bank of the river Gannel.
The Atlantic Coast Line from Par travels through the scenic Luxulyan Valley and across the Goss Moor to views of the Atlantic Coast in Newquay. Discover sandy beaches, rocky headlands, mudflats, and caves around this surfer’s paradise.
- St Erth to St Ives via Portreath
For a longer walk such as the following, we recommend getting the public transport out of the way at the beginning of your day. Boarding the train from St Erth to St Ives, you will then need to catch a bus to Portreath to begin this walk back to St Ives. The walk is not strenuous but will take up to 8 hours to complete – great for those looking for a challenge! Walking the gentle cliffs from Portreath and the sand dunes of Gwithian and Hayle Towans, this walk passes the iconic Godrevy lighthouse, before making its way along the turquoise waters of Carbis Bay. Upon arrival at St Ives you’ll be deserving a cold drink harbourside at the Sloop Inn. This 17.8 mile walk can be split into two parts, Portreath to Hayle and Hayle to St Ives.
The St Ives Bay Line from St Erth is one of Cornwall’s most scenic train routes, taking in spectacular views of the golden sands of Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay before arriving in St Ives, a vibrant, bustling seaside town with an array of independent shops, cafes and art galleries.
- Plymouth to Penzance
Take a day trip to Penzance, the best-connected town in Cornwall. Visit world-famous beaches and subtropical gardens, the iconic Mount’s Bay and browse the array of quirky, independent shops and galleries. One could easily spend a day getting lost in Penzance, or if you’re feeling more intrepid we recommend a one-way 3.6 mile walk through the quays and docks of Penzance and Newlyn to starry gazy pie country in Mousehole. Catch the bus back to Penzance after a browse through the place Dylan Thomas called ‘the prettiest village in England.’
For a rail excursion from Plymouth book your tickets at Great Western Railway.
- Truro to Falmouth Docks
Once arrived in Falmouth, board a bus to Helford Passage where your 10.3 mile walk from Helford to Falmouth begins. Cross luscious valleys with subtropical gardens, fields and cliff-top paths offering fantastic views across the Fal to St Anthony Lighthouse and Zone Point. Exhilarating views from Pendennis Castle await after passing the Swanpool Nature Reserve. There is much to see in Falmouth including the Killigrew Monument, the red brick chimney known as the King or Queen’s Pipe, which was used to burn confiscated contraband tobacco, and the beautifully restored Arwenack House, the former 14th century manor house of the Killigrew family who were the original town planners of Falmouth.
Book your tickets at Great Western Railway and discover the Maritime Line which travels via Penryn, one of Cornwall’s oldest market towns steeped in history.
- Liskeard to Looe
Featured in the BBC TV series, Beyond Paradise, you may notice filming locations in the charming coastal town of Looe as you stroll along its harbour and winding streets. On this walk from Looe to Portwrinkle, you will see rockpools on the beaches, with remnants of shipwrecks and tales of smugglers, a stroll up through the picturesque fishing village of Polperro to Crumplehorn and a fantastically varied journey of high cliff paths, urban landscapes, shady woodland, passing rocky coves and through wide open fields, resulting in a mixture of easy strolling and some more strenuous walking en route to Portwrinkle. At the end of your 18.4 mile walk, board a return bus from Portwrinkle to Looe. This walk can be split into two parts, Looe, Talland & Polperro and Polperro to Portwrinkle.
Book your tickets at Great Western Railway and discover the Looe Valley Line that takes in the wooded valley and estuary views, and connects to the mainline at Liskeard.
- Gunnislake to Plymouth
Take an urban hike on the Coast Path starting at Sutton Harbour, follow The Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail around the harbour to the historic Barbican where the Pilgrim fathers left for America. This easy walk then passes the Hoe with its great views across Plymouth Sound through to the magnificent Royal William Yard. All along the route are artworks which help bring the past alive.
For a rail excursion from Plymouth book your tickets at Great Western Railway and discover the Tamar Valley Line that takes in the rolling countryside, sleepy villages and tranquil river crossings, with the highlight being the Calstock viaduct and the incredible views of the river 120ft below.
- Exeter to Exmouth
Our penultimate walk takes you on a tour of Exmouth sea-front, the gateway to the famous Jurassic Coast. This 4.4 mile walk starts with a hike through the sand dunes and the Maer Local Nature Reserve and then travels on above a red sandstone/mudstone coastline formed over 250 million years ago in a desert near the Equator. The famous Geoneedle at Orcombe Point provides a fascinating display of the rocks that can be found along the Jurassic Coast.
For a rail excursion from Exeter book your tickets at Great Western Railway and discover the Avocet Line that runs 9.5 miles along the eastern side of Devon’s Exe Estuary from the city of Exeter to the seaside resort of Exmouth and the start of the Jurassic Coast.
- Yeovil to Weymouth
Last but not least, our final destination is Weymouth at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of coastline at the start of the 250 million years of geological history on view along the 90-mile Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Walk along the sea-front promenade in the centre of this bustling seaside town, past the Lodmoor Nature Reserve towards Bowleaze Cove. Gain fantastic cliff-top vistas across the ocean and back towards Weymouth, and wind down with a pub meal and pint at The Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills. Before catching a return bus from Osmington, be sure to explore Osmington Mills, an important geological site where a small waterfall tumbles straight onto the beach. Find details of the walking route from Bowleaze Cove on our website.
For a rail excursion from Yeovil book your tickets at Great Western Railway.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has transport links across the South West, helping people to connect to the outdoors. GWR are also the proud sponsors for sustainable transport for our Every Mile Matters campaign, helping us to protect and enhance our National Trail for future generations.
GWR also sponsored the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition at London Paddington Station this July. We’re excited to bring the exhibition to Plymouth next month as part of Royal William Yard’s Artober events.
Photo: Teignmouth by Rowan Coles-Pope
The South West Coast Path 