4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 9 nights in hotels, B&Bs, inns and guesthouses
Meals
  • 9 Breakfasts

10 Days£1210GBP

Overview

Trip Code: WPS

Westward Ho! to Padstow Trip highlights


  • Walk 80 miles from Westward Ho! to Padstow on "The Salt Path"
  • Explore magical Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur
  • Enjoy sublime views from many headlands, notably Hartland Point
  • Visit the charming seaside towns of Port Isaac, Padstow & Westward Ho!
  • Wander the Cobbled streets of the car-free fishing village of Clovelly
  • Finish in Padstow, home to Rick Stein's award-winning restuarant

This 80-mile (129 km) route is generally considered the second stage of the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest National Trail. Running from Westward Ho! in North Devon to Padstow in North Cornwall, this 10-day self-guided walking holiday showcases some of the most rugged and rewarding terrain along the trail. Ideal for keen hikers, this stretch features a continuous series of climbs and descents along remote coastal headlands, dramatic sea cliffs, and deeply carved valleys shaped by the Atlantic Ocean. Walkers will pass key highlights such as Hartland Point, the unique cobbled village of Clovelly, the historic harbour at Boscastle, and the legendary Tintagel Castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich coastal wildlife—from seals and dolphins to seabird colonies and springtime puffins. Quiet coves and working fishing villages offer scenic stops and the chance to enjoy locally caught seafood and traditional Cornish fare. Ending in Padstow, with its ferry connection across the Camel Estuary and renowned food scene, this section of the South West Coast Path is a top choice for those seeking a challenging but unforgettable coastal walking holiday in the UK.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Westward Ho!

Finishing Point:

Padstow


Arrive in Westward Ho!, a unique seaside town in North Devon famously named after Charles Kingsley’s Victorian novel Westward Ho!—the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name. The town developed during the 19th century boom in coastal tourism and remains popular. Its long pebble ridge, wide sandy beach, and consistent surf make it a favourite with swimmers and surfers alike. Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood, or explore nearby Northam Burrows Country Park. Westward Ho! is easily reached by bus or taxi from Barnstaple or Bideford, both of which have connections to the national rail network via Exeter or Tiverton. Accommodation: We offer a carefully chosen selection of welcoming B&Bs, guesthouses, and inns within easy reach of the South West Coast Path.

Meals:  Nil

This stage of the South West Coast Path begins with a gentle start along Northam Burrows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its saltmarsh, grazing ponies, and birdlife. From Appledore, the trail begins to undulate more seriously as you head past Buck’s Mills and Peppercombe, where steep wooded valleys—known locally as ‘combes’—cut deep into the coastline. As the path contours above the coast, you eventually descend into Clovelly, a uniquely preserved, traffic-free fishing village clinging to the cliffs. Known for its cobbled high street, donkeys, and sledge-based deliveries, Clovelly has a long history of fishing, smuggling, and shipwrecks. It also inspired Charles Kingsley’s The Water-Babies and has featured in adaptations of Treasure Island and other period dramas. Accommodation: A beautiful cottage on Clovelly’s high street dating from the 14 century (1361) and is still traditionally heated by a solid fuel Aga and wood burners. the front garden is an award winning garden of camellias, roses and various flowers.

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is challenging yet rewarding, traversing the rugged landscapes of the Hartland Peninsula with steep ascents and descents to the sea and up to clifftops. Beginning in ancient woodland, the trail leads you across patchwork fields and open clifftops with panoramic views. As you approach Hartland Point, a dramatic headland jutting into the Atlantic, you’ll catch sight of Lundy Island on the horizon. Beyond Hartland Point, the scenery changes abruptly—wooded valleys give way to exposed cliffs and a raw, elemental coastline. This is a place shaped by the full force of the sea. The route follows rocky paths above crashing waves, past cascading coastal waterfalls and wind-swept wildflowers. Gulls wheel overhead as you arrive at Hartland Quay, where the spectacularly folded cliffs reveal millions of years of geological history. At low tide, explore the rock pools, flat ledges, and remnants of the original quay structure. Hartland Quay dates back to the late 1500s, when it served as a working harbour for trade across the Bristol Channel—importing coal and lime and exporting local grain. After falling into disrepair in the 19th century, the remaining quayside buildings were transformed into a hotel and pub, offering shelter and sea views in one of the wildest settings on the Devon coast. Accommodation: The Quayside buildings were converted into a hotel and pub at the end of the 19th Century and now has a series of modern rooms in an old-style setting.

Meals:  B

Today is another demanding but rewarding section of the trail with sustained climbs and descents through one of the most remote and rugged stretches. You’ll pass Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall, the tallest on the SWCP. Though commonly referred to as 15 metres high, the full cascade actually drops 48 metres in three tiers, set in a dramatic hanging valley flanked by sheer cliffs and flower-rich grassland. Watch for seabirds nesting on the cliffs and listen to the roar of the Atlantic as it crashes below. Shortly after, you cross the Devon–Cornwall border and continue on to Morwenstow, a peaceful village with a dark maritime history. Just inland, the village was once a centre for shipwreck rescues, often involving its most famous resident: the poet-priest Rev. Robert Stephen Hawker, writer of Cornwall’s anthem Trelawny and reviver of the Harvest Festival tradition. Visit Hawker’s Hut, the smallest National Trust property, perched on the cliff’s edge with sweeping sea views. Accommodation: a 13th century country pub, riddled with history and intrigue, cosy ensuite rooms. In the Summer, enjoy the outdoor seating in the beer garden with beautiful sea views. Good pub food served.

Meals:  B

This section of the South West Coast Path offers expansive sea views and rugged terrain, especially around Higher Sharpnose Point and Steeple Point, where the narrow clifftop paths provide a thrilling vantage over the Atlantic. The rocky shoreline here was once feared by sailors—over 150 shipwrecks occurred between Morwenstow and Bude, the result of hidden reefs and powerful swells. The route passes waterfalls plunging into secret coves, winds through wooded combes, and gradually softens as you descend into Bude, walking above its broad beach. Bude became a popular Victorian seaside resort, renowned for its golden, shell-rich sands. In the 19th century, sand from the beach was transported inland via the Bude Canal, a six-mile stretch engineered to enrich local farmland. Today, the canal and beach remain key features of this charming North Cornwall coastal town. Accommodation: A B&B close to the seafront.

Meals:  B

The day begins with gentle walking along grassy cliff paths behind the beaches between Bude and Widemouth Bay, offering a false sense of ease. Beyond Widemouth, the South West Coast Path becomes more demanding, winding through steep, rugged terrain and plunging into dramatic valleys. One of the most notable is Scrade Valley—one of the deepest and steepest on the Cornish stretch of the trail. High cliffs offer panoramic views over the Atlantic, with the ever-present roar of the sea below. The path here is narrow and uneven, with exposed sections where erosion and strong winds make for exhilarating, if careful, walking. Eventually, the dramatic silhouette of Tintagel Castle comes into view in the distance. Linked to the legend of King Arthur, Tintagel is steeped in myth and mystery. The 13th-century castle was built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, but the site has much earlier associations, possibly as a Dark Age stronghold. You finish in the quiet cove of Crackington Haven, backed by spectacular folded cliffs that belong to the Crackington Formation—a geologically significant band of Carboniferous shales and sandstone. Once a slate quarrying site, the village now offers a peaceful rest stop with tea rooms and the Coombe Barton Inn, a pub housed in the former home of the quarry manager. Accommodation: A small pub hotel right on the seafront, relax with good food and Cornish keg real ales. There is a traditional menu, sourcing the local, freshest ingredients and there are superb views across the bay or in the glorious summer months outside on the raised decking overlooking the beach. All guestrooms include coffee/tea makers, private bathroom and TV.

Meals:  B

Today’s route offers some of the most dramatic geology on the South West Coast Path, with towering cliffs, deep valleys, and spectacular views over the Atlantic. Expect a series of steep climbs and descents, including a hike up to High Cliff—Cornwall’s highest sea cliff at 223 metres. Look out for peregrine falcons, Soay sheep, and feral goats, whose grazing encourages a rich variety of coastal wildflowers. You’ll also pass the Pentargon Waterfall, which plunges from a hanging valley onto the rocks below. A highlight of the day is the descent into Boscastle, a picturesque fishing village tucked into a narrow, steep-sided inlet with an ancient harbour barely visible from the sea. Further along the trail lies Tintagel, steeped in both legend and archaeology. Known as the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, the clifftop castle site has yielded more imported post-Roman pottery than anywhere else in Britain, suggesting it was once a place of great significance. The ruins seen today mostly date to the 13th century, but the headland was once a Roman settlement and a Celtic stronghold. Accommodation: A guesthouse near Tintagel Castle.

Meals:  B

After a relatively gentle start from Tintagel, the walk soon becomes a more strenuous trek toward Port Isaac. The section between Trebarwith Strand and Port Isaac involves steep descents into lush valleys followed by tough climbs back up to the clifftops. This part of the trail is set within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), once a hub for slate mining, fishing, and processing. As you approach Port Isaac, you'll be greeted by its picturesque winding streets, which have long drawn visitors, particularly after the popularity of the BBC Doc Martin TV series. The name 'Port Isaac' originates from the Cornish "Porthysek," meaning "corn port," reflecting its early trade in grain. However, the village truly flourished during the Tudor period when pilchard fishing became a vital industry for the local economy. Accommodation: An inn dating to 1527, once a a smugglers' hideaway and a ships chandlery, today it operates as a harbourside café located on an amazing outdoor terrace overlooking the port and a Bar & Restaurant.

Meals:  B

This challenging yet rewarding section marks the final stretch of your Cornish walking adventure. Begin with spectacular views from Lobber Point, where you can look back over Port Isaac, with Tintagel Church and Castle in the distance. You'll pass the inlet of Pine Haven and the historic promontory of The Rumps, before reaching Portquin, a village with a haunting history. Known as "the village that died," it was abandoned after a tragic event in the 19th century, when all the men were lost at sea during a fishing expedition. The walk continues with tough climbs and descents, particularly through small valleys and exposed headlands. After reaching Polzeath, the terrain eases, and you can enjoy a gentler walk before taking the ferry into Padstow. This charming fishing town, famous for Rick Stein’s renowned seafood restaurant, sits at the mouth of a bay guarded by the perilous "Doombar" sandbar, notorious for shipwrecks at certain tides. Accommodation: A historic guesthouse close to the harbour.

Meals:  B

Depart Padstow after breakfast. To travel from Padstow to other parts of the UK by bus or train, take a local bus to Bodmin Parkway Station, about 25 minutes away, where you can catch trains to major cities like London, Exeter, and Plymouth. Alternatively, buses from Padstow connect to nearby towns such as Newquay and Truro, where you can access National Express coaches for long-distance travel to destinations across the UK. Speak to a member of our team if you'd like to extend your stay in this foodie Cornish town.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 9 nights accommodation in guesthouses and inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg.
  • Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunch, dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Excess luggage
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation


Trail Surface


Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

This trip is grated Moderate to Challenging, Days range from 11 to 19km/7 to 12 miles. There are some long days over a sustained 10 day period, and there are some tough ascents and descents. The coastal path is hilly as it descends to beaches and low-lying coastal areas and then ascends to clifftops and headlands with many ascents and descents each day. There will be some walking on sandy beaches. The underfoot conditions can be rugged and rough underfoot, and there can some short sections of very easy scrambling. The route is generally well waymarked. After rain, the trails can become muddy and slippery so care should be taken. Good boots with ankle support are essential, trekking poles are strongly recommended and you should have a good level of fitness and be accustomed to walking on hilly trails for consecutive days.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 18 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High Season is from 1 May - 30 Sep. A supplement applies for high season departures.
DN2
This section of the SWCP is preceded by trip WMH and can be followed by trip WCN or WNS.

Priceper person from

£1210GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£670
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£720
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Since the release of the book by Raynor Winn's titled "The Salt Path", many have come to know the South West Coast Path as “The Salt Path,” although the official name remains as the South West Coast Path. Raynor Winn's book is a 2018 memoir that chronicles the transformative journey she and her husband, Moth, undertook along the 630-mile South West Coast Path in England. After losing their home and livelihood due to a failed investment and legal complications, and facing Moth's diagnosis with a terminal illness, the couple embarks on this challenging trek with minimal resources. Their journey becomes one of resilience and healing, as they confront the physical demands of the trail and the emotional toll of their circumstances. The memoir has been praised for its honest portrayal of adversity and the restorative power of nature, earning accolades such as the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and inspiring a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs released in 2025.

The hike from Westward Ho! to Padstow is the second section of the South West Coast Path. This stage offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes, rich history, and quieter, less touristy areas compared to other parts of the SWCP route. This stretch combines easier walks along beaches with more challenging climbs and dramatic cliff views, particularly around Hartland Point and Trevose Head. Hikers will also experience the historic charm of villages like Clovelly, Port Isaac, and Tintagel, with ties to smuggling, the Arthurian legend, and fishing traditions. Unlike busier sections, this route provides a more remote, immersive experience of Cornwall’s natural and cultural heritage.

Padstow is home to Rick Stein’s renowned seafood empire, including his flagship seafood restaurant, as well as other eateries like the Seafood Restaurant, Café, and Fish & Chips. You’ll also find plenty of smaller, independent restaurants with excellent local dishes.

A Cornish pasty is a traditional British pastry originating from Cornwall. It consists of a thick, folded pastry crust filled with a mixture of beef, potato, swede (rutabaga), and onion, seasoned with salt and pepper. The ingredients are encased in the pastry and baked until golden and crispy. Historically, Cornish pasties were made as a portable meal for miners, with the crust acting as a handle to hold while eating. Today, it's a beloved snack or meal, often enjoyed hot or cold.

Westward Ho!, Bude, Port Isaac and Padstow are all great places to add extra nights and spend a rest day. Talk to a member of our team if you'd like to add additional nights to break up your journey, or to spend longer at the beginning or the end in Westward Ho! and Padstow.

There are some lovely beaches on this walk especially at the start and it would be a shame to miss out on swimming where you feel like it. Be aware of local conditions though such as tides, rocks etc, and any red flags.


Westward Ho! to Padstow Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Westward Ho! to Padstow Videos

South West Coast Path