Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Planning
Few people tackle the whole trail in one go; leave around eight weeks (56 consecutive
walking days) if you do. Many return to cover different sections year-on-year, with some
stretches providing testing, exhilarating days or weeks. The trail's official website
(
www.southwestcoastpath.com
)
has an excellent overview, and a distance calculator. It
also profiles day walks. The South West Coast Path Association (
www.swcpa.co.uk
)
pro-
duces the
South West Coast Path Guide
(£10), which details the route, transport and on-
trail accommodation.
Safety
Some sections of the path pose dangers ranging from live firing by the military to cliff
falls. The trail website details any affected sections; on the ground, observe warning signs.
Check locally before attempting to wade across rivers; it can be fatal. You'll also need to
carry water, a hat and weather-proof clothing.
Practicalities
The path can be walked all year but it's at its best from April to September, although in
July and August beds and tranquillity are at a premium. In winter, conditions are often
very wet and muddy with severe gales. Way marking is in the form of acorn symbols. So-
metimes they're missing and crossing cities, towns and large villages can be complicated.
Carrying OS maps is a good idea.
Accommodation ranges from five star to seaside-chic and old-fashioned B&B; many
hikers opt for youth hostels to keep costs down. The walking itself, in all its inspirational,
exhausting glory, is absolutely free.
Dartmoor National Park
The 368 sq miles of Dartmoor are the emptiest, highest and wildest in southern England.
Rounded hills, or tors, pepper a rolling, primitive landscape. Hiking here takes in stone
circles and rows, burial mounds and massive Bronze Age settlements; you'll also en-
counter free-roaming Dartmoor ponies, sheep and cows.
The DNPA can advise on day hikes and runs a program of guided walks themed around
history, legends and geology. They cost £4 for adults (free for children); details are online
(
www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
)
and in the free
Enjoy Dartmoor
visitor guide.
