The South West Coast path is the longest National Trail in the country and was voted No.1 trail in the country by the Country Walking magazine in 2007. At over 630 miles it runs around the south west peninsula from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, covering the complete coastal boundaries of Devon and Cornwall.

The trail was based on  a  footpath established by the Coastguards to patrol the coast watching for smugglers up until 1913. Coastguard cottages were erected along the way at various intervals, some of which can still be seen.

The West Somerset section runs from Minehead to the Devon border and is a truly beautiful but demanding route with high cliffs, moorland and woods with plenty of steep contours. Continuing onto Lynmouth is particularly rewarding.

For more information :  www.soutwestcoastpath.com