Walking the South West Coast Path Twice: One Walker Shares His Story

What inspired you to walk the South West Coast Path, and what made you come back to do it a second time?

"In retirement I enjoy walking & a challenge! Having read The Salt Path and holidayed in Devon & Cornwall as a child, it captured my imagination.

Encounter organised my original trip in 2020, but this was cancelled due to Covid lockdown and rescheduled for 2021. Unfortunately, I was due to begin in April and we again went into lockdown. This was lifted in mid-May, so I picked up my original itinerary in Salcombe and walked the last 13 days to Studland. My wife then picked me up and drove me to Minehead where Encounter had rebooked my first 32 days, so I finished in Salcombe.

As far as doing it again, it always niggled me that I hadn't started at the start and finished at the finish! Hence, five years later I decided to walk again to finish on my 70th Birthday."

Which section of the path was your favourite, and why?

"Tough question as each day brings different highlights. I would say though Hartland Quay to Bude, crossing from North Devon to Cornwall. Although challenging, the coastline & undulations are spectacular."

Was there a particular day or moment that has stayed with you?

"The next day! Bude to Boscastle. Gusting winds of 50mph+ turned into a 9-hour battle where I didn't see a soul. I found out later others had taken the bus."

What did you find most challenging about the walk?

"Sticking to a pint of lager & a large glass of red wine each evening. This only lasted until day 5 when I gave in!"

How did it feel reaching the finish after completing the whole trail?

"Very satisfying & proud... plus a year older."

Is there a favourite place, accommodation or meal that stands out?

"Where I stayed and ate at the same place, I think the Portreath Arms, Portreath. They do everything right for walkers.

Otherwise, I could recommend others, but I would highlight The Imperial, Woolacombe, and South Sands, Salcombe, accommodation-wise. A meal that stands out is Priscilla's in Polperro."

What advice would you give to someone thinking about walking the South West Coast Path?

"Do it! Set your itinerary so that the walk is a challenge but is realistic in terms of daily mileage. Book restaurants ahead of time. You don't want to be wandering around of an evening trying to find somewhere to eat."

Why do you think the South West Coast Path is such a special long-distance trail?

"Every day is spectacularly different. You will take hundreds of photographs. It's well signposted & easy to navigate."

Would you walk it again?

"SWCP if I'm still alive in another five years! No other trails on the list."

His story perfectly captures what makes the South West Coast Path so memorable. Every section offers something different, every day brings a new challenge, and every finish line comes with an incredible sense of achievement. Whether you're planning your first coast path adventure or returning to complete unfinished miles, we hope his experience inspires you to lace up your boots and discover it for yourself.

Contact us by email at info@encounterwalkingholidays.com or Request a quote or our website to find out about planning your own South West Coast Path adventure!