Running the South West Coast Path
Six hundred and thirty miles, and more total climbing than you would get running the length of the Alps. The coast path is the hardest easy running in Britain.
Nothing about the South West Coast Path is flat. Every valley meets the sea in a steep-sided combe, and the path drops into and climbs out of every single one. Runners consistently underestimate it, because the map shows a coastline rather than a mountain.
Run in sections, though, it is one of the great trail running experiences in Europe: waymarked the whole way, never far from a village, and spectacular for hours at a time.
At a glance
| Full length | Approximately 1,014 km (630 miles), Minehead to Poole Harbour |
| Typical runner's day | 25–35 km, with 800–1,400 m of ascent |
| Terrain | Coast path singletrack, steps, cliff-top grass, some beach and road links |
| Best season | May to October; winter brings wind and eroded, slippery cliff sections |
| Navigation | Waymarked throughout — the sea stays on one side |
| Guided | Section trips of two to six days, quoted against dates and group size — request a quote |
The best sections for runners
| Route | Distance & ascent | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| Minehead to Lynmouth | ~55 km over 2 days | Exmoor meeting the sea; big, wooded, surprisingly steep |
| St Ives to Land's End | ~40 km over 2 days | The most technical and the most spectacular. Slow going, worth it |
| Lizard to Falmouth | ~55 km over 2 days | Coves, sub-tropical valleys, gentler climbing |
| Salcombe to Plymouth | ~60 km over 2–3 days | Rolling south Devon cliffs with ferry crossings |
| Studland to Weymouth | ~50 km over 2 days | Jurassic coast, chalk cliffs, the firmest running on the path |
Why the ascent catches people out
The path crosses every combe on the coast, which means a short steep descent and an equally short steep climb every few kilometres, repeated all day. A 30 km coast path day can carry more ascent than a 30 km day in the Lake District, and it arrives in fifty small doses rather than three big ones.
Plan on pace being 20–30% slower than your usual trail pace, and expect step sections where running is not an option.
How we run it as a guided trip
We run coast path sections as multi-day guided trips of two to six days: a guide with you each day, luggage moved between accommodation, daily distances set to your ability, and route choices adjusted for wind and cliff conditions. Point-to-point, so you finish somewhere different each night.
- A guide on every run, with route planning and navigation
- Pace grouping, so nobody is dropped and nobody is held back
- Safety kit carried by the guide, plus first-aid cover
- A personalised kit list before you travel
- Technique and pacing coaching on trail, at no extra cost
- Accommodation and transfers bundled in if you want them
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to run the South West Coast Path?
Runners covering the full 1,014 km typically take four to six weeks. Most people run it in sections of two to six days instead.
What is the best section of the South West Coast Path to run?
St Ives to Land's End for drama and technical ground, Studland to Weymouth for the firmest and fastest running, Minehead to Lynmouth for big wooded climbs.
How much climbing is there on the coast path?
A typical 30 km day carries 800–1,400 m of ascent, arriving as constant short steep climbs in and out of every combe.
Do you guide South West Coast Path running trips?
Yes — section trips of two to six days with a guide, luggage transfer and accommodation arranged. Tell us your dates and the section you want.
Where to go next
- Long distance trail running
- Trail running in Cornwall
- Dartmoor running routes
- Trail running weekend breaks
Ready to run?
Tell us your dates, your rough weekly mileage and where you'd like to run. We'll come back with the routes we'd recommend, availability and a price.