| South West Coast Path |
Article Index for South West |
Website Links For South West Coast Path |
Information AboutSouth West Coast Path |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SOUTH WEST COAST PATH | |
| geography of cornwall | |
| geography of devon | |
| geography of dorset | |
| geography of somerset | |
| long-distance footpaths in the united kingdom | |
| visitor attractions in somerset | |
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]] The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest National Trail . It stretches for 630 miles (1014 km), running from Minehead in Somerset , along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall , to Poole in Dorset . Since it rises and falls with every river mouth, it is also one of the more challenging trails. The path has been a complete National Trail since 1978. HISTORY OF THE PATH The path originated as a route for the Coastguard to walk from Lighthouse to lighthouse patrolling for Smugglers . As a result, the path closely hugs the coast providing excellent views but rarely the most direct path between two points. Britain has unique right-of-way laws that keep historic foot paths open to the public even when they pass through private property. The South West Coast Path is no longer used by the Coastguard but it has been transformed from a practical defence system into a resource for recreation walkers. Sections of the path are maintained by the National Trust . COAST ALONG In 2005 2007 . SPECIAL LANDSCAPES Many of the landscapes which the South West Coast Path crosses have special status, either as a National Park or one of the Heritage Coast s:
, North Cornwall , site of Iron Age cliff fortifications.]]
PLACES OF INTEREST In order from Minehead to Poole Harbour Somerset and North Devon
North Cornwall From Bude to Land's End
South Cornwall
South Devon
Dorset
TOWNS AND VILLAGES In order from Minehead to Poole Harbour Somerset and North Devon North Cornwall South Cornwall South Devon Dorset INTERSECTING PATHS A route covering such a wide area inevitably intersects with other, more local, routes.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT ]] Using public transport for at least part of their journey means that walkers can plan walks which start and finish at different places, rather than have to circle back to their start point to collect their cars. give options for both short walks — such as Dawlish to Paignton — or for longer walks over several days. Most towns and villages along the South West Coast Path have bus services, although some of these may not be very frequent. Long distance bus services connect some coastal towns with railway stations:
REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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