There’s something about walking along the edge of a country that brings clarity, with the sea waving at you from one side and the ancient landscapes supporting you on the other. This June, I had the absolute joy of guiding more small groups along one of the most breathtaking stretches of the UK: the South West Coast Path. It’s a place rich with stories, steeped in legend, and carved by time. But more than anything, it’s a place that mirrors life and its highs and lows, unexpected turns, and quiet moments of wonder.
A trail of truly epic proportions
The South West Coast Path runs for over 1,035 kilometres, wrapping around the far southwestern edge of England. If you were to walk the whole thing, you’d climb the equivalent of four Mount Everests — about 35,000 feet of elevation! But don’t let that scare you off. This trail is as forgiving as it is dramatic, allowing for both gentle rambles and more challenging climbs, depending on how you take it.
At Take Shape Adventures, we offer a brilliant highlight tour of this iconic trail, designed to give you the best features like castle ruins, medieval villages, and white sand beaches, all while travelling with like-minded adventurers. Even getting off the trail is exciting when you’re staying in character-filled accommodation from something as cosy and authentic as a local pub to something as grand as a castle.
Tintagel, smugglers, and King Arthur’s coastline
This year’s tour began in Cornwall, and true to form, it did not disappoint. One of my favourite spots is Tintagel, long associated with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Walking across the dramatic footbridge that connects Tintagel Castle to the mainland feels like stepping into myth. Nearby, windswept coves once sheltered smugglers and pirates, and the trail still holds whispers of those secret histories.
Everywhere you look is cinematic. It’s no surprise that the popularity of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn (and now the movie adaptation) has increased foot traffic on some parts of the trail. But even still, this is a place where you can walk for hours and not see another soul. Just you, the sea, and your thoughts.
Instagrammable trails vs. the reality of adventure
It’s funny how social media shapes our travel dreams these days. Some trails gain cult-like status because of one viral reel or glossy photo. But the South West Coast Path remains, in many ways, a hidden gem. And I kind of love that. Because what we do here isn’t about ticking off a list of adventures given to us by a perky influencer, it’s about sinking into the rhythm of walking, sharing stories, pausing to take it all in, and letting nature do its work.
The joy of small group travel
Our tours are deliberately intimate. Small groups allow for deeper connections both with each other and the place we’re exploring. You get to travel at your own pace, talk to the people you’re with, and dart off to hidden spots or take a detour without the pressure of a big crowd. Some of the best moments aren’t even the grand vistas, they’re the shared laughs in a pub over a cider, the silent pause when you first see the ocean at sunrise, or the conversations sparked by the ancient stories held in the stones.
For me, there’s something deeply personal about this tour. I grew up holidaying in this region with my family. Now I get to share that history, that love, and even those old stories, with new people — and often with my dad, who comes along as our driver and storyteller. There’s something profoundly grounding about that. It’s one of those full-circle moments that remind you what really matters.
Walk your way to wellbeing
Walking holidays like this give you much more than a scenic adventure with pretty views to look at. They provide us with a wellbeing tool for the body, mind, and spirit alike. Physical movement, daily fresh air, and real human connection are cornerstones of well-being. Whether you’re going through a transition, feeling stuck, or simply need a break from the busyness of life, this kind of travel gives you space to breathe, reflect, and reset.
Here are some highlights of the South West Coast Path you might not know about
St Ives: A postcard-perfect fishing village, with narrow laneways, white sand beaches, and one of the most striking coastlines in Cornwall. It’s a place where time slows down.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: This is on the Jurassic Coast, just beyond the official path but often included in our routes. These iconic geological formations tell a 185-million-year-old story, providing a natural history lesson along with an excellent hike.
The Rock Garden: Between Boscastle and Tintage, this is one of my personal favourite sections, being raw, rugged, and utterly awe-inspiring.
Ready to walk with us?
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the challenge, or just the idea of a meaningful holiday that isn’t rushed or artificial, the South West Coast Path delivers. Our highlight tour gives you the best parts of the trail in a supportive, social, and truly memorable format. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, set your sights on the full trail. It’s the kind of life challenge that changes you.
If you haven’t read The Salt Path, do yourself a favour. It’s a beautiful, raw, honest book about resilience and reconnection, themes that you will recognise if you embark on this journey. And if you’re ready to walk a path that’s not just scenic, but soulful, join us. The trail is waiting. You can find out about our South West Coast Path Adventure Tour HERE.
