Walking is one of the best activities if you are seeking some outdoor fun and adventure without having to push your physical limits. For years, the UK has remained one of the best countries in the world for those who love to walk and appreciate the landscape, heritage structures and sites and find an opportunity to connect with the locals.
South West England remains one of the best regions in the UK for enjoying a walk with your family, friends, your partner or even solo trips. It allows you to disconnect from the technology that surrounds you and embrace the outside world.
Also, these walking holidays offer a great way to bond with your family, spend quality time with your partner, or contemplate silently and soak in the beauty of the natural world.
If you’re looking for curated routes, Mickledore offers self-guided walking holidays in the UK that suit all walkers to explore the South West at their pace and preference. However, it is always a good thing to know more about various walking paths that you can choose for your next walking adventure.
Best Long-Distance Walking Routes in South West England
South Hams Way
If you are looking for a long-distance walking route in South West England, the South Hams Way seems like a great choice. This path offers you a great way to explore South Devon and enjoy its natural landscapes and beauty. The path begins and ends in the market town of Totnes, offering walkers the opportunity to walk through the rolling countryside and picturesque estuaries.
This 102-mile-long circuit route allows walkers to head up the Avon Dam Reservoir path. This is where walkers get to enjoy some panoramic views before climbing down into nearby wooded valleys. The good thing about this path is that the landscape is quite diverse and walkers can get a mix of coastal views, peaceful villages and even open farmlands.
However, some sections of the path can be challenging, and therefore it is ideal for intermediate walkers looking for an adventurous multi-day countryside trail. When you are done with your trail, you can focus on things to do in Totnes to make the most of your walking trip.
Cotswold Round
If you are looking for walking holidays that are simpler and fun, Cotswold Round is the route you should choose. This circular route is less crowded than the Cotswold Way and offers you an opportunity to pass through gorgeous stone villages and quintessential English countryside landscapes.
The walk begins and ends at Cheltenham, but it goes through plenty of picturesque villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden, and Winchcombe.
While walkers get to walk through the timeless charm of the Cotswolds, they also get to witness rolling hills, woodlands and picturesque countryside. The route also covers various historic churches and open farmlands where walkers can explore local birds and butterflies.
Spanning just 59 miles, this circuit route is ideal for first-time walkers, nature lovers, photographers and those looking for an immersive walking experience.
Cotswold Way
Cotswold Way remains one of the most celebrated National Trails, making it a great choice for those who want to explore a path well-trodden. This path is marked, and therefore it makes it easier for first-time walkers and even families looking for an outdoor walking adventure.
However, unlike the Cotswold Round, this one spans 100 miles and starts from the mediaeval town of Chipping Campden and ends in Bath.
This route passes through honey-coloured limestone villages, rolling hills, historic market towns and meadows filled with flowers. With its stunning natural beauty and historic sites, this route offers a great experience for anyone who enjoys scenic countryside, rich heritage and much more.
Dotted with cosy inns, cafés and shopping places, Cotswold Way is ideal for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, photographers and even architecture enthusiasts who want more than just a walk outdoors. Walkers can explore Roman Baths when they end their walk in Bath, which is a great way to witness one of the best historic sights in England.
One of the best parts of a multi-day walking holiday is discovering local food along the way. Many towns and villages feature independent cafés, markets, and food stalls serving freshly prepared regional dishes, homemade pastries, artisan cheeses, and seasonal treats.
Taking a break at a local food stop not only helps walkers recharge but also offers a chance to experience the area’s culinary culture and support small local businesses.
Two Moors Way
Two Moors Way offers a great experience for walkers who want a blend of wildlife and natural beauty. Spanning 117 miles from Wembury to Lynmouth, this path allows walkers to explore two national parks in a single trek. The path bridges Dartmoor and Exmoor, where walkers can pass through granite tors, ancient oak woodlands and steep coastal sea cliffs.
This is also not quite crowded, and therefore walkers looking for a less-crowded route can pick this one.
However, certain sections of the route can be challenging, especially around the moors, which does create a sense of adventure but also requires some preparation and physical stamina. The path is also ideal for those who love nature as they can observe and discover plants and wildlife that thrive here.
Apart from wildlife and natural landscapes, Two Moors Way is also dotted with Bronze Age stone circles, historic country inns and ancient sunken lakes. This makes this path ideal for hikers seeking solitude and intermediate long-distance walkers.
South West Coast Path: Dorset
Following the spectacular Jurassic Coast, the South West Coast Path Dorset section is a great option for those looking for a coastal route with panoramic ocean views. The path begins in Lyme Regis and ends in Poole, offering walkers the right walking experience.
Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. This enhances the coastal scenery and adds another dimension to the overall landscape.
The path passes through some of the most iconic landmarks like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Chesil Beach. This offers a combination of charming seaside towns, fishing villages and secluded coves.
If you are exploring Dorset, this section of the South West Coast Path is ideal for those who are interested in geology, love to collect fossils, do photography and enjoy a long challenging route with sweeping coastal scenery.
The Ridgeway
Known as one of the oldest roads in Britain, The Ridgeway is one of the most popular walking routes for those who are fascinated with history.
Spanning 91 miles from Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon, this historic route takes you back in time and offers you some spectacular scenes that date back 5000 years. This well-established National Trail is ideal for those who want to make the most of their long-distance walking trip.
Apart from prehistoric landmarks that appear along the route, walkers can also explore ancient forts and churches. They can also enjoy the wide open views across the North Wessex Downs and walk through ancient forests and open farmlands. The route also meanders through various charming villages where walkers can rest and explore local history.
The Ridgeway is ideal for first-time walkers and even those interested in a combination of nature and history. Also, it is a great choice for photographers looking for landscape and architecture photography as they head out for a multi-day walking adventure.
