Walking the South West Coast Path on the Exmoor Coast

If you stand on Minehead seafront and look for the metal sculpture of two hands holding a map, you are at the official start of the South West Coast Path. From here, England’s longest National Trail runs for 630 miles all the way to Poole in Dorset, following some of the most dramatic coastline in the country.

Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages sits quietly above all this on the edge of Minehead, with Exmoor National Park on its boundary. It is a peaceful, four star self catering base where you can walk from the gate, drop down to the start monument on the seafront, or use short drives and buses to explore Exmoor’s clifftop sections of the path.

Walk part of the South West Coast Path while staying at Woodcombe, whether that means a gentle seafront taster, a classic Minehead to Porlock day, or using the new film of The Salt Path as inspiration for a longer Exmoor adventure.

Why the Exmoor section of the South West Coast Path is special

The South West Coast Path starts at Minehead and immediately heads into Exmoor National Park, often called the Wilderness Coast. In the first 35 miles between Minehead and Combe Martin you get:

Steep wooded combes dropping to small harbours and coves
High cliffs, including some of the highest sea cliffs on mainland Britain around Great Hangman
Open moorland slopes and views across the Bristol Channel to Wales
Classic Exmoor wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies
It is a demanding stretch in places, with some serious ups and downs, but even a short section gives you a strong flavour of Exmoor’s coast.

Using Woodcombe Lodges as your base for South West Coast Path walks

You do not have to be walking all 630 miles to make the most of the path. Woodcombe works well as a base because it combines:

Proximity to the trailhead
Minehead seafront and the start monument are a short drive from Woodcombe. The sculpture of two hands holding a map marks the official beginning of the path.
A quiet, comfortable base 
After a day on the cliffs, coming back to a four star lodge or cottage with proper kitchen, hot shower and covered veranda makes a big difference to how the holiday feels.
Walks from the gate 
There are pre prepared walk sheets from the site, so you can stretch your legs on arrival day or rest days without going near the car.
Flexibility for mixed groups 
Strong walkers can tackle longer coastal stages while others choose shorter local walks, steam trains, beach time or simply relaxing in the gardens.

For many guests, Woodcombe offers a gentler way to engage with the South West Coast Path: you get the drama of the route where and when you want it, but you are not committed to moving on every day.

Short and medium South West Coast Path walks from Minehead

Starting at the monument on Minehead seafront, you can shape your days around what you realistically want to do.

Seafront taster walk

If you are curious about the path but do not want steep hills straight away, you can start with a simple seafront section:

Visit the start sculpture near Minehead harbour
Follow the signed route along the promenade
Enjoy the views of North Hill rising behind the town and the sweep of the bay

This is a good option for an arrival day, a relaxed morning, or when you are walking with mixed ages.

Minehead to Porlock or Porlock Weir

For a full day coastal walk, the classic first stage is from Minehead to Porlock or Porlock Weir. This route:

Climbs up over North Hill with views back to Minehead and across the Channel
Traverses heathland and farmland where you may see Exmoor ponies and red deer
Drops towards Bossington and Porlock Bay, with options to finish at Porlock or continue to Porlock Weir

The terrain is undulating and can be strenuous in places, but many reasonably fit walkers find it a very rewarding day.

You can use local buses or the open top Exmoor Coaster (in season) to turn it into a linear walk and ride back, rather than walking out and back the same way.

Building a short Exmoor itinerary

If you want to walk more than one day on the South West Coast Path during your stay, a simple pattern could be:

Day 1: Minehead to Porlock or Porlock Weir
Day 2: Porlock Weir to Lynmouth Lynton for dramatic cliff and wood walks
Rest day or inland Exmoor walk
Day 3: Optional further section towards Combe Martin

You still return to your lodge each night, which removes the need to carry all your belongings or fit long distance walking into every single day.

For up to date route descriptions and any recent path changes on the Exmoor section, use the South West Coast Path Association and National Trails websites.

Walking where The Salt Path was filmed

Interest in the South West Coast Path has grown again with the release of the film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s memoir The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. The story follows a couple who walk the entire 630 mile trail after losing their home, starting right here in Minehead.

The film features several locations on and around the Exmoor coast, including:

Minehead, with the start monument and seafront
Porlock and Porlock Weir
The Exmoor cliffs around the Valley of Rocks and on towards North Devon

If you enjoyed the book or the film, staying at Woodcombe makes it easy to visit some of these locations in real life. You can:

Start at the sculpture in Minehead, just as in the story
Walk sections of the path used as filming backdrops
Combine coast path days with quieter Exmoor walks and time in the gardens

It can be very satisfying to stand where some of the key scenes were shot and then retreat to a comfortable lodge rather than a tent.

Practical planning tips

A few simple steps will help you make the most of walking the South West Coast Path while staying at Woodcombe.

Be honest about your fitness 
The Exmoor coast is steep in places. Build in shorter or easier days and do not feel you need to tick off huge distances to have a good holiday.
Check weather and daylight 
Conditions on the cliffs can change quickly. Always check the forecast and allow enough daylight to complete your chosen section safely.
Use official resources 
For route maps, elevation profiles, route changes and safety information, use the South West Coast Path Association, National Trails, Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor websites.
Think about transport 
Local buses and the West Somerset Railway can help you turn one way walks into relaxed days without long tramps back along roads. Check current timetables before you set out.
Talk to the Woodcombe Lodge owners 
With decades of local experience, they can often suggest which sections will suit your party best, given your time, fitness and interests.

FAQs – walking the South West Coast Path from Woodcombe Lodges

Do I need to be an experienced walker to enjoy the South West Coast Path from Woodcombe?

No. While some sections are demanding, you can start with shorter, easier parts near Minehead, such as the seafront and lower slopes of North Hill, and build up. Good footwear, reasonable fitness and sensible planning are important, but you do not have to be an expert to enjoy taster days.

Can I walk sections of the path as day walks and still base myself at Woodcombe?

Yes. Many guests use Woodcombe as a fixed base and treat the South West Coast Path as a series of day walks. Minehead to Porlock, Porlock Weir to Lynmouth and other stages can all be done as day trips with transport or taxi support, while you come back to your lodge each evening.

Is the Exmoor section suitable for children or less confident walkers?

Parts of it can be, but you need to choose your sections carefully. There are steep drops and narrow paths in places. Families often start with Minehead seafront, shorter sections around Bossington and Porlock Bay, and then decide whether to tackle hillier routes as confidence grows. Official route descriptions and grades are helpful when planning.

Can I bring my dog on South West Coast Path walks from Woodcombe?

Yes, as long as you are staying in one of the dog friendly lodges and you keep your dog under close control on the path. There will be livestock, wildlife, other walkers and sometimes steep drops. Many people enjoy walking the path with dogs, but you will need to follow local signage and the Countryside Code.

Where can I find detailed route maps and information about The Salt Path film locations?

For detailed route maps and section guides, use the South West Coast Path Association and National Trails websites. For specific information about The Salt Path film and some of its Exmoor locations, the South West Coast Path site and Exmoor focused blogs now have dedicated pages about the film, its filming locations and related itineraries.

If you would like to combine quiet evenings in a lodge with unforgettable days on England’s longest National Trail, Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages make a practical base right by the start of the South West Coast Path. You can check availability on the Woodcombe website, and for detailed coast path information and route planning, visit the South West Coast Path Association, Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor websites.