Friday 17 July 2015

Explore the South West Coast Path feature


Starting in Somerset, the South West Coast Path, covers 630 miles of coastline around Somerset, Devon and Cornwall to Dorset. Offering walkers and non-walkers alike stunning views of the coastline, the Coast Path can be broken up into long or short walks, depending on the preference of the walker; the views are equally as rewarding nevertheless (see http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/)

As well as providing stunning views, the Coast Path offers a chance to explore local towns, such as Exmouth, Bude, Tintagel, St Ives and Newquay, that connect with the Coast Path, giving walkers an opportunity to experience the different cultures of four counties, for free! Furthermore, the Coast Path includes numerous beaches to relax on. 

Here are a few:

Duckpool Beach, Devon – Dog-friendly beach
Found along the South West Coast Path, Duckpool Beach is a dog-friendly family beach located north of Bude. With picturesque views of surrounding cliffs, Duckpool Beach offers holidaymakers and locals a secluded beach with sand and rocks, depending on the state of the tide.

Located just 15 minutes’ drive from Bude, Duckpool offers a private beach, with extraordinary views, that doesn’t overpopulate in the summer - many people are yet to discover this great family beach!

Perranporth Beach, Devon – Dog-friendly beach

Perranporth Beach covers miles of the South West coastline, attracting surfers, walkers and ‘sand yachters.’ The caves surrounding Perranporth are easy to locate, and although lots have been explored by locals and tourists, there are still many yet to be explored. The South West Coast Path goes directly across Perranporth Beach, so there’s no reason not to explore the golden sand. Nearby you will find Perranporth town, an old tin mining village that’s been transformed into a holiday destination. You can visit the official Perranporth website at http://www.perranporthinfo.co.uk/welcome.html . It’s worth a look!Lulworth Cove and Worbarrow Bay, Dorset: 

Located east of Weymouth, Lulworth Cove and Worbarrow Bay are two beach locations that meet the South West Coast Path. Lulworth Cove is a pebbled beach which offers idyllic views and interesting caves for visitors to explore. Visitors can enjoy this lovely coastal location, as kayaking and watersport activities are available, and a restaurant is available for those who aren’t as daring. Further east is a more isolated yet still idyllic experience at Worbarrow Bay, where you can walk the South West Coast Path along the beach or along the top of the ridge. In addition, both Lulworth Cove and Worbarrow Bay are part of Dorset’s ‘Jurassic Coast’, so walking the South West Coast Path can lead to the discovery of fossils too.

See some of our holiday homes near the Coast Path at http://www.helpfulholidays.com/coastal-holiday-cottages

By James Seaton-Burn, who recently joined Helpful Holidays for a week of work experience.