South West Coast Path Adventure Information Pack - Part One

ADVENTURE EYES INFORMATION PACKS date

2011

adventure

South West Coast Path (UK)

Part 1

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Welcome to Part 1 of the South West Coast Path Adventure Information Pack. First, a quick word before you dive in...

Every attempt is made to ensure that the information provided on the Adventure Eyes publications is accurate, however locations and organisations change over time and therefore we cannot be held accountable should details change. Any reliance you place on the information contained on the Adventure Eyes publications is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Many of the activities and adventures discussed on the Adventure Eyes publications are by their very nature, potentially dangerous. In choosing to undertake those activities you do so at your own risk.

Whilst we actively promote adventures we urge you to ensure that you are appropriately knowledgable and skilled to undertake the activities safely. Alternatively, we recommend that you use an experienced, qualified instructor to help you to develop the initial skills and knowledge required.

Now thatʼs said, enjoy reading through this Information Pack and enjoy your adventures in the South West!

The Adventure Eyes Team

This is FREE!...but...

1. This publication has been researched, designed and developed by the Adventure Eyes team. People are welcome to download and distribute this Information Pack, however we politely request that any reproduction of information is appropriately credited to Adventure Eyes.

2. Please do what you can to help to support Mountain Rescue England and Wales. Itʼs really easy to donate and any amount is greatly appreciated. Donation buttons are available on Adventure-Eyes.Com and of course directly at their website: www.mountain.rescue.org.uk 3. Please do what you can to support us! If you like the work we are doing please tell your friends, and show your support by ʻlikingʼ and following us on Facebook and Twitter and donʼt forgot to join us on Adventure-Eyes.Com.

4. If you are an individual or organisation that provides a quality service or product relevant for the Outdoor Adventure market then you can also offer your support by becoming a sponsor of Adventure Eyes. In doing so, you will be featured on the Adventure Eyes publications. If you would like to discuss this further, do not hesitate to contact us: promotions@adventure-eyes.com We would be delighted to have you on board. © Adventure Eyes 2011 ✂

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Contents of Part One Introducing the South West Coast Path Overview of the Adventure Information Pack When to do the Trail?

Relevant Maps Obtaining Further Information Thank You

© Adventure Eyes 2011

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Introducing the South West Coast Path The South West Coast Path is a 630mile (1014km) route following the coastline from Minehead in Somerset around Cornwall and Devon and along the Jurassic coast to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Although most people choose to walk particular sections of the trail, for many it is one of the 'must do' long distance walks. With dramatic cliffs, seals and dolphins, secluded coves, and sandy beaches, it is of no surprise that the South West Coast Path is one of the most coveted long distance trails in the UK. The average time taken to do the whole trail is 7-8 weeks and despite being so close to the sea the route climbs an impressive 35,000 metres of ascent! On sections of the trail it is quite possible that you will do more 'uphill' than ticking peaks in the mountains!

Overview of the Adventure Information Pack The Adventure Eyes Adventure Information Pack for the South West Coast Path is in three parts.

The First Part provides a general overview of the trail, together with useful information about what to expect, when to do the trail and where further information can be obtained.

Part Two provides Section Specific details from Section One of the South West Coast Path through to Section Twenty Six (Minehead to the Lizard). This includes maps, height gain and loss, where to obtain weather forecasts, relevant ferry times and contact details, together with notes sections for you to use as you complete the trail.

Part Three of the Adventure Information Pack provides the equivalent details for Section Twenty Seven of the Trail through to the end, Section Fifty Two (the Lizard to South Haven Point).

© Adventure Eyes 2011 ✂

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When to do the trail?

The South West is fortunate to have one of the mildest climates in the UK. Although it may experience rain and strong winds, the temperatures rarely fall below freezing level even in the depths of winter, and in the summer, the temperatures tend to average around 19 degrees celsius, however they often soar beyond this.

Indeed the power of the sunʼs rays in this part of the world should not be underestimated - unfortunately a lesson many people have only learned once they have assumed the appearance of a blistered lobster! So in terms of the weather, it is possible to comfortably do all, or part of the South West Coast Path at any time of the year providing you have appropriate clothing, footwear and protection for the prevailing weather conditions.

Weather is only one factor to take into consideration though. Your choice of accommodation may be influenced by what is available and open at particular times of the year. If you are planning to undertake sections of the trail during the summer months it is definitely worth booking accommodation in advance otherwise you may be disappointed by the lack of vacancies. Similarly, if you are planning to do the trail in the winter months, it is worth checking that your chosen accommodation is available and that the owners have not jetted off for their well deserved winter break away!

Transport also needs consideration. Numerous sections of the trail encompass ferry crossings and approximately half of these operate on a seasonal basis, typically from Easter/May through until September.

If you are planning to do the complete trail, this will clearly have an impact upon your chosen timings. Whilst it will still be possible through the use of taxis to do the trail out of season, this will add expense but also result in you missing some of the beautiful water based views and highlights of the trail experience.

In summary, if you are hoping to do the complete trail, then the start of the summer has a number of advantages, not least of all, the milder weather (hopefully!), full access to ferry services, and slightly fewer tourists than in the height of summer!

© Adventure Eyes 2011

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Relevant Maps The route is well trodden and generally clearly signposted, however taking (and using) maps is definitely recommended.

Not only do they help in terms of navigation, but locating your position on the map can help to give a sense of perspective (and achievement!) in terms of showing you where you are on your journey, and they help to reveal the stacks of interesting landmarks and coastal features along the way. The full route is available on the OS Landranger Series or perhaps more conveniently on the Harvey trail Specific Maps.

Harvey Map Number

Relevant for Coastal Section(s)

Harveys South West Coast Path 1

Minehead to Bude; Section 1 - Section 10

Harveys South West Coast Path 2

Bude to Portreath; Section 11 - Section 18

Harveys South West Coast Path 3

Portreath to Lizard Point; Section 19 - Section 26

Harveys South West Coast Path 4

Lizard Point to Plymouth; Section 27 - Section 35

Harveys South West Coast Path 5

Plymouth to Sidmouth; Section 36 - Section 44

Harveys South West Coast Path 6

Sidmouth to South Haven Point; Section 45 - Section 53

© Adventure Eyes 2011

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✂ Ordnance Survey (OS) Map Number

Relevant for Coastal Section(S)

OS Landranger 181

Minehead to Porlock Weir; Section 1

OS Landranger 180

Porlock Weir to Westward Ho!; Section 2 - Section 7

OS Landranger 190

Westward Ho! to Crackington Haven; Section 8 - 11

OS Landranger 200

Crackington Haven to Perranporth; Section 12 - Section 17

OS Landranger 203

Perranporth to the Lizard; Section 18 - Section 26

OS Landranger 204

The Lizard to Par; Section 27 - Section 32

OS Landranger 201

Par to Wembury Point; Section 33 - Section 36

OS Landranger 202

Wembury Point to Exmouth; Section 37 - Section 43

OS Landranger 192

Exmouth to Seaton; Section Section 44 - Section 45

OS Landranger 193

Seaton to Abbotsbury; Section 46 - Section 47

OS Landranger 194

Abbotsbury to Lulworth Cove; Section 48 - Section 50

OS Landranger 195

Lulworth Cove to South Haven Point; Section 51 - Section 52

Each of the Trail Section pages on Adventure-Eyes.Com and in Parts Two and Three of this Adventure Information Pack provide the relevant map details for each section. © Adventure Eyes 2011

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Obtaining Further Information Part Two and Three of this Adventure Information Pack provides the crucial Section Specific information including, maps, ferry details and where you can obtain trail specific weather forecasts online and by phone. These are free to download and designed to be used either as A4 leaflets or alternatively as handy A5/ruck sack size packs.

Part Four of this Information Pack is also coming soon! This will provide contact and location details of selected accommodation providers along the South West Coast Path. This will mean that you will be able to quickly and easily identify and contact quality, welcoming accommodation providers on the trail.

Adventure-Eyes.Com also provides an online source of quality information for the South West Coast Path. This includes Section Specific pages with the crucial details together with quick check ferry service links and relevant section specific weather forecasts. You also have the facility to view and submit your photos and comments about your experiences of the trail. www.southwestcoastpath.com is also a very useful resource in which you can find out more about the sections and also see alternative walks for those who would like to experience shorter sections of the coast path. You can also browse and purchase a number of guidebooks available about the trail.

© Adventure Eyes 2011 ✂

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Thank you... ...to the individuals and organisations who have chosen to be part of Adventure Eyes. A key aim of Adventure Eyes is to provide and share quality information about Outdoor Adventures in the UK and further afield. Where possible, and for as long as it is financially viable, we want this information to be freely available and accessible for all. We have therefore decided against membership restrictions, fees or download charges. Instead we have implemented a donation system in which all proceeds will go to Mountain Rescue England and Wales. Please, bear in mind that whilst we are working hard to provide a valuable resource for the Outdoor Adventure community, this fund raising arrangement is only possible thanks to the individuals and organisations that choose to be part of Adventure Eyes.

If you would like to find out more about Adventure Eyes please visit us at: http://adventure-eyes.com http://adventure-eyes.blogspot.com Similarly, if you would like to find out more about how your business could be involved with Adventure Eyes please get in touch: via email: promotions@adventure-eyes.com or phone: +44 (0)7792 370 344

© Adventure Eyes 2011

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