South West Coast Path Start, Minehead

Minehead marks the official start of the South West Coast Path, England's longest designated long-distance footpath at 630 miles (1,014 kilometres). The path begins at the seafront and stretches southwestward to Poole Harbour in Dorset, hugging the coast through Devon, Cornwall, and along the Dorset coast. The starting point at Minehead's seafront is clearly marked and has become a pilgrimage point for hikers undertaking the full route as well as those exploring shorter sections of this iconic trail.

The first stretch from Minehead winds through dramatic cliffside scenery, passing Blue Anchor Bay and the quieter beaches of the Somerset coast before descending into Devon and towards Exmoor's more rugged terrain. Visitors can walk just the first mile for dramatic coastal views, or commit to a multi-day expedition with well-marked signage guiding the way. The path offers everything from gentle seafront ambles to challenging cliff-edge hikes, making it accessible to a wide range of abilities. The route has become central to outdoor tourism in the region, attracting thousands of walkers annually and supporting small businesses along the entire southwest coast through accommodation, shops, and refreshment stops.