Walk - Minehead to Porlock Weir

8.9 miles (14.3 km)

Minehead Porlock Weir

Challenging - Moderate with an alternative more strenuous section

Leave the pavements of Minehead behind as you set off onto the first section of the 630 mile trail, through woodland, along steep cliff tops, farm tracks and up and down beautiful wooded combes with bracken, gorse and bubbling streams.

Exmoor boasts the highest coastline in England with cliffs rising to 250m, 820ft, therefore there are some steep climbs and descents in this section. You can choose to follow the dramatic route known as the ‘rugged’ coast path which runs closer to the coast, or stay more inland on the moor and enjoy the spectacular views from Selworthy Beacon.

There is a lot to look out for, as the Exmoor coast provides a rich habitat for many beautiful and rare species of flora and fauna, including the blackneck moth, red deer, stag beetles and whitebeam trees (relatives of the rowan or mountain ash, unique to Exmoor).

The force of the sea is really evident at the end of your journey, where it is essential to follow the sign-posted paths. In 1996 the natural 6000 year-old shingle ridge across Porlock Bay was breached by a storm, resulting in the dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide. This land is now changing from farmland to saltmarsh, creating a very special habitat for marine life and birds.

Dogs on the coastpath

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Yarn Market Hotel

01643 821425

Situated in the medieval village of Dunster within Exmoor National Park, we specialise in walking holidays and special interest breaks. Our independent 3* family run hotel prides itself on friendly service.

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Sparkhayes Farm Campsite

01643 862470

Family site-5 minute walk to the village and its shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. 20 minute walk down to the sea on the South West Coast Path.

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Bossington Bunkhouse

01643 862800

The only hostel on the northern Exmoor section. 5 private rooms set within Bossington Hall, 0.5 mile from the Path. From £47.50pp, linen included, never shared with strangers. Licensed honesty shop with hot meals, beer & breakfast. SINGLE NIGHTS

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Bossington Hall Luxury B&B and Bunkhouse

01643 862800

With breathtaking views and 9 superb rooms, Tennis and Squash, and a private bar for the evening, or for a more affordable option, look at our Bunkhouse rooms.

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The Cottage B&B

01643 862996

A cosy, luxurious, historic and friendly B&B in the heart of the village, close to all amenities

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Myrtle Cottage B&B

01643 862946

A comfortable thatched cottage built 425 yrs ago, bursting with character & charm. All rooms en-suite, SW Tourism award winner 2024 & 25 & VE Star rated 2026

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The Northfield Hotel

01643 705155

Discover the much-loved Northfield Hotel in Minehead – a coastal hillside hotel offering comfort, warm service, and breathtaking surroundings.

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The Beach Hotel Minehead

01643 704765

The Beach Hotel is the perfect place for your South West Getaway, Apprentice run social enterprise, with a little help from us!

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You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Kitnors Tea Garden

Set in the heart of Bossington village, our spacious Orchard Tea Garden provides a tranquil space for walkers (and their dogs!) to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.

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Jubilee Cafe and Crazy Golf

01643 704110

Join us at the start of the South West Coastal Path for your stamp and an all day breakfast, fish and chips or ice cream as you begin your journey. We have a dog menu too

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Harbour House Coffee Shop

07941 053602

SWCP Passport Stamping Station - Coffee Shop/Cafe next to South West Coast Path, Porlock Weir, Exmoor, FREE water refills, healthy eat-in/takeaway menu incl Vegan/Veggie

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What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Porlock Visitor Centre

01643 863150

Porlock Visitor Centre provides a vast array of information for visitors to Porlock Vale, including accommodation booking service, maps, walks, things to see and do.

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Our Precious Earth

01643 818228

Multi-award winning sustainable living shop with a large selection of bottles, cups, food containers and cutlery for those on the move.

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NCI Minehead

07543 128472

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Highlights

Admiring the SWCP monument on the promenade in Minehead, which marks the beginning of the 630 mile path. The impressive bronze monument, forming enormous hands gripping a map, is based on a design by local art student Sarah Ward.

Seeking out the Dartford warblers and nightjars living amongst the western gorse and bristle bent heath on North Hill, plants found only in the West Country.

Catching glimpses of the beautiful Red deer and wild Exmoor ponies.

Standing upon Selworthy Beacon (summit 308m, 1013ft) and resting to admire the spectacular views inland to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, out over the Bristol Channel and along the coast to the journey ahead.

The fantastic views across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast and tiny islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm.

Enjoying a welcome rest at harbour side pubs in Porlock Weir and waiting for the tide to go out and reveal the submarine forest (ancient tree stumps) on the beach.

Public transport

Minehead can be reached by regular bus services from Taunton (nearest mainline rail station) or to arrive in style catch one of the steam trains running on the West Somerset Railway from Bishop Lydeard (close to Taunton). The 10 service runs roughly every 1–2 hours between Minehead, Porlock and Porlock Weir. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

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