A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
A taste of perhaps the best coastal walking in Britain! The South West Coast Path tackles the demanding climbs and descents of the highest coastline in England.
South West England
Coast & Islands
Landscape
Jun
Jul
Sep
Average group size: 10-12
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
This is a Grade 5 moderate holiday which includes full day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. The walks will cover between 9 and 11 miles each day. The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Walks will last up to 6 hours and may involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. This holiday takes in the coastal path, which by nature can be rugged and challenging in places, and two walks in particular will be at the top end of the grade (Clovelly to Hartland Quay and Woolacombe to Ilfracombe). This is a spectacular piece of coastline and any challenges are well rewarded. We do include a day off in the programme so you can rest and relax.
See the 'Proposed Itinerary' for more information.
Thoughtfully designed, meticulously planned, carefully graded, and expertly guided walking tours and hiking holidays along well-loved and off-the-beaten-track footpaths.
Overview
The South West Coast Path, stretching an impressive 600 miles, stands as Britain's longest and arguably most captivating long-distance route. Your journey along the North Devon coast offers a tantalizing glimpse of the wonders that this path beholds. Unlike the typical three months earmarked for the entire route, this section can be savored in just a week.
Nestled in the heart of your exploration is the charming historic town of Barnstaple, an idyllic base for our adventures. Over two days, walks will head westward, tracing the rugged path to Hartland Point, home to a solitary lighthouse. When the west wind dances with the waves against the cliffs, the spectacle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Your journey will also lead to the impossibly picturesque fishing haven of Clovelly.
Turning northward, you'll traverse to Woolacombe Beach and ascend the cliffs of Ilfracombe. Along the way, tread over grassy knolls, stand at the precipice of sheer cliffs, pass by hidden coves, and arrive at sprawling sandy shores.
This curated holiday encompasses five full days of invigorating walks, complemented by a well-deserved mid-week respite to relish the local offerings. Nearby treasures include the RHS garden at Rosemoor in Bideford, and the enchanting Tapley Park and Gardens in Instow.
Your enriching week along the North Devon Coast will be etched in your memory, adorned with images of cliff paths unveiling dramatic headlands, sheltered beaches cradling golden sands, and quintessential seaside villages exuding timeless charm.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
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Visiting two historic cities on a West Country break. Look out for the stark contrast between maritime industrial Bristol and gentile Spa town, Bath.
Explore everything from the dramatic Jurassic Coast trails to the rolling hills of the Sidmouth countryside.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of turquoise waters, sink your toes into the velvety sands bordered by palm trees. A visit to Cornwall feels like a tropical escape, evoking the sensation of being transported to the enchanting Caribbean.
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Meals
Accommodation
Independent arrival to The Barnstaple Hotel, just outside the centre of Barnstaple. Check in is from 3pm. Your leader will meet you for an evening briefing before dinner. All dinners will be taken in the hotel restaurant throughout your stay.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today you will walk over Saunton Down to Croyde with a fine overview of the Taw Estuary, the Great Fields Dyke, worked since the Bronze Age, the American road built during WWII, and the training ground for D-day. Walk over Woolacombe Down with an overview of Woolacombe beach, again used to train for D-day, but also one of the surfing centres for the West Country.
Meals
Accommodation
Experience breath-taking views from this peninsula on the northwest coast of Devon.
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
This is an outstanding day's walk where the day will start with private transport taking you back to Woolacombe. From here, walk north upon to Morte Point, for the view, and then around the coast, continuing north and then west to Ilfracombe. The trail rises an falls continually passing sandy coves and spectacular viewpoints on the way. Ilfracombe is a pleasant little town and worth a look around before the coach takes you back to Barnstaple.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today, the private transport will drop off at Horns Cross. From here, walk down a steep wooded valley to the Coast Path, then walk along a switchback of cliffs and valleys to arrive in the Victorian town of Westward Ho! Here you can skirt the sand bar along Northam Burrows Country Park, then follow the estuary of the Taw and Torridge to the picturesque old fishing village of Appledore; home of Hockings ice cream that you may wish to sample before the coach returns back to the hotel.
Meals
Accommodation
Today is planned as a free day, so you can explore inland or perhaps just relax in and around the hotel. The RHS garden at Rosemoor is close by at Bideford as well as Tapley Park and Gardens at Instow; both are worth a visit.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Back on the trail, the walk involves heading out west to sample the trails. Travel to Horns Cross and from here the trail heads out past Buck's Mill to arrive at Clovelly. As you arrive towards the end of the day the crowds should have dispersed allowing for a more relaxing look around this spectacular village.
Meals
Accommodation
A small pebble beach with interesting rock formations located on the Atlantic coast of Devon.
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
A return to Clovelly for the final walk and continue the path west. The coast becomes steadily more rugged until you reach Hartland Point, with its distinctive lighthouse, one of the more dramatic coastal views to be found. On a windy day hold on to your hat!
Finally, turn south for the short walk down to Hartland Quay. Here you can have a celebratory drink in the hotel bar and reflect on a week's superb walking before the trip back to the hotel for the final night.
Meals
Depart The Barnstaple Hotel after breakfast. Check out is by 11am. We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and look forward to welcoming you on another soon.
From (GBP)£1,099
Departure dates for your selected tour
7th Jun 2025 - 14th Jun 2025 (7 Nights)
26th Jul 2025 - 2nd Aug 2025 (7 Nights)
13th Sep 2025 - 20th Sep 2025 (7 Nights)
Transport to and from the trailheads, if necessary, is included. We use private coach hire to get to and from the trailheads each day.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
The three-star Barnstaple Hotel is located close to the town centre (15 minute walk) and a short drive from the stunning North Devon beaches. The hotel has been chosen as a convenient location from which to explore the beautiful area on foot.
We stay at this hotel for the duration of the holiday in classic styled, comfortable en suite bedrooms. You may be accommodated on the ground or first floor of the hotel and there is no lift in the hotel. Porters are available to assist you and, if you wish, your luggage can be collected from your car and delivered direct to your room. A porter can also help you upon departure.
Bedroom facilities include;
* Television
* Hairdryer
* Bathroom toiletries
* Tea & coffee making facilities
* Free of charge Wi-Fi
The hotel boasts a Leisure Club with extensive facilities, including fully equipped gym, saunas, relaxation suite, indoor heated pool and outdoor heated pool (open April - October and weather dependant). All facilities are complimentary for hotel guests.
Breakfasts and dinners are taken in the hotel's Brasserie Restaurant.
Trip Information
This is a Grade 5 moderate holiday which includes full day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. The walks will cover between 9 and 11 miles each day. The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Walks will last up to 6 hours and may involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. This holiday takes in the coastal path, which by nature can be rugged and challenging in places, and two walks in particular will be at the top end of the grade (Clovelly to Hartland Quay and Woolacombe to Ilfracombe). This is a spectacular piece of coastline and any challenges are well rewarded. We do include a day off in the programme so you can rest and relax.
See the 'Proposed Itinerary' for more information.
From Barnstaple, a well established market town at the mouth of the Taw estuary, we can explore the rugged coast, rolling inland countryside and attractive villages of north Devon.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Optional Excursions
At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
To reach the hotel…
by car:
If driving to the hotel, there is a free of charge car park with ample space.
by rail: travel to Barnstaple railway station which is located around 5 - 10 minutes' drive to the hotel. With luggage it is advisable to take a taxi from the station to the hotel and to pre-book. The hotel can pre-book a taxi for you or you can search online for a suitable company to use.
by coach: the nearest bus station is in Barnstaple, located about 15 minutes' walk or 5 minute drive from the hotel.
You may also wish to look at the following website for advice on the best way to travel to the hotel: www.rome2rio.com
The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find our hotels. Details can be found at: www.theaa.co.uk and www.rac.co.uk
Meeting your tour leader and fellow walkers: Please check the time of dinner (approximately 7:00pm) on arrival at the hotel and aim to be in the hotel lounge half an hour before dinner for an introduction to your tour leader, an outline of the planned programme for your holiday and the chance to meet your walking companions.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
The holiday is offered on a half board basis. Breakfasts and dinners are taken in the hotel's contemporary Brasserie Restaurant. You will be offered a table d'hôte menu which is changed daily. Lunches are not included in the holiday price to allow for flexibility.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good, moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive, and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Maps, Guidebooks & More
Our intended route is covered by the following map:
Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure series (1:25,000):
126 Clovelly & Hartland
127 South Molton & Chulmleigh
139 Bideford, Ilfracombe & Barnstaple
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally, we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Health Advice for United Kingdom
No compulsory immunisations are required for holidays in the UK although you should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended for life in Britain. Tetanus immunisation is recommended.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.
When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.
Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.
Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.
In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or try to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.
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