The epic National Trail tracing Englandʼs south-westernmost extreme is coastal walking at its most wild and wonderful, delicious and diverse.⁠ ⁠ The South West Coast Path (SWCP), which runs around the edges of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset for more than 1,000km, owes its origins to smugglers. In the 19th century, when bootlegging was rife, coastguards patrolled these clifftop trails – they were the only land access to the profusion of caves, coves, creeks and crannies that incise this squiggly seaboard. And they still are.⁠ ⁠ The SWCP has been a National Trail since 1978 and, really, has no rival. It has everything. The sea – glittering turquoise or raging white fury – is a constant companion as it meets England’s most dramatic shores and prettiest beaches. On land there are green hills and hill forts, rivers, streams, tumbling fishing harbours, famous chefs, maritime history, Arthurian legends, Jurassic fossils and cream teas.⁠ ⁠ But the best thing is escaping. Most holidaymakers here don’t stray beyond the main honeypots, leaving the path blissfully quiet, save for the swish of the sea.⁠ ⁠ See the link in bio for the full article. #travel #travelpics #wanderlust #adventure