WALK THE COAST 2026
Open to all, our flagship UK walk
About the event
Our most popular walking event is back for its fifth year as we continue our journey along the breathtaking South West Coast Path, this time exploring the stunning coastlines of Somerset and Devon.
Over the course of the event, we’ll take in dramatic cliffs, sweeping sea views, hidden coves and charming coastal towns as we journey through some of the South West’s most iconic and varied landscapes. Each day offers a new stretch of coastline to explore, showcasing the wild beauty and ever-changing character of the path.
Walk The Coast has become our flagship community event as part of our Together Outdoors initiative. The walk is free and open to anyone who would like to experience the coast path and soak up the M2M atmosphere - you don’t have to be a beneficiary to take part.
This is a chance for the whole M2M family, and the wider community, to come together outdoors to celebrate connection, wellbeing and the restorative power of nature. Walk alongside like-minded people, meet inspiring beneficiaries, and enjoy an unforgettable coastal adventure - all while supporting a great cause.
Itinerary
Join us for a day, a few, or all ten!
Use the drop down menu below to check the full details for each day, with meet times, locations and what to expect. Please note: Registration is essential for each day you plan to join. Sign up closes at midnight on Friday 22nd May at noon.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 10.7 km
Komoot Rating: Moderate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9.30am at Cross Street Pay & Display Car Park
Finish: The Hunters Inn Heddon Valley
What to expect: This coastal walk follows a breathtaking stretch of the South West Coast Path, offering dramatic cliff-top views, sweeping sea vistas and ever-changing landscapes along the way. Expect a rewarding mix of rolling headlands, hidden coves, and quieter beach sections, with the path rising and falling as it hugs the coastline. Along the route, we’ll pass through charming coastal villages and unspoilt natural scenery, with plenty of opportunities to pause, take in the views and enjoy the sense of space and wild beauty that defines this part of the coast. It’s a varied and invigorating walk that combines physical challenge with moments of calm, connection and reflection by the sea.
alk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 12.6 km
Komoot Rating: Moderate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9.30am at Heddon Valley Car Park
Finish: Pack O’Cards Inn
What to expect: This walk carries us along one of North Devon’s most inspiring sections of the South West Coast Path, beginning at the dramatic Heddon’s Mouth - with its rugged cove and river meeting the sea - and following a beautifully varied coastal route toward Combe Martin. We’ll experience a mix of rolling cliff-top terrain, breathtaking headland views over the Bristol Channel and Exmoor’s wild coastline, and the striking presence of Great Hangman cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in England. The terrain undulates with challenging ascents and descents that reward us with ever-changing panoramas, peaceful valleys, and glimpses of secluded beaches and rock formations, capturing the spirit of this iconic stretch of Britain’s longest National Trail.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 8.49 km
Komoot Rating: Moderate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9.30am at Kiln Car Park, Combe Martin
Finish: The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar
What to expect: This section of the South West Coast Path delivers a mix of classic coastal walking and dramatic scenery as we make our way between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. We’ll be treated to sweeping sea views and varied terrain, with the trail rising and falling along rugged headlands and through peaceful coves that showcase the wild beauty of North Devon’s coastline. Along the way there are opportunities to enjoy sweeping panoramas over the Bristol Channel, charming local features, and moments of serene nature that make this stretch both invigorating and deeply rewarding. The combination of cliff-top paths, coastal villages and ever-changing landscapes creates an unforgettable walking experience that captures the spirit of one of Britain’s most iconic national trails.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 5.24 km
Komoot Rating: Easy
Accessibility: Fully Accessible for Wheelchairs and those confident on crutches
WALK START: 10 am at Jubilee Gardens Car Park
Finish: Jubilee Gardens Car Park
What to expect: This accessible coastal walk takes us along one of the gentler, more welcoming sections of the South West Coast Path, offering beautiful seaside views without the more strenuous climbs often found elsewhere on the trail. We’ll enjoy a mostly smooth and relatively level path that still gives us a real taste of the dramatic coastline - crashing waves, wide horizons, hidden coves and open sky - while making it easier to pause and take in the scenery. With a combination of refreshing ocean air, peaceful stretches of trail and easy‑going terrain, this route is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the coast, whether you’re walking, using a mobility aid, or joining us alongside your friends and family.
Accessibility: Fully Accessible for Wheelchairs
Optional Activities: Optional BBQ and activities TBC
Location: Rest Day will be spent in Ilfracombe this year
What to expect: After a slow morning to accommodate for some well-deserved lie ins, we will come together for some relaxing activities yet to be confirmed.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 12.2 km
Komoot Rating: Moderate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9:30 am at Jubilee Gardens Car Park
Finish: The Barn, Woolacombe
What to expect: This stunning coastal route takes us along sweeping shorelines and dramatic sea views, weaving between sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and quiet headlands. We’ll experience the rhythm of the tide, with salty sea breezes and panoramic vistas opening up around every bend. The path hugs the coastline for much of the journey, offering easy stretches of flatter terrain interspersed with more undulating sections that climb gently to provide spectacular open-water outlooks. Along the way we’ll pass through charming seaside villages, natural coves, and hidden beaches - perfect spots to pause and soak in the scenery or enjoy a picnic by the water.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 10.5 km
Komoot Rating: Moderate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9:30 am at The Esplanade Car Park
Finish: The Thatch, Croyde
What to expect: This coastal route takes us along one of the most striking sections of the North Devon coast, winding between the golden sands and rolling surf of Woolacombe to the picturesque bay at Croyde. We traverse a mix of soft sandy beaches, gently undulating cliff-top paths, and rugged headlands with panoramic views out over the Atlantic, where seabirds wheel overhead and the sound of the waves becomes our constant companion. The trail offers a wonderful blend of coastal scenery, from sheltered coves to expansive open sea vistas, and invites us to pause and soak it all in - whether stopping for a breather on a grassy bluff or taking in the sunset from a quiet stretch of shore. This is classic West Country seaside walking at its best, full of natural beauty and the refreshing energy of the coast.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 19.2 km
Komoot Rating: Hard
Accessibility: This is a long and difficult route. Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9:00 am at Croyde Car Park
Finish: Williams Arms, Braunton
What to expect: This section of the route carries us from Croyde to Braunton, guiding us through some of North Devon’s most beautiful coastal and countryside terrain. We follow paths that weave between golden beaches and grassy, windswept headlands, each offering wide‑open views of the Atlantic and the rhythm of the surf below. The trail moves fluidly through a mix of sandy tracks and gentle rolling terrain, inviting us to pause and take in the dramatic coastal panoramas or the quieter, sheltered coves tucked along the way. As we approach Braunton, the landscape shifts subtly, blending coastal charm with the broader expanse of grazing fields and wildlife‑rich wetland edges. Together, this route captures both the rugged energy of the seaside and the peaceful beauty of open countryside - a perfect mix for an immersive outdoor experience.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 16.2 km
Komoot Rating: Moderate
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users / difficult for crutches
WALK START: 9:00 am at Caen Street Car Park
Finish: Sandbanks Cafe
What to expect: This walk from Braunton to Yelland unfolds along a gently varied landscape where the open countryside meets the tranquil waters of the estuary. We follow paths that trace the edges of grazing fields and winding waterways, moving toward wide views over the Taw-Estuary and its ever‑changing tides. The route offers a quieter kind of coastal beauty - not just rugged headlands and surf, but reflective saltmarsh expanses, curlews calling overhead, and long stretches of peaceful shoreline that feel worlds away from the bustle. Along the way there are glimpses of boats on the water, rich birdlife on the mudflats, and cosy villages that speak to the everyday rhythm of North Devon life. Together, it’s a lovely balance of open skies, gentle paths, and coastal calm - a perfect walk for soaking up nature, shared conversation, and the wide‑open feeling that only an estuary route can offer.
Walk Map: DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Distance: 5.43 km
Komoot Rating: Easy
Accessibility: Fully Accessible for Wheelchairs and those confident on crutches
WALK START: 11:30 am at Otters, Bideford
Finish: The Boathouse, Instow
What to expect: This accessible walk takes us along a beautifully flat and traffic-free stretch between Bideford and Instow, following part of the iconic Tarka Trail and the estuary edge. It’s a gentle, well-surfaced route that’s ideal for walkers of all abilities, with wide paths that make it easy to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. As we move alongside the water, we’re treated to expansive views over the estuary and its rich birdlife, with boats and rippling tide adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The trail winds through a mix of riverside paths, green open spaces, and quiet sections of countryside, inviting pauses to take in the quiet beauty of North Devon’s coastal landscape. This walk is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nature-filled, accessible outdoor experience with plenty of space to breathe and explore.
Join us as we mark the end of Walk the Coast 2026 with a relaxed evening at The Boathouse in Instow. Come together to enjoy good company, share a bite to eat, and raise a glass as we watch the sun set. Surrounded by both new friends and familiar faces, it’s a chance to celebrate the journey, the connections made, and our wonderful community.
Venue: The Boathouse, Instow
Time: 3pm – 6pm
Food & Drink: Fresh seafood, drinks and nibbles will be available to purchase individually on the day.
Updates: Once you've registered, please join the Walk the Coast WhatsApp Group and check for any timing/venue updates on the day.
Who can join? Open to all walkers, non-walkers and friends of the charity!
Booking: Registration is essential so we can provide the venue with numbers.
FAQs
DO I HAVE TO JOIN FOR THE ENTIRE WALK EVENT?
You can walk as many or as few days as you’d like - just one, a few or the entire journey - the choice is yours. There are good transport links along the route, so you can plan your own itinerary to join or leave as you like.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE WALK AND WHAT DO THE DIFFICULTY RATINGS MEAN?
The terrain varies day-by-day, with some steep and strenuous sections, but there are also shorter, flatter days to accommodate different fitness levels. You can find the exact elevation profile, photos and descriptions for each day on the "Route Details" Komoot link for each day.
IS THERE A COST INVOLVED?
We are committed to providing free events where possible to our community, as we believe financial barriers shouldn't stand in the way of participation. If you are in a position to make a donation when registering, your contribution will go a long way towards sustaining the charity's mission and helping to support someone else who is more in need.
You can donate here. Thank you!
CAN I FUNDRAISE?
Absolutely! Walk the Coast is a great opportunity to raise funds for M2M if you would like to. You can set yourself up with a fundraising page on GivenGain, our preferred platform, and spread the word amongst your friends and family. Take a look at our Fundraising Tips, share why M2M resonates with you and you'll be good to go! If you need any help, please email [email protected].
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION?
Any travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of participants unless they are beneficiaries of M2M who require a bit more assistance (please ensure you make your own arrangements well in advance).
CAN I COME ON MY OWN?
Yes! Many participants join solo, and this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people while supporting a worthwhile cause.
IF MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, OR CARER WOULD LIKE TO COME - DO THEY NEED TO REGISTER?
Yes, everyone who joins our walks needs to register on our website so that we can ensure we have adequate support available.
WHERE DOES THE WALK START AND END?
The route follows a stunning coastal path, with each day broken into individual sections. The final day includes a celebratory gathering - friends and family are welcome to join. More details can be found on our website.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
While well-behaved dogs (and particularly Guide & Assistance dogs) are welcome on our walks, they *must* be trained and kept on a lead at all times. Mischievous pooches can cause distraction during quieter moments of guided coaching, mindfulness and conversation, and pose a problem for individuals who struggle in their company. There may also be restrictions on taking dogs onto some of the beaches along our route, so please use the Dorset Council Website to plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.
HOW ACCESSIBLE IS THE WALK?
While the coast path is notoriously limited when it comes to accessibility for wheelchair users, we aim to include accessible options wherever possible. One option could be to come along for Access Day (Day 4 & 10) and join us for a well deserved break on Rest Day (Day 5).
WHO LEADS THE WALKS AND HOW WILL I BE SUPPORTED?
Each walk is led by a designated team leader for navigation and safety, along with a qualified life coach to provide emotional support. The M2M team and volunteers will also be on hand to help the group. If you require continuous 1:1 support, for example a sighted guide or someone to help you with physical assistance each step of the way, we recommend bringing a friend who will be happy to look out for you.
HOW WILL I GET BACK TO THE STARTING POINT IF I PLAN TO ARRIVE BY CAR?
Each walk day is an A-B route (with the exception of our Rest Day), so if you are coming by car you will need to organise your own travel to and from each start and finish point. We recommend planning in advance and checking public transport options. If you need any assistance, please reach out to our team at [email protected].
DO I NEED TO BE STRUGGLING WITH MY MENTAL HEALTH TO JOIN?
Not necessarily! Walk the Coast is open to everyone. Whether you want to connect with the charity, meet new people, or simply enjoy time outdoors, we’d love to have you with us. We're all in it together and you never know what you might get out of it.
WHEN WILL REGISTRATION CLOSE?
Registrations will close at noon on Friday the 22nd of May, 2026.
CAN I JOIN IF I'M NOT THE FASTEST WALKER?
Absolutely! Together Outdoors is about community, not competition. We always look out for each other and only move as fast as the slowest person. If the group is large, it may spread out naturally, but we'll all stay together as a group. Breaks will always be factored in to keep everyone moving as closely together as possible.
BRING
Walking footwear (sturdy hiking boots or outdoor trainers), breathable layers, a waterproof, walking poles (optional), snacks to keep you going and a bottle of water.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- A guided walk led by a trained Together Outdoors Leader
- A safe space to share (with no obligation)
- Gentle support from an experienced coach
- An opportunity to connect with others in nature
- A chance to boost your endorphins, and share some laughs along the way.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel to the meeting point or individual travel organisation
- Food & drink during or after the walk
- Mental health crisis support (please seek urgent help via the NHS website if you are in need)
- Walking kit (if you are on a low income, we recommend contacting Kitsquad, who can support you)
CONTACT
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].