Andy and I have walked the south west coastal path from Westward Ho to Torquay. My family comes from South Devon so this could end up being a very lengthy section. As a starter here’s some favourites.

North coast - The stretch from Clovelly to Padstow is a good 6 day walk which we’ve completed twice. It’s hard but worth it. Some highlights:

• Hartland Quay has some wonderful cliffs.
• There are some great short circular walks around Cleave which is just north of Crackington Haven and around Cambeak which is just south.
• Last time we voted Tintagel to Port Isaac as our favourite days walk.

You can’t beat the location even if you are not a fan of Newquay. During summer 2004 we spent a weekend there during school holidays. Newquay town centre and Fistral beach were packed but hardly anyone was on the little beach coves in front of the hotel. It’s the only hotel I’ve ever stayed in where they have responded to comment made in the feedback forms. The bistro and bar are great. We are less keen on having dinner as it’s a bit formal. If you want a treat try one of the best rooms – spacious and great views.

If you do end up in Newquay and want coffee, lunch or dinner in the summer try Finns which is located beside Newquay. Informal, outside dining and very scenic. Limited opening in the winter.

Smallish rooms but some with great views over the harbour. Also, our favourite place to eat in Port Isaac. During 2004 we tried 3 restaurants in Newquay. The Slipway, The Edge and The Mote. For the food and all round experience we enjoyed the Slipway most. Recommended it to 4 people we met when walking the coast path and they thanked us for making the recommendation. All 3 courses good and in the summer tables outside are great. This is especially good (but noisy)fun on Thursday evening in the summer when the local brass band comes down to play on the quayside.

The Edge has some tables with great views over the coast from Tintagel to Port Isaac and The Mote has a table for 2 upstairs with great views over the harbour.

Dartmouth is a great place to wander round. Interesting shops, a good castle and a good base to explore Torbay and the South Hams areas. The hotel has real charm although some rooms are small and some don’t have views. One of those places where we go back to year after year usually round Christmas as we find Dartmouth to be a great place for Christmas shopping.