What is the SW300? Your guide to the South West’s most scenic road trip

If you’ve ever thought about Scotland’s mighty NC500 and wished there was something similar a little closer to the south with warmer weather, more beaches, and just as much character, the SW300 might just be exactly what you’re looking for.

The SW300 is an unofficial yet increasingly popular 300 mile (ish) road trip around the South West of England. It captures the essence of Devon and Cornwall’s coastal beauty while weaving in fishing villages, seaside towns, rolling countryside and dramatic clifftop roads.

The idea is simple really, it’s a circular around 300 miles, taking in the very best of the South West. Think sunrise walks on golden beaches, fresh seafood lunches in harbourside pubs, and quiet winding roads where the journey itself is half the experience. Although it’s still more of a concept than a fully mapped-out trail, much like the NC500 was in its early days, more and more travellers are using the SW300 as a way to explore this rich and varied part of England with fresh eyes.

Before you do it yourself, here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the route

Most people begin the SW300 in Exeter,, and for good reason. Thanks to its easy rail and road access and its proximity to both coasts, it’s easy to get to, stay in and leave from. From there, the route can be taken clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on what you want to see first.

A popular clockwise route leaves Exeter and heads south towards Exmouth, following the coast to Sidmouth and the Jurassic Coast before swinging inland towards the English Riviera. Torquay, Paignton and Brixham offer a mix of seaside nostalgia and contemporary food and drink spots, and nearby Dartmouth makes a charming overnight stop.

The journey continues west along the South Hams, a quieter, greener part of Devon where Salcombe and Kingsbridge feel like they’re there almost just to tempt you with boat trips and boutique cafés. From here, the route tracks through Plymouth and crosses into Cornwall. Looe and Polperro are picture-perfect fishing villages worth lingering in, and Fowey offers riverside views and quaint streets full of independent shops.

As you move deeper into Cornwall, the SW300 leads you past the Eden Project and on to the rugged southern coast. Penzance and Mousehole make ideal stopovers before reaching the most westerly point of the journey: Land’s End. After standing on the edge of England, the road swings up through the famous St Ives, and on towards Newquay, the region’s surfing capital. From here, the route skirts the north Cornwall coast, taking in Padstow, Bude and some of the wildest stretches of coastline on the entire trip.

The final leg of the SW300 climbs into North Devon, where Clovelly’s steep cobbled streets lead down to the sea, and Barnstaple serves as a hub for visiting Woolacombe and Croyde’s sandy beaches. As the road veers inland once more, you’ll pass through the scenic wilds of Exmoor National Park before looping back through Taunton and returning to Exeter, completing your circuit.

How long does it take?

Although the route is around 300 miles, it’s not designed to be rushed. Some try to squeeze it into three or four days, but most travellers recommend at least five to seven. A week gives you enough time to stop in different places each night, dip into the sea, hike along coastal paths, and enjoy any detours that take your fancy without feeling pressured by time. If you’ve got the luxury of more than a week, you could easily stretch the route into ten days and still feel like there was more to discover, but it’s entirely down to your preferences.

What makes the SW300 special?

Unlike the NC500, which focuses on wild remoteness and highland landscapes, the SW300 is all about variety and warmth. It offers coastal cliffs and rolling farmland, surf towns and quiet coves, Victorian seaside resorts and prehistoric moorland. You can wake up to a sea view in Falmouth, spend the afternoon walking on Dartmoor, and eat dinner in a Michelin-recommended seafood restaurant in Padstow.

In case we didn’t mention it, one of the great joys of the SW300 is the food. Freshly landed fish, homemade scones, Cornish pasties and West Country cider all feature prominently. Farm shops are dotted along the route, and many small producers open their doors to visitors, offering cheese tastings, cream teas, or bottles of craft gin to take home.

What sets the SW300 apart is its accessibility. It’s rugged but not remote, with plenty of accommodation options whether you’re in a motorhome, staying in boutique B&Bs, or pitching a tent. It’s the kind of trip where you can get lost on a coastal footpath in the morning and be back in a bustling harbour town by lunchtime.

Planning your trip

The best time to travel the SW300 is between April and October, with June and September offering a sweet spot of good weather and fewer crowds. Outside of the summer months, the roads are quieter, and the landscape takes on a misty, moody beauty, perfect for photographers and walkers. For motorhome use especially, it can be serene and peaceful both on and off the roads whilst you’re out and about.

You don’t need a 4x4 or specialist kit to do the SW300 or be an expert driver either, though some of the smaller lanes can be tight, particularly in parts of Cornwall. Take your time, use passing places, and don’t rush. Many of the route’s best moments happen when you pull over for a spontaneous viewpoint or wander down a lane to a hidden beach.

Will it become official?

Right now, the SW300 is a grassroots idea being championed by road trippers, bloggers and tourism businesses. There’s no official map, signage, or merch yet. But given how successful the NC500 has become, it’s easy to imagine the SW300 gaining similar traction over time. The bones are already there: breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and a route that tells a story of England’s maritime and rural heritage at every turn.

All in all, if you're looking for a new UK road trip that combines sea air, scenic views and slow travel, try the SW300. It’s the South West like you’ve never seen it before. It’s pretty special.