south west coast 50

Challenge Options

50 km, 25 km, or 10 km

The Full 50 km loop challenge, with 1670m of climb, starts from our basecamp beneath Dunster Castle, and heads to the coast and the official Minehead start of the famous 630 mile South West Coastal Path. The coastal path provides fantastic views across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales in the distance. The historic village of Porlock marks the half way point – then it’s through forests and in to the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Across moorland and a climb up Dunkery Beacon – Exmoor’s highest point – with amazing panoramic views, before descending towards Minehead and on back to the finish line on the lawns below Dunster base-camp where a very welcome finish line celebration awaits. With weekend camping options at our basecamp, a family friendly 10K event, a bar, BBQ, music & entertainment – there’s going to be a summer festival feel on this challenge!

Full 50 km Challenge

Dunster / Minehead Loop

Sat 5 August 2023

Starting from our basecamp next to Dunster Castle it’s down to the coast and we pick up the official start of the South West Coastal path in Minehead and head west towards Porlock with fantastic views over the Bristol Channel. After a picnic lunch it’s into Exmoor National Park with amazing views and a climb up to Dunkery Beacon – the highest point on the moor – and then it’s down and back towards Minehead and to the welcome finish line back on the lawns at Dunster base-camp. This is a wonderful route with 1000m of climb – and can be a part of a fantastic August weekend by the coast in the South West.

50 km & 1670 m

  • Start: Dunster / Minehead, Somerset
  • Start times: – 07:00 for runners, 07:00 – 10:00 for joggers & runners
  • Finish: Dunster / Minehead, Somerset
  • Finish times: Runners 4 – 8 hrs, joggers 8 – 10 hrs, walkers 10 – 15 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 25 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
  • 50 km – Hot meal
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a full range of optional parking &  pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Parking at The Lawns next to Dunster Start & Porlock 

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details

Dunster basecamp. Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August

  • Camp overnight at our start / finish base-camp.
  • Full package or pitch only options
  • Hot showers
  • Breakfast options Sat /  Sun morning & Fri evening meal
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details

2 available (tbc)

25 km & 570m climb

  • Start: Dunster / Minehead, Somerset
  • Start times: All Starters 09:00 – 10:00am
  • Finish: Dunster / Minehead, Somerset
  • Finish times: Runners 2 – 4 hrs, joggers 4 – 5 hrs, walkers 5 – 8 hrs

Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
  • 25 km – Hot meal / BBQ
  • Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a full range of optional parking &  pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Parking on The Lawns at Dunster Start 

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details

Dunster basecamp. Friday 4 & Saturday 5 August 

  • Camp overnight at our start / finish base-camp.
  • Full package or pitch only options
  • Hot showers
  • Breakfast options Sat /  Sun morning & Fri evening meal
  • Visit ‘Bookable Extras’ for full details 

25 km Loop Challenge

Dunster / Minehead Loop

Sat 5 August 2023

Starting from our basecamp which lies below the iconic Dunster Castle, it’s down to the coast and we pick up the official start of the South West Coastal path in Minehead and head west with fantastic views over the Bristol Channel. After a rest stop it’s into Exmoor National Park with amazing views, and then it’s down and back towards Minehead and to the welcome finish line back a on the lawns of Dunster base-camp. This is a wonderful route and can be a part of a fantastic August weekend by the coast in the South West.

the dunster 10k

Dunster loop - 10 km

Sat 5 August 2023

A fantastic 10km looped route from the basecamp that lies below Dunster Castle. The route explores stunning views of the Castle, ancient hill forts and wonderful trails through the estate woodlands & hills with magnificent views at the top. You’ll be rewarded with a medal, glass of fizz & a discounted BBQ meal to celebrate your achievements.

  • Start: Dunster (basecamp)
  • Start times: 10:00 – 10:30 Runners will set off first, then joggers & walkers
  • Finish: Dunster (basecamp)
  • Finish times: Runners 40 minutes – 1 hr,  joggers 1 – 2 hrs, walkers 2 – 3 hrs

At your finish in Dunster Castle – toilets, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more. 

  • Finish – discounted BBQ, glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt

There’s a full range of optional parking &  pre or post Challenge shuttle bus transfer services, to make it easy to join & exit – and to provide flexible options for your own planning. These include:

  • Parking on The Lawns at Dunster Start 

 

See ‘Bookable Extras’ page for full details

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Download Factsheet

All you need to know about the Challenge - a detailed overview of the options & how you can take it on. Print it off or send it to your friends!