Matt Warren
Walking the South West Coast Path has been an unforgettable experience — sweeping views, challenging climbs, hidden coves, and windswept headlands. But even with all the natural beauty, there are those quieter moments too: long evenings in a cosy B&B, tired feet at the end of the day, and time to unwind in your own little world.
So what’s been keeping us company between the cliffs and cream teas? Here’s a round-up of the TV, audiobooks, actual books, and music that have kept us going.
📺 TV & Series
Corrie (Coronation Street)
An old faithful. Even while on the move, catching up with the latest from the cobbles has brought a comforting sense of home. The drama, the humour, the familiar faces — it’s like a slice of normal life tucked in our pockets.
The Last Kingdom
Epic battles, brooding landscapes, and historical drama? Yes please. Uhtred’s journey from Saxon to warrior has been a gripping escape, and the scenery definitely gives the Cornish coast a run for its money.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Perfect post-walk viewing. Quirky, colourful, and totally mad in the best way. Kimmy’s optimism is just the thing you need when your legs are aching and your socks are damp.
🎧 Audiobooks (Our Walking Companions)
The Dead Of Night – Robert Enright
A gritty thriller that’s paced just right for those long stretches between villages. Dark, gripping, and well-narrated — we were hooked.
The Fifth Tweet – Roy M. Burgess
A clever little mystery that unravels piece by piece. The premise — a tweet leads to a shocking turn of events — feels modern and is keeping us guessing right to the end.
Shark Heart – Emily Habeck
Unusual, poetic, and strangely moving. A love story with a surreal twist — one partner begins to physically transform into a great white shark. It’s hard to explain, but it works.
And Away… – Bob Mortimer
Funny, touching, and unmistakably Bob. His life story (and side tangents) made for brilliant listening, especially after a full day’s walking. Proper feel-good.
The Sleepy Bookshelf (Various)
For those nights where the sea air wasn’t quite enough to send us off. These gentle, calming reads are narrated with soft voices and soothing stories — ideal for helping tired bodies drift off.
Lee Beddow – Instrumentals & Narration
A special mention for our friend Lee Beddow, whose recommendations on the first 2 audiobooks listed (and some of the music below) has been really helpful. Lee’s a top-tier audiobook narrator, musician and producer — and his recommendations have brought some truly calming, atmospheric moments to our journey. You can find out more here: abbeysound.org/audio
📚 Books (Actual, Tangible Ones!)
Space is at a premium on the SWCP, but that didn’t stop us treating ourselves to at least one proper book along the way.
The Book of Doors – Gareth Brown
Picked up in Padstow and already proving to be a cracking read. It’s a magical story about mysterious books, ancient secrets, and portals into other worlds. A bit of fantasy, a lot of charm — and just the right level of escapism after a long day on the trail.
🎵 Music (What’s Been in Our Ears)
Ro Sham Bo – The Grays
An underrated ‘90s gem that’s made for walking. Melodic, thoughtful, and with just the right amount of energy to carry us up those coastal inclines.
Morrissey – Anything!
Whatever your feelings about the man, there’s no denying the voice. We’ve dipped into everything from Vauxhall and I to You Are the Quarry. Lyrical, melancholic, and strangely uplifting — the perfect soundtrack for moody skies and misty mornings.
Owsley – Self-Titled (1999)
Power pop perfection. Owsley’s crisp songwriting, clever lyrics and infectious melodies are a joy to walk to. “Oh No the Radio” has become a bit of a trail anthem — full of energy and just the right kind of nostalgia.
The Semantics – Powerbill
A hidden treasure from the ’90s, finally released years after recording. Featuring Zak Starkey on drums and Ben Folds connections too, this album is packed with smart hooks, lush harmonies and that golden-era alt-pop sound. It’s one of those rare finds that feels like it was made for long coastal walks and big skies.
And There You Have It…
From fictional doors to shark love stories, from Weatherfield to Wessex, and from calming narrators to power pop gems — this has been our entertainment menu on the South West Coast Path so far. Feel free to shout out any ideas for us that you think we might also enjoy 🙂
If you’re planning a similar adventure, don’t underestimate the joy of a good book, a reliable show, or a perfect playlist to carry you through. Sometimes the best way to enjoy a view is with a story echoing in your ears.
