Lisa Franklin’s journey in memory of her daughter Charlotte PATH
23/24 SWCP Annual Survey results
Magnificent 7 Walks Autumn Adventures PEOPLE
Coast Path Connectors: Transforming lives
With Natural England having published most of the route of the English Coast Path in the South West, work is well underway with the Trail partners to complete establishment works on the ground. This will mean over the next year there will be a number of improvements to the route of the South West Coast Path National Trail. The team will be working hard with partners
to update guide books, our web site and trail maps to ensure you get the most up to date information on these changes. Our work over the next few months is also focussed on securing funding to extend our Coast Path Connectors work. We’re still learning lessons from this inspiring project and you can read more on the impact of this work on p.32-33.
One of the impacts of the project has been the growth in the number and range of volunteers giving their time to the protection and promotion of the Coast Path. To support this growth we’ve developed better training for volunteers and are now looking at how the charity can build its capacity to get the best out of volunteering.
The South West Coast Path Association is a registered charity and volunteer-led organisation governed by our Trustees:
Ruth Adams Katie Ash Chair: Hilary Dinsdale Zoë Kibbey
Bob Mark Rachel Smith
Vice Chair: Philip Spencer Giles Taylor
Treasurer: Kevin Thomas
The Trustees delegate responsibility for operational matters to the team led by our Director, Julian Gray. We work to ensure the Business Plan is delivered and our volunteers are supported in their endeavours to ensure the South West Coast Path remains one of the world’s great trails.
Issues directly concerning the South West Coast Path are co-ordinated through the Path Committee, comprising 12 Area Reps, three Trustees, National Trail Officer, SWCPA Director and chaired by Ken Carter. The Area Reps work with over 50 Local Reps who together walk their section of the Path regularly, survey and report on the state of the National Trail and ensure our funds raised for path improvements are used where most needed. A map showing Area and Local Reps and their sections can be found on pages 30 and 31.
General Enquiries: hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Membership Engagement: Debbie Bakewell debbie@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Finance Manager: Wayne Mackney wayne@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Director: Julian Gray julian@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Business Engagement: Sarah Gunn sarah@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Head of Comms: Aletha Mays aletha@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Impact Comms Officer: Molly Palmer molly@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
National Trail Officer: Lorna Sherriff lorna@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Coast Path Connectors Project Manager: Alex Turner alex@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Coast Path Connectors Project Officer (Cornwall): Jack Greaves jack@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Coast Path Connectors Project Officer (North Devon): Huw Davies huw@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Coast Path Connectors Project Officer (Plymouth and Torbay): Gemma Dunn gemma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Coast Path Connectors Project Officer (Dorset): Catherine Mason catherine@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Call us on: 01752 896237
Design by: Ingrid Kendall | Print by: Deltor Communications Ltd
Disclaimer: Opinionsexpressedbyauthorsandcontributorstothis magazinearenotspecificallyendorsedbytheAssociation.Although everycareistakentoavoidmistakes,theAssociationdoesnotaccept liabilityforclericalorprintingerrors.
South West Coast Path Association Residence 2, Unit 11, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP
This magazine has been printed using ink made from vegetable oil as a substitute for petroleum. These inks significantly reduce the amount of toxic metals and Volatile Organic Compounds released into the air during printing.
Cover photo: Ayrmer Cove, South Devon by Simone Stedmon
Coast Path Connectors: Transforming lives
Way Maker Focus, Blackpool Sands 37-43 Completers share their stories
44-45 Shop and show your support with our seasonal special offers
I’m delighted to introduce this Autumn’s edition of Trailblazing, and to introduce myself as your new Chair. In one of those curious circularities of life I was first made aware of the Association when I passed a brown information sign in Lee Mill giving directions to “SW Coast Path Assoc”, but I drove past that sign for some years before investigating what it referred to. And it turned out that the original SWCPA offices were not far from my new home in Ivybridge. The sign was eventually removed following the office move to Plymouth, but the idea that there was a 630 mile Trail on my doorstep was intriguing and I set a plan to walk it one day.
The full 630 miles aside, the Coast Path has always been a part of my life, from growing up in Newquay, where I regularly played in the river Gannel, and discovered the cliffs, paths and beaches of north Cornwall, before moving away for study and work but always “coming home” to Cornwall where the coast and its path were such a draw. When I returned to the South West to work I discovered that my nearest estuary, the Erme, was the only estuary on the SWCP, apart from the Gannel, that could be “waded”. What a neat coincidence! And like me on the Gannel my daughter grew up playing by the banks of the river Erme.
Whilst I started planning my walks I applied to be a Trustee in 2020 and since then have also served as Treasurer. I’m struck by how the Association has evolved since its early years, with the small team of staff achieving so much and so many volunteers happy to give up their time to support the continuance of the best Trail in the world (in my very unbiased opinion!).
One such volunteer is Ken Carter, who has served as a Trustee for over 10 years, was Chair for five, and although retiring as a Trustee in June has agreed to act as Chair of the Path Committee. We are extremely grateful for all the time he has devoted to the Association. Thanks are due also to retiring Trustee David Morris who has provided excellent advice for the last 4 years, in particular on Health and Wellbeing matters.
Two new Trustees are welcomed to the Board, Giles Taylor, a lawyer from Exeter, and Rachel Smith, a transport and sustainability consultant who brings experience from Australia as well as the UK.
Finally, we say a heartfelt thank you to Bob Mark who has steered the Association as Chair for the last three years. Bob is remaining a Trustee for this year and has written the following message:
It has been an honour to serve as Chair. Our Association is in excellent shape – our Annual Report speaks volumes for the achievements of volunteers and staff and for the generosity of members and supporters. I would urge those who missed the AGM to glance through the report highlights on our website.
There are inevitably challenges ahead, but I know my successor, Hilary, is well placed, well equipped, and well supported to take the Association forward. Many thanks to all of you, for without you, the Membership, our SW Coast Path would be a pale shadow of what it is today.
With best wishes for happy walking.
Hilary Dinsdale
Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association
Every two years trail managers and enthusiasts from around the world gather for the World Trails Conference. This year the event is hosted in Ottawa supported by the Trans Canada Trails Network. The conference is an excellent opportunity to share knowledge, forge meaningful networks, and shape the future of trail experiences around the world.
This year the three main themes are climate and nature, regenerative tourism and creating a resilient trails sector. Lorna Sherriff, our National Trail Officer, will present at the conference on the Coast Path Connectors project and our work connecting people to nature.
As Vice-Chair of the World Trails Network, I’ll be attending as a member of the conference organising committee and will present on the Coast Wildbelt.
The 2024 World Trails Film Festival will run alongside the main conference and our Trailblazer Walk short film has been selected to be shown. www.trails.film
The World Trails Network which hosts the conference also runs a Friendship Trail programme, joining sections of different trails around the world. The Bruce Trail in Canada will be opening a section of their trail as a Friendship Trail with the South West Coast Path just before the conference starts. The trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, and connects from the Niagara Escarpment up to Tobemory on Lake Huron. Joining together via a Friendship Trail is a great way to showcase the Coast Path with the 20,000 members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy and helps celebrate us as one of the world’s great trails. www.brucetrail.org
For the South West Coast Path Friendship Trail section we are highlighting a route from Cawsand through to Wembury, passing through the Cornwall, Tamar and South Devon National Landscapes and going around the edge of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. This section is accessible via bus and ferry and allows a stop off at our offices at Royal William Yard.
A section of the SWCP Friendship Trail route is also within the European Ramblers E9 Route. The E9 is the longest coastal trail in the world, spanning almost 10,000kms from Tarifa in Spain up to Narva-Jõesuu in Estonia. The UK section of the trail runs from Plymouth (connected by the Roscoff Ferry) through to Dover (linking back to Calais). The first section of this route follows the SWCP through to Poole and then follows the King Charles III England Coast Path to the South Downs Way and finally the Saxon Shore Way. www.era-ewv-ferp.org/e-paths/e9
The South West Coast Path is also part of the International Appalachian Trail. In North America the IAT Connects elements of the Appalachian Mountains, crossing rivers, threading open spruce and fir forests, joining the people and cultures of Maine, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Since 2009, this has expanded to Greenland and Iceland and across the arc of the North Atlantic to Europe and North Africa. www.iat-sia.org
This year’s AGM was held at Dunster Tithe Barn in Somerset. Presentations from the team preceded the formal proceedings. We also gave a sneak preview to a new film celebrating our 50th anniversary Trailblazer Walk. The short film is narrated by The Salt Path author, Raynor Winn, and features drone footage taken during last year’s walk.
The AGM started with the Chair’s report on the work of the charity over 2023 and was followed by the Treasurer’s presentation of last year’s accounts. We then held a discussion around proposed changes to the Charity’s objects to include the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) in the South West in addition to the South West Coast Path. Trustees set out the need for the change, firstly to allow the charity to fundraise for and support the KCIIIECP where it differs from the route of the South West Coast Path. In addition, as the South West Coast Path Trail Partnership oversees the KCIIIECP in the South West there may be opportunities to access funding regionally which would also benefit the SWCP. Trustees confirmed that no expansion of the Trail Partnership would occur without extra funding for the National Trail team to ensure we have the capacity to take on additional work. Members voted 76% in favour of the resolution. We will now contact the Charity Commission to ask for their consent to make the change to our constitution and we will come back to next year’s AGM for a formal vote to ratify the change.
After the AGM we joined the National Trust who gave entertaining and informative tours in and around Dunster Castle.
In 2019 the charity moved its headquarters from Lee Mill near Ivybridge down to Royal William Yard in Plymouth. The idea was to move closer to the Coast Path, preferably in a large town or city, to be closer to people too. The Residence 2 offices are split between the basement and attic, which is good for clocking up daily steps, but not great for accessibility. Our ambition has been to find a space at RWY that is on the ground floor and can accommodate both the team’s office space alongside a public space to celebrate the Coast Path and promote the charity.
We have found a great opportunity in the central Melville building at RWY and are in discussions with the landlord, Urban Splash, on agreeing a lease for the space. As this is a grade one listed building, we have engaged Gillespie Yunnie Architects who have designed many of the spaces at RWY to draw up plans and get initial costings for a fit out. We are also in discussion with grant giving bodies to help fund any potential works.
This is an exciting opportunity for the charity with the potential for us to engage more people in our work and the need for support to this world class trail.
Some of the SWCPA team were fortunate to attend the first ever National Trails UK Summit in the beautiful Cotswolds earlier this year.
The Summit focussed on access celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Countryside Act (1949). We enjoyed listening to some of the innovative work that is being done across the 20 UK National Trails to enable better access and discussed the opportunities to encourage more people on our trails, to experience our National Landscapes and explore our National Parks.
The event provided the opportunity for networking, future collaboration, and inspiring conversations about how we can work together and share ways to improve access to the network of incredible National Trails in the UK, and included a presentation by SWCP National Trail Officer, Lorna Sherriff, on our Coast Path Connectors project.
Dorothy Smith, Padstow to Hayle section, was one of the original local reps, joining the role when the opportunity started 9 years ago. A dedicated supporter of the SWCPA ensuring National Trail standards were being met. Dorothy will still be supporting the charity and keeping an eye on any section of path she will be walking on.
Mark Walker, Erme to Dartmouth section, knew his section of path well and all the people connected with the trail in that area which has been so valuable. Mark also enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the trail when walking with others and will continue to do so when he has the chance to get back out onto the path.
Work continues on the Coastal Wildbelt pilot project in the South West. Kate Jury, Coastal Wildbelt project officer for National Trails UK, hosted workshops with key stakeholders to help define the scope of the project. As you can see from the illustration, our aim is to have completed the initial phase of the pilot project by March ’25.
Mapping is playing an important part in helping us understand the opportunities and barriers. The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) area of Coastal Margin covers over 940 square miles – almost 2% of England. Around 80% of the area is designated for nature (such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation, Ramsar wetland sites, and National Nature Reserves) and heritage designations.
We are also about to trial mobile phone data to track where people are travelling from and along the coast to get a better idea of how people are currently accessing the coast before the new KCIIIECP open access rights around the coast are formally designated.
We will ground truth this data with automatic people counters already installed and recording movements out along the National Trail.
The term Coast Path for many brings up images of high cliffs, tight footpaths and steep hills, but what is so special about the SWCP is that there really is something for everyone.
Early in the Coast Path Connectors project I met with the inspirational team at Cornwall Rolling Ramblers, a social group that meet regularly on the path and who work hard to promote accessible paths across the region.
We now run monthly wheelchair rambles, for those wanting to connect with nature and others. Our walks are a space for anyone who uses a wheelchair, whether that is experienced ramblers or those adjusting to a new way of life in a wheelchair.
It was refreshing to be at the first National Trails UK Summit recently, and to see access to the path right at the top of their agenda. Here in Cornwall, we have many accessible stretches, with more being created all the time and this doesn’t necessarily mean sticking to our towns and cities.
For many of these walks we have teamed up with our partners at the National Trust, and this has included rambles at Botallack, Glendurgan and the brand-new viewing platform at Kynance Cove. Notable recent works also include the stretch in Falmouth between Gyllyngvase Beach and Swanpool, which now extends to Maenporth, as well as North Cliffs near Portreath and Trevose Head.
Our Monthly Wheelchair Rambles aim to showcase the accessible areas of our Coast Path, whilst building social networks and confidence in the hope they continue to ramble away from our sessions. A huge thanks to the team at Cornwall Rolling Ramblers, as it is their knowledge and welcoming nature that make these rambles possible.
Jack Greaves, Project Officer, Coast Path Connectors, Cornwall
The South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition arrived in style at London’s Paddington Station in July, bringing spectacular images of England’s longest National Trail to the heart of the capital.
This was the first time the annual photography competition has held a public exhibition in London, and what better setting than at Paddington, rail gateway to the South West region?
Featuring 22 photographs displayed on striking large-scale panels, the colourful exhibition highlighted both the beauty of the South West Coast Path – 630 miles of stunning coastline spanning four counties, from Minehead to Poole – and the threats to its future caused by climate change.
Amongst the first visitors to the exhibition, which opened on 3 July, were some of the winning photographers, whose images were selected from a total of over 1,500 entries in categories such as Your Path, Nature, Urban Lines, Climate Change and Young Photographer of the Year. They included Jennifer Rogers, whose images took first place in the competition’s Your Path category, and both first and second places in the Nature category; Gary Holpin, who won in the Climate Change category for his image, ‘Blue Hour over a flooded Porlock Marsh’; and Alex Walton whose image ‘Trail Lights of Sidmouth’ won the Urban Lines category.
Autumn Exhibition in the South West!
We received a great response from the many people who viewed the exhibition and are extremely grateful to Great Western Railway for their valuable partnership that enabled us to bring the Trail to the Rail.
We are thrilled to announce that the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition will be displayed at Royal William Yard, Plymouth as part of their Artober event! If you didn’t manage to catch the exhibition at Paddington Station, you now have the opportunity to see it in Plymouth, from 18th October – 3rd November 2024.
For more information go to: southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-photo-exhibition
During the summer we visited Emma Scattergood’s Creative Path exhibition at Durlston Country Park. The Creative Path celebrated not only the charity’s 50th anniversary, but also Emma’s own pilgrimage along the SWCP. The vibrant collection of paintings and sketches created over the last 18 months reflected her journey and the seasonal changes along the route. It was wonderful to see her artworks spur conversations and evoke memories about the SWCP for the many people who visited the exhibition.
A huge thank you to Emma for her fundraising, inspiring creative path workshops, and her enduring commitment and love for the Path.
Pictured here are the winners, Clare and Richard, who are currently in the midst of completing the SWCP, with their prized painting, June Breeze.
Emma generously raffled one of her paintings which added to her total donation of £765 for the South West Coast Path Association.
Walking,drawing,painting,writing,running workshopsandfundraisingfortheSWCPover the past 18 months soon became far more thansimplya‘project’or‘challenge’forme.Itbecame mylifeforce–andmostcertainlychangedmylife.
AssoonasmyfundraisingfortheSWCPAdrewtoan end, and I finished the Creative Path exhibition in July,Iknewinstinctivelythatmynextcreativeproject wouldbecalledHope.BecauseHopeisexactlywhatmy timeonthePathhasgivenme,alongwithenhanced confidenceandresilience.Thankyoutoeveryonewho hasplayedapartinthat,fromthestaffattheSWCPA toallthespecialpeopleI’vemetonmyjourney.
I’llneverforgetit.
You can continue to follow Emma at emmascattergood.com
We’ve teamed up with Devon based, award winning bakery, Flapjackery, to help you enjoy some delicious flapjack treats on the Trail and enjoy a 10% discount when you get your Passport stamped in-store!
The Tavistock based company creates handmade, award winning, gluten free, flapjacks using the finest local ingredients and there’s a huge range of artisan flavours.
Carol Myott, co-founder of Flapjackery, said: “We are thrilled that Flapjackery has become an official ‘Way Maker’ for the South West Coast Path. This means our shops in Plymouth, Fowey, Falmouth, Padstow, St Ives, Sidmouth, Dartmouth, and Minehead are now official South West Coast Path Passport Stamping Points. Our gluten-free flapjacks are the perfect fuel for hiking adventures along the coast path, and we look forward to welcoming everyone enjoying one of Britain’s most loved National Trails.”
If you’re doing the Trail in reverse and can show you’ve collected stamps in each of the 7 Path Passport sections when you visit the Minehead store, there’s a 25% in-store discount to help you celebrate!
Check stores and the on-line shop at www.flapjackery.co.uk
We are thrilled to have been invited to be featured in The Coastal Café Guide.
Author, Kerry O’Neill, said,
This book celebrates the local people and independent eating places that make Britain’s coastlines unique. The tempting collection includes cafés, restaurants, beach bars, seafood cabins, horseboxes, trucks, and more.
It also highlights the vital work of the UK’s key marine and coast-related charities, including the SWCPA.
SWCPA members and supporters receive 10% discount using code swcpa10 when buying direct: theextramile.guide/product/the-coastal-cafe-guide-edition-1-2024
We are incredibly excited for the release of the muchanticipated film of Raynor Winn’s best-selling book, The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson as Raynor, and Jason Isaacs as Moth. In September, the film had its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival to much acclaim.
An early review by Jane Shoettle says,
Adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Ida, Disobedience, She Said) from the 2018 memoir by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path marks the moviemaking debut of four-time Tony Award–winning theatre director Marianne Elliott.
Elliott and her crew filmed in some breathtakingly beautiful locations – though not always in the finest of weather. This is a bracingly cinematic tale of a couple struggling against the elements and trying not to turn on one another, while the whole world seems bent on beating them down.
Anderson and Isaacs put everything they have into their performances, conveying physical exhaustion on their faces as much as their bodies. The two stars carry one another like the rucksacks on their backs, trudging ever forward as the characters learn the cycles of coastal weather and slowly shed their expectations of luxury or even comfort. The Salt Path is a story of who we become when everything else is stripped away – and who we find walking alongside us, if we’re very lucky.
We were thrilled that the charity’s Trailblazer Walk film was officially selected for the World Trails Film Festival in Ottawa, Canada, and premiered at the event in September.
The Trailblazer Walk chronicles the 55-day epic relay along the South West Coast Path undertaken in the spring of 2023, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the South West Coast Path Association. Narrated by Raynor Winn, best-selling author of The Salt Path,
the film highlights the beauty of the Coast Path and the people who have worked tirelessly to protect, care for and champion this world-class Trail.
We are honoured to have had the Trailblazer Walk film premiere at the World Trails Film Festival and be part of such a prestigious event celebrating trails around the world.
The film is now available on the charity’s YouTube channel @southwestcoastpath.
Does every National Trail undertake an Annual Survey?
Every National Trail, including opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path, completes a survey with the expectation set by Natural England that the whole trail is surveyed at least once every 3 years. Some National Trails have a volunteer team who complete the surveys whilst other trails are surveyed by the National Trail Officer. With the SWCP being such a long distance, it is important that we keep our survey data up-to-date and we achieve this by completing the survey annually.
Why do we undertake the SWCP Survey every year?
The survey identifies where work is needed and provides robust evidence of the overall condition of the Path.
• The survey is managed and organised by SWCPA
• Undertaken every winter during October – February
• Conducted by over 70 SWCPA volunteers
• 12,000 ‘path furniture’ items checked including signs, gates, stiles, bridges, steps.
• Path condition, including erosion and surface, checked.
Who does the SWCP Survey?
It’s no mean feat to survey 630 miles of Path and we literally could not do it without our dedicated and passionate volunteers. Our Path Rep volunteers are called upon each year to walk their section of Path, with tablet in hand, monitoring wear and tear on the Path, and missing/ damaged ‘furniture’. In 2015 the Volunteer Path Rep team was established, through funding from an Awards for all Grant, to help care for and champion the trail as well as to help undertake the annual survey. Prior to this the National Trail Officer walked a 3rd of the trail each year and completed the survey, but it was realised that help was needed and would be best if the survey was completed annually.
What does the SWCP Survey tell us about the Path?
The survey grades each area as follows:
• Satisfactory
• Requires Attention
• Unsatisfactory
• Missing
Our SWCP National Trail Officer collates the data from the annual survey and produces the Condition Report. This data is shared with the Trail Partnership and Path Managers so we can work in partnership to make the improvements needed. Priority is given to anything listed as ‘missing’ and ‘unsatisfactory’. Items listed as ‘requires attention’ are planned for action over the next 12–24 months.
The survey data is also shared with Natural England (NE) as evidence to support the annual maintenance grant.
97% of the SWCP was checked by our volunteers, which was amazing especially with all the wet weather we experienced last winter.
The results showed the following:
What are the significant findings from the survey?
It’s no surprise that the increase in extreme wet weather events caused by climate change have impacted the Path. At the time of writing we have not only experienced a wet winter, we are also going through a very wet summer. Over the last few years we have seen more erosion, cliff falls, landslips, wear and tear on fingerposts/way markers, scouring and erosion of the path surface, flooding and sustained waterlogging along the trail. In the summer we are also seeing an increase in the vegetation growing season.
This is not a one off, it is becoming the norm. Alongside our Trail Partners we now have to manage and mitigate against the impact that climate change brings, to ensure that the trail is here for future generations to enjoy. The results of the Annual SWCP Survey are important for not only telling us the condition of the Path, but also for providing evidence of the increasing impact of climate change and the correlating increase in costs to maintain the Trail.
How do we fund the SWCP works raised as a priority through the Annual Survey?
In 2012, our annual survey delivered an incredible result of 84.4% of signs and path furniture meeting National Trail standards. Unfortunately, in 2013 all National Trails experienced a cut in their maintenance grant from NE. Since then, with the cost of materials and labour constantly increasing, and the work needed on the path increasing, we have had to seek additional funding through our membership, individual donations, legacies, business supporters and other grant funding. Without this additional support the Trail would be in decline and would not be in the condition it is today.
Our trail partners are also putting in extra contributions to ensure that the trail remains world class. In the 23/24 financial year the cost for maintaining and improving the Trail totalled £1.4million.
£500,000.00
£450,000.00
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£350,000.00
£300,000.00
£250,000.00
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£0.00
The SWCPA and Trail Partnership will always strive to maintain and improve the trail so that everyone can have access to the South West Coast Path as a place to connect to nature, relax, exercise, and take time away from the stresses of daily life. We are immensely grateful to our volunteers – our valuable ‘eyes and ears on the ground’ – for their time and commitment to keeping the SWCP as a world-class internationally recognised Trail.
The trail surface has become deeply rutted making it difficult to walk. Currently there is nowhere for the water to drain off the path which is causing the erosion of the trail. The rutted path is also causing damage to the surrounding protected habitat as walkers are moving off the line of the path to a more level walking surface. Works will include re-grading the path and installing side drains. Total cost £1000, SWCPA Contribution £500.
This project will move an existing livestock drinking point downstream and away from the line of the coast path to minimise any livestock standing and congregating on the path. The works involve installing a length of pipe from the existing drinking point and moving the trough to the new location. In addition, provision of an alternative permissive route around the pond, allowing walkers to safely and confidently pass cattle if the livestock have chosen to gather on or very close to the path, will be created. To facilitate this, it will be necessary to install a 6-meter section of pipe and to level and re-profile the permissive route around the stream. Total project £2,230, SWCPA Contribution £1115.
We are completing a signage audit of the Isle of Portland as this has been identified in urgent need of improvement. The project will include installing new fingerposts and waymarkers, cleaning and repainting stone mile markers and using coast path stickers on appropriate existing metal posts. Cost of project currently being assessed.
The steps in this popular section of coast path, which also forms part of a circuit from the National Trust Brownstone Car Park, are deteriorating and creating very high steps making it difficult for people to walk. Due to the current condition of the steps, walkers are trying to find alternative routes on the side of the path. The project will reconstruct 170m flight of steps on the steep slope directly to the west of Mill Bay Cove, Kingswear Peninsula. Project Total £10,000, SWCPA Contribution £5,000.
Although not directly on the line of the trail the steps down to Portnadler beach (to the West of Looe) are well used by walkers accessing the beach area. The steps were starting to break and fail so our trail managers in this area, the National Trust, have completely replaced the wooden steps. Project total £3,000, SWCPA contribution £1,500.
The oak stairs which were installed 12 years ago needed to be replaced because of safety concerns with the timber starting to rot. Quotes between £8,000 to £10,000 were collected which would replace them in a similar fashion using oak again because of its durable properties. Instead of replacing like for like which was going to be more expensive it was decided to snake the path down the steep bank and use granite steps instead. This reduces maintenance and was more cost efficient.
Project Total £4,433, SWCPA Contribution £2,216.
A coastal wildfire occurred in this area 4 years ago which resulted in a small landslip below the path. This slip had been gradually worsening and we needed to take proactive measures to move the path for walkers safety. After a site visit with the National Trust and Devon County Council it was agreed to move the path back approximately 10m from the existing route. The works included cutting of bracken and gorse (which occurred over winter outside of the nesting bird season) and then levelling the new route to make it walkable.
Grazing on coastal areas (also called conservation grazing) is important as it creates vegetation at different heights, and small areas of bare ground. This makes it suitable for a wide range of wildlife in different habitats. It allows wildflowers to grow, flower and set seed each year which provides pollen and nectar for invertebrates and increases invertebrate food available for birds. Our coastal areas are home to a large number and range of species, including threatened or rare plants, invertebrates and birds. To aid the grazing around the coast in South Devon, signage for National Trust Sites has been produced to explain the need for grazing as well as areas which are using the no fence collar system. Project Total £970 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
The trail through Dunscombe coppice had eroded and was very narrow and slippery when wet. Approximately 81m of revetments were installed to widen and stabilise this section of the path. The work involved scrub clearance alongside the path, construction of the revetments and infill with stone. Project Total £4838 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
Pentargon bridge had come to the end of its lifespan and needed replacing. The Bridge was completely replaced with a new hardwood oak bridge which will give years of safe crossing for walkers. Project Total £18,935 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
Prior to carrying out these works the main access to the beach and SWCP was via steep, sloping steps from the car park or via the narrow, rutted and slippery path through Mill Meadow. This project widened and levelled the access down to the beach and SWCP as well as replacing a narrow and unsafe concrete bridge with a wider accessible wooden bridge. Since completing the improvements, it is possible for a wider range of people to access and enjoy the beach and coast path. Project Total £12,353 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
The signage along a section of the North Cornwall coast needed improving and this project provided some new waymark posts at various locations between Morwenstow and Boscastle. Project Total £1,581 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
This project replaced an old softwood handrail on the steps and slope leading from Parc-an-als car park along the South West Coast Path towards Loe Bar which had started to deteriorate and fall over. The new and improved handrail is made from oak with stainless steel fittings and extends further than the old handrail providing improved accessibility and safety for path users. Project Total £6,000 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
Near Porlock Weir the Coast Path comes up from the beach via some concrete steps which are set into the sea defences. These steps, which take quite a beating from the sea when rough, had an old metal handrail on one side which was rusty and deteriorating in condition. The opportunity was taken to replace the rail on the opposite side of the steps as this had the added advantage of preventing people from walking onto the sea defences. The new rail has been set in hardwood 5” posts and painted to provide a sturdy and hard wearing rail which fits into the area. The old rusty hand rail was completely removed. Project Total £2,048 with SWCPA drawing in 75% funding from Natural England.
Our series celebrating local artists who take inspiration from the coast continues. Below is a snapshot of artists we have featured recently.
Jewellery designer Hannah Louise Lamb creates bespoke designs that reflect life’s personal stories. Inspired by the rugged beauty of coastline, mountain range and skyline, Hannah’s jewellery evokes a real sense of place, with many of her designs inspired by her experience of growing up on Cornwall’s coastline and her customers’ special memories and milestones.
@hannahlouiselamb
A huge part of the bespoke requests I receive are based on the South West Coastline, sometimes the whole of it, sometimes just a particular section that holds personal meaning; where they got married, where they got engaged, their late family’s favourite place, where a loved one’s ashes are scattered, their favourite holiday, or any milestones big and small, there’s always a reason. The coast means so much to so many.
Read the blog at blog.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/2024/04/04/inspired-by-the-coast-hannah-louise-lamb
Ella Mason, a second-year Illustration student at Arts University Plymouth created a printed leaflet to encourage exploration of the fauna & flora and adventure-seeking along the South West Coast Path. Through her illustration practice and research, Ella has beautifully conveyed her enthusiasm for the coast, appreciation for nature and love of animals and habitats.
I have always been drawn to nature and how it makes me feel. Whilst relying on the outdoors to clear my head and make me feel better, I have been able to express this through my illustrations and further develop it in my University Illustration course.
Healing myself and others through being amongst nature has always been something I truly believe in.
@ellamasonart
Read the blog at blog.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/2024/06/24/ella-mason-leaflet
Our Inspired by the Coast series celebrates different perspectives on what the Coast Path means to people and demonstrates how it creatively inspires and supports people in such different ways. If you are an artist and would like to be featured, or would like to suggest someone to be featured, please email comms@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Walking in the colder and wetter months can mean slippery, muddy ground underfoot, but timed wisely and with the right gear, you can still venture outdoors and enjoy the quiet solitude of winter hiking. We’ve put together a selection of walks which are great for those autumn and winter adventurers among you. Don’t forget, as a member you can receive a 15% discount on your seasonal gear at major outdoors retailers including Cotswold Outdoor.
Moderate / 4.7 miles
What better than to stroll beneath a woodland canopy during the winter months, and this walk from Buck’s Mills hits the spot. Walking high above the coastline, this route offers several viewpoints with striking sea views through the foliage and optional steep descents to two remote sand-and-shingle beaches. Steeped in history, Buck’s Mills is an idyllic village to explore with a rich history dating back to Saxon times, stepping into the village feels as though you are stepping back in time. The land at Peppercombe, preserved by the National Trust, teems with rare lichens, woodland plants and insect-life, making this a fantastic walk for entomology and plant lovers.
Explore the route at southwestcoastpath.org.uk/ walksdb/108
Severe / 9.1 miles
For those feeling more adventurous, this walk offers a fantastic challenge with steep descents into valleys, zig-zagging paths and tough climbs at times from sea-level, particularly on the approach to Port Isaac. This stretch is designated Heritage Coast status and travels through a National Landscape, with spectacular views to the sea. This stretch comes alive in the autumn months, as the bracken turns ablaze in warm autumn colours. After the challenging up-and-down past Port Gaverne, you reach Port Isaac, an unspoiled historic fishing and slate extraction village, offering much to be explored with its intricate network of alleyways. A popular location for filming, TV-fanatics may spot the backdrop of scenes from Doc Martin, Poldark and Saving Grace. Explore the route at southwestcoastpath.org.uk/ walksdb/148
Moderate / 3.9 miles
A classic coastal walk with fascinating artefacts, perfect for history lovers. Explore the iconic white chalk stacks off Handfast Point at Studland, with spectacular rock formations and farranging views all around. The Old Harry Rocks’ striking chalk and flint stacks formed by natural coastal erosion mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, over the 95-mile-long course of which a continuous sequence of rocks spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods hugs the coastline. This route takes you to Ballard Down, a historic vantage point offering views over Poole Harbour and Swanage Bay. Here you’ll find remnants of medieval strip lynchets, eighteenth-century boundary stones and a Napoleonic signal post.
Explore the route at southwestcoastpath.org.uk/ walksdb/45
During the last year, Britain has endured its wettest winter in 130 years and this year is predicted by the Met Office to be the UK’s hottest on record, with an increased frequency of inclement weather patterns including severe storms, heavy rain and strong winds, resulting in increased coastal erosion, land slips and cliff-falls on our precious National Trail.
In response to the damaging effects of climate change, we focused our efforts on Every Mile Matters, our fundraising campaign to raise awareness of increased coastal erosion, damage to the Path and soaring costs to maintain the South West Coast Path.
As part of Every Mile Matters, we organised The Magnificent Seven, a series of guided walks across each section of the Trail, encouraging our supporters to play their part in protecting our beloved National Trail. Read on to hear about our walks, which took place during National Walking Month in May and June.
We were greeted with perfect weather with sunshine, blue skies and a gentle breeze for our first Magnificent Seven walk from Penzance to Perranuthnoe. Our team of walkers set out from Penzance train station and headed along the Mount’s Bay Path towards Marazion, taking in the striking St Michael’s Mount as the backdrop. Our fantastic West Cornwall sponsors at Warrens Bakery offered delicious pasties and doughnuts to fuel us before continuing through the market town of Marazion and over fields and headlands towards our final destination, the pretty coastal village of Perranuthnoe.
Warrens Bakery – West Cornwall
Wewanttoextendourdeepestgratitudeto everyonewhoparticipatedinthismemorablewalk.The enthusiasm,support,andloveforCornwall’snatural beautymadethedaytrulyspecial.Itwasheartwarming toseeourcommunitycometogether,enjoythegreat outdoors,andhelpraiseawarenessforthepreservationof thismagnificentPath.
Louise Batty, Marketing Manager, Warrens Bakery
Although the skies were shrouded in sea mist, it did not dampen our spirits as we explored beautiful sandy beaches, the harbour and the tranquil River Gannel. Lorna, our National Trail Officer talked us through the recent landslip at Fistral Beach, highlighting the constant pressure that coastal erosion and climate change pose on the Path. We finished up at the Great Western with a pint of Korev courtesy of headline sponsors St Austell Brewery, taking in the sweeping views up and down the rocky coastline from the beer garden.
A beautiful sunny start to the day as we called into the Station Masters Cafe to collect a stamp in our Coast Path Passport before crossing Barnstaple’s historic bridge and making our way along the Tarka Trail. The vegetation was lush, and we spotted ducklings, signets and oyster catchers, enjoying spectacular views across the estuary towards the white sands of Crow Point and Saunton Sands.
We were joined by great company and wonderful weather for our walk and were fortunate to have Phil, Exmoor National Park Ranger, come along and provide some great history of the area making it extra special. We were also lucky to encounter wild Exmoor ponies on our walk, and to see the wildflowers punctuating the landscape with their vibrant colour. We ended the walk with a pint of Korev at The Blueball Inn, courtesy of our headline sponsors St Austell Brewery.
We were fortunate to be greeted with glorious sunshine as we departed from Looe train station and walked along the river, picking up the coast path over the cliff tops. We were lucky to be joined by Edmund, our local volunteer Path rep, who explained lots about the local history including infamous entrepreneur Zephaniah Job, who was known as the “Smugglers’ Banker” of Polperro. We capped the walk off with an ice cream stop in Polperro’s winding streets.
We'redelightedtosupportthecampaign, Cornwall is our home and the coast is a constant source ofinspirationforus.EveryMileMattersisaprojectclose to our heart.
Our penultimate walk set off from Paignton train station, exploring the residential outskirts before travelling along countryside paths towards Goodrington Sands. Here, the fog began to lift as we wended our way over grassy headland and past sandy coves towards the coastal fishing port of Brixham, home to the famous Brixham fish market. Our volunteer Path Reps, David and Tino, talked us through local improvement projects, including the wonderful steps at Churston Cove, supported by Macs Adventure.
It was an absolute pleasure to be able to join Team SWCPA and some fellow Coast Path lovers on the South Devon leg of the Every Mile Matters Walk. The weather may not have played ball, but the spirit in the group was high and it was lovely to meet some new faces (and of course the weather did not stop the enjoyment of an ice cream at the end!). Now we may be locals of this part of the Devon coastline, but it was fantastic to learn some new coast path history along the way! It has been a pleasure supporting the SWCPA on another campaign and we always love a chance to get our walking boots on.
Emily Druce, Campaign Manager
Thank you to our sponsors
Greeted with blazing sunshine and blue skies galore, our Magnificent Seven series had a fantastic finale, taking us from Weymouth to Osmington. Led by Catherine, our Coast Path Connectors Project Officer for Dorset, we began our walk from Weymouth station, walking along the sea-front promenade past the Lodmoor Nature Reserve towards Bowleaze Cove. From here, we began our cliff-top ascent across heathland, with fantastic coastal vistas. We capped off our final walk with a well-earned drink and lunch-stop at The Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills.
Our 2024 Every Mile Matters campaign has received the support from a number of businesses in the South West who recognise how important the Trail is and we’re proud to have St Austell Brewery onboard as the headline sponsor and Great Western Railway (GWR) as the sustainable transport sponsor. A huge thanks to our section sponsors, Seasalt Cornwall, The Esplanade, Warrens Bakery, John Fowler Holidays and Luxury Coastal.
Barnstaple’s Stationmaster’s Café is the perfect place to begin, take a break or finish your Coast Path adventure on the North Devon stretch. Unrivalled access to North Devon and North Cornwall sections via hourly train service from Exeter, 2 main bus stops right outside and large car park.
We pride ourselves on our beautiful rose garden and baking all our own cakes and traybakes onsite, as well as using locally sourced ingredients for our superb cook to order breakfasts.
Pick up your Coast Path Passport Stamp here too! info@stationmasterscafe.co.uk www.stationmasterscafe.co.uk station_masterscafe
By Dean Penn
Walking the South West Coast Path has changed my life forever. In 2019, I lost my beloved daughter to body dysmorphia and consequently to suicide. The grief and years of caring for Charlotte deeply affected me and I was in a dark vortex for several years. Personally speaking, therapy wasn’t shifting the constant ruminations I was experiencing from losing Charlotte. I was also a heavy smoker. Something had to change.
I had read 500 Mile Walkies by Mark Wallington, a guy who borrows a dog from a mate in Stockwell, where we once lived, and walks the Path. Also, my mate Andy, who’s from my hometown Plymouth had walked the Path, and together we planned my walk.
I grew up in Devon, had lived in Cornwall and had laid Charlotte’s ashes in Dorset. Every part of the South West Coast Path resonated with me, I have my favourites, there are too many to list! The Path isn’t just about the scenery, it’s
We are fortunate to have fantastic fundraisers who have been getting out onto the Path for challenge, healing, exploration and to raise the cause of protecting England’s longest National Trail. Introducing Lisa Franklin, who took on the epic challenge of traversing the 630-mile length on foot, with the support of friends and family. Lisa took on her courageous challenge to reconnect with her roots in the process of grieving her daughter, Charlotte, who took her life almost 5 years ago following a long mental and physical struggle with body dysmorphia. Read on to hear about Lisa’s fundraising journey and experience walking the coast path.
also about the people I met and their personal journeys. Out on the cliff tops it feels like you are existing in a different world, a place of peace, nature and the sound of the sea. I totally embraced the solitude and equally loved meeting fellow walkers.
The support for my journey has been incredible as well as the money raised for The South West Coast Path Association and Papyrus, the suicide prevention charity. I feel so passionate about the South West Coast Path, I want others to experience what I have and to understand the importance of maintaining the whole 630 miles and the volunteers who dedicate their time to the SWCP, who are to be applauded. Every day I was walking I couldn’t look back, only forward to reach the next destination. In returning to my life at home, I know to survive the loss of Charlotte, I need to keep moving forward.
Written by Lisa Franklin
Lisa has kindly donated £1,000 towards the South West Coast Path, which will help us to protect our beloved National Trail. You can support Lisa by donating towards her fundraiser for PAPYRUS, the National Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINE247. Head to Lisa’s Just Giving page to find out more and to donate: tinyurl.com/lisa-franklin-justgiving
Donating through 1% for the Planet is a great way to ensure that our money is going direct to organisations like the South West Coast Path Association which can have an impact on the environmental issues. It’s an easy and effective way to give back to a cause we care about and reflects our values as a sustainable, environmentally friendly design studio which is important to our customers.
Bournemouth based industrial design consultancy Studio Wood – the design partner of the reusable water bottle company Chilly’s has become the first company to support the South West Coast Path Association through the 1% for the Planet scheme.
With companies and organisations becoming increasingly aware of the role they can play in helping to protect our planet through supporting environmental causes which they and their customers care about, many are turning to 1% for the Planet to help make a collective impact on some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
1% for the Planet is a network of thousands of member businesses, organisations and individuals across the world connected by a shared goal to protect the future of our planet. They do this by committing 1% of gross annual sales to carefully approved and vetted non-profit organisations which are addressing challenges in key areas including climate, land, food, pollution, water and wildlife.
At the South West Coast Path Association, our work to battle erosion and extreme weather to protect our coastal corridor, together with our focus on improving and providing access to the National Trail as a natural landscape, means we have been selected as an approved 1% for the Planet nonprofit partner, helping us to link up with companies like Studio Wood who want to support us in this way.
Sophie Godfrey, Managing Director, of Studio Wood explains,
The South West Coast Path is on our doorstep and many of our team love getting out on it and enjoying its amazing health and wellbeing benefits. During the last couple of years we have witnessed the impact of coastal erosion first hand while out running and hiking so we thought, what better cause to support!
The Coast Path is a huge source of inspiration, a beacon of hope during difficult times. The work of the South West Coast Path Association benefits the physical and mental well-being of hundreds of thousands of people each year, many of whom have life-changing experiences walking the path.
A huge thank you to the Studio Wood team for their donation.
Read more about Studio Woods decision to support the SWCPA at studiowood.co.uk/journal-highlights/1percentfo rtheplanetstudiowood-tde3f
You can sign up as a business/organisation or individual to give via 1% for the planet at onepercentfortheplanet.org
With the South West Coast Path widely considered one of the best and most dramatic trails in the world, it's no wonder so many events and tours choose the Coast Path as the stage for their adventures.
We are delighted to support the South West Coast Path Association again in 2024. We are keen to support the upkeep of the paths we use, now and in the future across our Ultra Challenge Series. This year’s Ultra Challenge Series will see 30,000 participants taking on distances from 10km to 100km across the UK helping to raise over £8 million for over 400 different charities. Action Challenge had two Ultra Challenge events on the SWCP this year, the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge which took place in May and the South West Coast 50 Ultra Challenge in August.
Neil Munro, Action Challenge
Events and tours help make experiencing the freedom and beauty of our Path easy and fun for people. Successful events enrich people’s experiences of the Trails and contribute to the local economy. However, they do impact the Trail and need careful management to ensure that negative impacts, such as increased erosion, disturbance to wildlife, disruption to users of the path and local communities are minimised. The best events will be tailored to suit the particular Trail, enrich people’s experiences and give back to the upkeep of the path.
Over 9 million people use the Coast Path every year to experience nature and adventure as well as support their mental and physical well-being, but most don’t realise the hard work and fundraising needed to keep the coastline accessible. Reduced government funding contributions for National Trails, climate change exposing the Path to accelerating coastal erosion, as well as wear and
tear from the feet of millions of visitors each year means the Coast Path requires more support than ever before to keep it in world-class condition.
The whole National Trail family encourage event and tour companies to give back to the trails. We ask that Coast Path Friendly events follow the National Trails event guidance and donate at least £1 per participant per event day for using the SWCP. If you would like to be a participant in an event which takes place on the SWCP, please choose an event organiser that is coast path friendly and recognises their responsibility to support and contribute to the upkeep of the trail. To find out which event organisers are Coast Path Friendly please look on our website at: www.southwestcoast path.org.uk/friendly-events
A huge thank you to the event companies, tour leaders and charities who already give back to the trail through our Coast Path Friendly Scheme.
I really appreciate the good work that the SWCPA do caretaking this special national treasure of a path. For me, it’s important to make Walkabout Coast Path Friendly and give back what we get out of it, so for each member of the walk, I donate to the SWCPA.
Sarah Middleton, Walkabout Tours
Did you know there are over 30,000 steps on the trail. We try to keep steps to a minimum as these can make it difficult for some people to walk, but as this trail has the same ascent as climbing Everest 4 times there will always be a need for some steps in place to help along the way. We also have over 4,000 signs marking the path as we want to make sure that the South West Coast Path is easy to find and easy to follow, so that everyone can benefit from experiencing the Trail and all that it has to offer. This is why we run our appeals and need your support.
Every set of steps requires hard work, taking many hours to move materials to site, prepare the ground and install each one securely. We want to make sure that the best materials which are hardwearing and sourced locally are used on the SWCP. The Step Up appeal purchases oak, chestnut, and granite or slate step boards so that broken and worn-out steps can be replaced. Even using the hardwood materials due to wear and tear, and increasingly extreme weather, the step boards only last between 10-15 years. That means every year we need to replace about 1,000 steps around the Trail and often these steps are in some of the most difficult places to access on the trail. Find out more: southwestcoastpath. org.uk/step-up
We’ve all taken wrong turns now and again and will know how frustrating it can be – but it is a problem that a well-placed signpost can solve instantly. Sufficient signage not only helps seasoned walkers find their way, but it also inspires confidence in those who are experiencing the enjoyment and health & wellbeing benefits of being on the South West Coast Path for the first time. We currently have approximately 25% of signs which need renovation or replacement.
Find out more: southwestcoastpath.org. uk/find-your-way
So far this year we have already funded 465 steps and 20 signs. By donating to Step Up or the Find Your Way appeal you could help us keep the path in great condition for the millions of people who use the trail each and every day.
Donating any amount, large or small, will make a world of difference.
BIDEFORD TO BUDE:
BUDE TO ROCK:
Carol Sellars
Andy Salmon, Martin Berry
PADSTOW TO HAYLE:
Margaret Bonner
Jo Shorthouse, Greg Dolan, Sue & Pete Arnstein, Bill Henthorn, Cate Pawluk, Richard Maunder, Adam Carter
HAYLE TO PORTHLEVEN:
Pete Marshall
Steve Church, Richard Cocking, Bridget Armstrong, Heather Williams, Tessa Goodchild, Paul Miller, Rob Davey, Jane Grey
Chris Lucas
Stephen Mills, John Byrne, Mark Whitehead, Charlie Sullivan
PORTLOE TO CREMYLL:
PORTHLEVEN TO PORTLOE: Sue Williams
Paul Rabbeth
Julie Larter, John Elsey, Tessa Farthing
Greg Philp, Edmund Wilson, Lucy Daniel, John & Linda Barnes
PLYMOUTH TO MOTHECOMBE
Sharon Hosgood
Dave Pawley, Kevin Richards, Adam Downing
Geoff Garfield
Bob Fisher, Jane and David Rattue, Paul & Sandra Berry, Chris Burley, Isabelle Maggs MINEHEAD TO
Chris Leigh
Aidan Winder
To help our Area and Local Reps look after the Coast Path, you can report any problems via the website, under EXPLORE and Report a Problem.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us then please contact hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk and we will be back in touch when a local path rep vacancy near you becomes available.
David & Margaret Brocklehurst, Carole Gibbs & Roger Dyer, Martin Smith, Helen and Ray Bruno, Jayne McGuire, Gary Holpin, David Witham, Bob Ponchaud EXMOUTH TO
David Hinchliffe, Haydn Mudford, Mike Homer KINGSWEAR TO
Tino Savvas
ABBOTSBURY TO SOUTH HAVEN POINT:
Bryn Gittins
Tara Hansford, Martyn Buxton-Hoare, Jeremy Saul, Alastair & Julia Hoare, Robert Mott, Charley Scragg
Ken Carter, Bill Lawrence, Richard Jackelman, Pearl Gilby
SWCPA has been leading on the Coast Path Connectors Project (CPC) during 2023 and 2024. This project has been funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by additional funding, including grant funding from the John Coates Charitable Trust, Natural England and individual donations.
Employing 5 part-time Project Officers in 5 hub areas around the Coast Path, we have been collaborating with community partners in delivering a programme of coastal walks to introduce new walkers to the Coast Path to enjoy their local environment, and to take advantage of its health and wellbeing benefits. Our target groups have been people that might not normally have opportunities to explore the Coast Path and those whose health would benefit most from social, gentle exercise in the outdoors. We have also been training new volunteers in walk leading and supporting, so that groups can continue walking independently. Here are a few of our achievements so far:
Delivered 500 walks in our 5 hub locations (see map)
Lead walks for 3,730 participants
Worked with 224 socially prescribed participants and 347 being referred by other NHS professionals
Worked with over 25 community organisations in leading walks
Our volunteers have supported with 2,468 hours of time (the equivalent of a full time member of staff working for 66 weeks)
Trained over 40 new volunteers or partner organisation staff either in leading or supporting walks
Now our volunteers are leading walks by themselves allowing us to support more people.
(Numbers as of end of July 2024)
Jay Johnson, Mental Health Advisor, University of Plymouth
The walking group allows students to focus on their health and wellbeing, providing the opportunity to explore the coast path around Plymouth and the surrounding area, promoting independence and demonstrating how accessible it is to explore the coast using public transport. Students have developed social connections with others with the walks helping to alleviate stressors related to studies and academic pressures through exercise, spending time outdoors and connecting with nature.
The ‘Plymstock Plodders’ group, which started as a small initiative, has grown significantly. It has become a crucial stepping stone for many members to participate in additional walks organised by the South West Coast Path. The group has not only expanded but also facilitated the development of new friendships. Some members have taken on leadership roles, becoming walk leaders and are supporting other walks across the city. The walks have provided a vital opportunity for participants to connect with nature and explore new locations, enhancing their quality of life.
CPC has become an important asset for us in helping our clients gain confidence, health (both mentally and physically) and social skills. CPC organises a St Petrocs walk the 1st Thursday of every month. These walks are always well attended, we regularly have 20 people or more, even in the pouring rain and the feedback from our residents is always positive. We have our own targets and outcomes to achieve for our clients. Working with CPC, not only helps us as an organisation meet those targets it has massive benefits for our residents, staff, volunteers, and anyone else invited along. Thank you for all the time and effort that goes in to make this project possible.
Jody Lapinskas RGN RMN, Ward Manager, Ocean View, North Devon District Hospital
Being outside in nature and taking physical exercise has untold benefits for relaxation, stimulation and can encourage conversation and curiosity about our environment. With the support of CPC officers and volunteers, our patients can be gently encouraged to begin renewing their social skills and interactions, and the walks can help provide routine and planning of regular activities, which is an important aspect of rehabilitation and recovery.
Some patients have increased their physical fitness, their resilience and by taking part in the project, it has also provided inspiration for their own volunteering potential.
It is well proven that connecting with other people with similar life experience, especially during some form of exercise, has a significant positive effect on wellbeing.
Feedback from our members clearly shows that walking together in nature can really nourish our wellbeing and support the healing process in grief and readjustment.
The CPC project has encouraged and supported us to discover walks and places we did not know or would never have tackled outside the group. It has helped us overcome fears and anxieties in going to new places, reduced isolation, and kindled new friendships.
“I enjoy my role as walk leader, it has really enhanced my retirement and given me a purpose. It has been great to meet such a diverse range of people and encouraging all to get walking by the sea.”
“I’ve really enjoyed the process of training to be a walk leader. It has helped reinvigorate my passion for walking.”
“I think this is a marvelous project which I hope will continue. It has opened my eyes up to the number of walks in my local area and allowed me to explore places right on my doorstep that I never knew existed. I love that it is so accessible for everyone including people with diverse mental and physical needs.”
“Of all the various help groups I have joined or been a part of since my husband died, Healing Steps Walking Group has helped my mental health the most.”
“It was lovely to see attendees help each other over bumpy or more difficult terrain. The group felt comfortable with each other instantly and the chats were lovely and kind.”
“I have always enjoyed hiking but after contracting Covid, I became very lethargic and disengaged with everything. Joining this walking group has reawakened my passion for walking, but it has also spilled over into my daily life. I feel energised, motivated and more productive.”
We have had some great successes in this project in terms of encouraging people to get out and explore their local coastal areas. As our initial funding comes to an end this year, we are currently looking for further funding to extend the project into 2025 continuing to make the Coast Path accessible for those who would benefit from it and developing and supporting our volunteering offer. For any further information or to find out how to be involved, please contact Alex Turner alex@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
We now have almost 500 local Way Maker businesses along the Path showing their support for the work of the SWCPA and making your South West Coast Path experience one to remember. We caught up with, Geoffry Newman, owner of the stunning ‘Blue Flag’ Blackpool Sands in South Devon, to find out why supporting the Path is important to the Newman family and what this beautiful beachside location has to offer walkers.
Blackpool Sands dates back to the 1500s and has been in the Newman family since 1797 when Richard Newman, a Dartmouth merchant trader, purchased the land around it. At the end of World War II, the beach was opened to the public, and Anne Newman started a small tea hut. This has evolved into the takeaway, café and restaurant you see today.
Why is Blackpool Sands such a great stopping-off point for walkers?
It’s perfectly situated on the tough Brixham to Dartmouth stretch, making it a wonderful spot for walkers to rest and enjoy the pristine beach, crystal clear waters and stunning views. We have all the facilities they need, (including loos) and they can pick up their Coast Path Passport stamp too!
You have recently opened a new café, lounge, and restaurant. Can you tell us more?
The new café, lounge, and restaurant provide a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced food with breathtaking views. There’s also a takeaway and all our food is sustainable, seasonal & locally sourced.
We operate a minimal waste and zero plastic/glass policy (except for glass in the restaurant).
Tell us more about your approach to looking after this unique environment
My son Robert and I take a hands-on approach to preserving the beach for everyone to enjoy, including cleaning the beach and emptying the bins on a daily basis, as well as chatting to visitors to get feedback on their experience. We work with the 2 Minute Foundation to raise awareness of litter and plastic pollution and we host a Wildlife Ranger so that children can learn more about the marine/wildlife and caring for it. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural surroundings for future generations.
Sea Kayak Devon/Beach Sauna
Sea Kayak Devon is located on Blackpool Sands, as well as in Dartmouth. It offers a range of watersports activities, including sit-on kayaks, kayaking guided tours and stand-up paddleboarding to help you explore the coastline from a different angle. There’s also a beach sauna where you can ease tired legs with the therapeutic power of heat whilst listening to the waves.
Sea Kayak Devon is run by Ben Brierley, son of the late John Brierley, author of the world famous ‘A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago’. Ben tells us how his Dad’s passion for walking shaped his own connection to the South West Coast Path.
How about making the beach more accessible?
We have recently applied for planning permission to enhance accessibility at Blackpool Sands by constructing new boardwalks which will extend access further onto the beach, allowing everyone to enjoy its beauty.
What do you think is special about the South West Coast Path? It offers unparalleled views of the coastline, diverse wildlife, and a sense of adventure. It’s a unique way to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the region. My favourite stretch is from Blackpool Sands to Start Point which is incredibly scenic and the tranquil atmosphere feels deeply restorative. I love spotting grey seals, the impressive peregrine falcons and magnificent gannets. Their plunging dives from the sky into the ocean are a spectacular sight, making this walk a truly unforgettable experience.
Why do you think it is important to support the South West Coast Path Association?
They work tirelessly to maintain and improve the path for everyone. Their efforts ensure that the path remains accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all who wish to experience its beauty.
Granola - packed with energy, made from local ingredients and a nutritious boost.
Buddah Bowl - loaded with fresh vegetables, grains and seeds Fish & Chips - a classic using sustainably caught fish
GivenmyDad’sdeepdevotiontotheCaminosde Santiago,ahistoricallyreligiouspilgrimage,heinstilled inmeagreatrespectandaweforwhathecalledthe ‘LandscapeTemple’.Forthebeautyofthenaturalworldaroundus andtheopportunityitoffersustoconnectwithourselves. BoththeCaminosandtheSWCPwindtheirwaythroughrugged Celticlandscapes,awayfromthedistractionsandbusynessofour everydaylives.Theygiveustheopportunitytoimmerseourselvesin natureinawaythatisnotalwayspossibleinmoderntimes.AsaWay MakeralongtheTrail,Iaimtoofferwalkersthepreciousopportunity topauseandexperiencenatureandeverythingitcanofferusfroma differentangle–onthewater.
To find out more about Blackpool Sands and Sea Kayak Devon visit: www.blackpoolsands.co.uk www.seakayakdevon.co.uk/blackpool-sands-sauna
Name: Nick Tinkler
Volunteer role:
Coast Path Connector Volunteer North Devon
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your relationship with the coast path
Before moving to Barnstaple last year, I often came on walking holidays in the South-West and enjoyed exploring different sections of the coast path. I struggle with anxiety and depression and find walking helpful in managing my mental health. I like taking time to enjoy the changing scenery and feeling a close connection to nature which always improves my mood. As a butterfly enthusiast I love looking out for butterflies in the summer. In a short time on the path, you can often pass through different habitats; woodland, heathland, dunes and farmland, and see a variety of different species.
What inspired you to volunteer with SWCPA?
Soon after I moved to Devon, I saw the advert for trainee walk leader as part of the Coast Path Connectors Project. I was looking for opportunities to volunteer in the community and thought it’d be a good way of meeting people and helping encourage others to enjoy walking on the coast path. I’m interested in the mental health benefits of walking and engaging with nature and was particularly inspired by the fact that an aim of the project is to encourage others to go out walking for health and wellbeing benefits.
How has volunteering at the Association impacted you?
Previously I hadn’t walked much in groups, but I’ve discovered that walking with others can be really therapeutic. I help lead a group, called ‘Healing Steps’, set up for widows and widowers to meet and walk together. Another group has participants who have been socially prescribed to try walking to help with their recovery from mental illness. I’ve found people often feel relaxed opening up about difficulties they’re facing whilst ‘walking and talking’. Some people, who are bereaved or going through mental health struggles, find that walking with others going through something similar can be helpful and healing. And the many benefits gained from being outdoors in nature can’t be bought in a chemist! After a walk we have coffee and cake at a café, people are usually buzzing with the sense of achievement and feeling much more positive about life!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
As a retired teacher, I enjoy moments when I can help people learn about different butterflies. Recently walking near the Tarka Trail we saw lots of Gatekeepers, very encouraging in a summer when butterfly numbers have generally been quite low. Last September in the Heddon Valley, a conservation area for the rare High Brown Fritillary butterfly, we were a bit
late in the season to spot High Browns but did find plenty of common dog violet which is their caterpillar food plant. We also saw some beautiful Red Admirals which many people don’t realise are a species that migrates to the UK each year. Watching butterflies, even for a few minutes, can be really calming! Why do you think people should volunteer?
If you enjoy walking and would potentially feel comfortable leading a group then training to be a walk leader is a great way of developing walk leadership skills. Or volunteering as a ‘Walk Buddy’ is a good way of supporting the leader on a walk. The walks are usually about 3 miles or so and on accessible parts of the path. Being part of a project that enables others to discover the benefits of walking for their general health and well being is a great way to help provide something positive in the local community… and you just might see some butterflies!
What is your favourite section of the South West Coast Path?
From Heddon Valley to Combe Martin, a high up part of the path along the cliff tops with lovely views of South Wales on a clear day. The route skirts round Holdstone Down with a steep descent into Sherrycombe, followed by a slow climb to the top of Great Hangman which at 318m is the highest point on the SWCP.
We have received many completer stories and it's been lovely to read the many journeys that have taken place along the Path over the past few months. We hope you enjoy the stories that have been shared with us.
Lucy Wallis Smith & Catie
Colston
We started in 2015 after Lucy’s husband, Justin died suddenly aged 46. We wanted space and time to remember, talk, cry & laugh and the Path gave us that. Justin was a naturalist who loved hiking, so Lucy took his hand-whittled walking stick, which proved invaluable for the rollercoaster sections!
We walked a week every year. During our 2-year Covid hiatus we yearned for the freedom of the Path, making plans. Before Covid we carried everything in rucksacks but after, we booked one accommodation using cars, buses, trains & bikes. We now can’t imagine how we carried everything – although our knees are several years older!
We’ve seen countless beautiful sights; our diaries and photos have reinforced our memories. A few highlights: Land’s End choughs; Tintagel sunset; rainy Hell’s Mouth seals and distant Godrevy; teetering past Botallack mines; abseiling gardeners on St Michael’s Mount; Greenways in Springtime; the microcosm of Portland. Primroses, violets, bluebells, ramsons, foxgloves, orchids as well as the birds, fungi and cream teas!
We reached South Haven Point in an appropriately dramatic thunderstorm, accompanied by our sister, Becky, for an emotional celebration of our 630-mile adventure. Thanks to everyone who helps make this walk such a special experience.
In 2021 we were in and out of lockdowns and I was recovering from major surgery. I wanted to get out and rebuild my fitness and so I began to walk the SWCP. I started at the end, as I live in Dorset.
I got completely hooked on the Path, loved the scenery, peacefulness, smells, feels and of course the achievement of completing each section. I tried to stick to the guide walks but soon I was walking extra miles. That year I walked to Plymouth. The following year I walked around Cornwall, staying in different parts, making the trips holidays, and exploring all the local areas. I had initially camped but found I could not sleep so instead I opted for Airbnb’s and caravans.
Last year in 2023 I finished the path, walking from Bude to Minehead. I walked predominantly on my own, but I did have company for some of the sections. I never felt lonely though. For the final days walking I was joined by friends who all took the time to drive over to walk with me and cross the finish line, which was very special.
We finally completed the Coast Path on 2 June 2024. This was a retirement project, for Oliver my son, to join me on this adventure. The plan was to walk one week a year over the next seven years from 2014. However, we missed two years with the pandemic and one year due to job changes.
It has been one of the most rewarding challenges of our lives, to spend time together on this wonderful coastal walk. Many challenges, especially in North Devon where the ascents/ descents felt endless. But we did it and we were rewarded with spectacular scenery. We walked through all sorts of weather but mostly pleasant sunny days. Listening to the birds and learning about the flora and fauna and meeting fellow walkers.
A sense of achievement at the end is a great reward. Our thanks to the South West Coast Path Association and all the volunteers who keep the path in such great condition for all to enjoy.
I grew up in a family of keen walkers, so it was almost inevitable that I’d fall under the spell of the SWCP. I lived in Plymouth for a year and walked a few headlands locally, a spectacularly beautiful day on Rame Head convinced me.
Then I moved away and holidayed in Cornwall (but walked the path with friends in the Mevagissey area in the late 90s). We returned to the southwest from an round-the-world sailing trip in 2016 with our children in their teens and I started to think about the Path again.
My sons and I walked from Aust (Severn) Bridge towards the north coast of Somerset and once I got there, I decided to carry on past Minehead to do the whole path. It’s been a passion (obsession, my husband might say!). I’ve made several trips a year since 2019, walking the north coast on my own in solitude, and the south coast with friends and family. I managed to find a bit to suit everyone, and every trip came with its own special memories.
I completed in April 2024 with a wonderful group of friends and family. I feel so proud and happy to have done it.
I started my coast path journey in May 2019 after retirement. I wanted to get fit and enjoyed being outdoors. I used to walk our local country park which the Coast Path goes through, so I often saw the signs but had never gone any further. One day I just decided to keep walking. I finished the last section April 2024.
That started a journey which became hugely beneficial to my mental and physical health. The distances I can walk have increased and my physical stamina is much improved, mainly due to the hills. I try to walk a section a few times a month and will continue to do so.
I walked mostly on my own,occasionally with friends or family and now with walking groups. I did day trips/multi days for sections further away using buses & trains to get back and used taxis twice. I loved exploring little coves, the views are incredible and there is always someone to talk to who loves walking the coast as much as I do. Walking the path is now part of my life and I hope to do it for many more years.
In April 2024 we completed the SWCP for the second time. The first time was when we retired at 65 and finished in 2017, walking sections in no particular order. This time we decided to walk from Minehead to South Haven Point in order, starting just before covid so quite a while not walking any of the path. Also a few problems, hip replacement and back injury. But we managed. We found organising public transport more difficult walking in order. Also, it seemed so different, sometimes going in the opposite direction to what we walked the first time. We thoroughly enjoyed walking beside the sea, meeting lots of other walkers, seeing different birds, animals, flowers, so much to see.
Some of the walks we were accompanied by family and friends. The last miles from Kimmeridge to South Haven Point we were joined by friends Carol and Bill Ali, who had previously completed the whole Path. This time I kept a log of every walk, details of transport, weather, walking conditions, wildlife, flowers etc. And a photograph of us at the start and finish of every walk, quite a large file!
We completed the Path with our arrival into Mousehole in May 2024. Although we started walking sequential sections from Minehead, Covid 19 caused us to cancel a planned Mousehole to Falmouth trip.
During Covid restrictions, we set out from Poole, staying in isolated remote locations, such as the Anvil Point lighthouse, and taking circular walks, given the lack of any public transport. This meant slow progress towards Mousehole! Mousehole becoming our completion point was something of a fortuitous coincidence, as this was somewhere we first visited more than 50 years ago and where we subsequently spent our honeymoon.
In March 2016 I relocated to Bournemouth to help my aging parents. My mother recognized that my role as a carer was becoming all-consuming and suggested I needed a project. She set me the challenge of walking the path. 43% of the challenge was completed whilst in England and the remaining 57% whilst on two holidays from Australia in 2022 and 2023.
My husband, sister and friends helped with lifts, accommodation and companionship, but the majority of the path I walked solo which I relished especially during the end-of-life care for my parents. Sometimes the stormy weather was just what I needed although I could have done without the mud! My journey was interrupted by Covid, spending the night before national lockdown at Boscastle YHA with the manager worrying if we would make it home.
Highlight: walking into Hartland Quay on a hot day and joining locals swimming, truly memorable and exhilarating. The cliffs and rock folds from the sea were amazing, like floating in a cathedral.
I loved every step, it’s a magical walk, amazing scenery, physically and mentally challenging, but so satisfying and full of memories. I wear my pin badge in my hat with pride. Thank you SWCP, you do a great job.
Completing the South West Coast Path has been more than a wonderful adventure. It is said that paths retain the echoes of all who have walked them and following in the footsteps of my Mum and Dad, Frank and Ann Rayner, who walked the Path soon after it opened, has evoked many happy memories. We thank all those who work so hard to maintain this magnificent trail, ensuring that our children and grandchildren will have the opportunity to follow our footsteps in the future.
Mike and I touched the sculpture at South Haven Point together...(I was a fraction of a second ahead but I’m willing to give him the draw!)
It was a massive achievement for us both. Mostly, we walked over three holidays in late April and May, when the wildflowers line much of the path. Our first walking holiday was 2019 when we covered most of the walks along the Cornish coast, followed by the Somerset-Devon stretch in 2021 and most of DevonDorset this year. We dashed back to fill in the gaps.
Fuelled largely by bananas and salted peanuts, we consistently managed to gain weight as we walked. Mind you, body fat percentages fell away.
We both feel truly fortunate to have spent day after day, week after week, walking this incredibly beautiful path, away from civilization and away from the mundane.
To anyone in doubt about taking on this challenge, don’t hesitate. We took our time and savoured each day, walking 7-10 miles a day early on, increasing to 17+ last week. Whatever your fitness level, your pace is the right pace. Now, get your walking boots on and get going!!!
We started walking the South West Coast Path in 2012, when we walked from Tintagel to Boscastle. We then slowly ticked off every walk section by section. It was supposed to take 10 years but it took 12 years, slowed down by Covid, a house move and our dog Charley dying and then getting a puppy.
We finished walking in June 2024 when we took some of Charley’s ashes on the remaining bit and sprinkled them back where we started. We are now looking forward to the next adventure with puppy Gracie now. Anyone know of any good flat walks?
Thank you for keeping the SWCP open and in good order. Although there were a few obstacles now and again left for us to navigate round (as in the photo…Charley was not amused)!
We were inspired by walking the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast path. We loved walking the coast and wanted to continue this experience. So we started in September 1993 and finally completed this epic walk May 2024 – the end of a 30-year journey.
The experience was certainly different in the nineties, the sea and the views were obviously similarly fantastic, but everything else seemed less complicated in those pre-internet days. Everything now feels as though it must be organised with almost military precision. But planning is part of the fun!
We had a major break from the walk after 1995 when we started a family and only small sections after that were completed. The path wasn’t restarted again properly until 2017 from Burgh Island and in the next few years, the completion became tantalisingly feasible. There were so many fantastic memories and laughs on the way, especially a partially detached sole on one of my boots and crocodile walking through Salcombe. The end was an emotional experience with Prosecco at South Haven Point and a wave goodbye from Steve, a dog walker who became our photographer!
I decided to walk the SWCP because its reputation excited me, and it was a great challenge to take on as I approached retirement. It’s taken me just under 3 years, but I’ve walked the last two thirds of the path since retiring last year.
The best thing about it was never knowing what or who’s around the next corner. I enjoyed making and sharing a daily vlog with the family, it felt like they were experiencing it with me.
I’ve loved walking in all seasons, although with hindsight I wouldn’t ford the river Erme in January again!
The best advice I’d give is to use two walking poles! They help you look after your feet and knees, which you come to realise you’re lucky to have in good condition.
It feels bittersweet to have completed the path. There’s a great sense of achievement, but also a sense of loss now that the challenge is complete. There are plenty more national trails however and there’s always the reverse journey!
My Coast Path adventure was undertaken in 53 days from 7th April to 30th May 2024
My personal journey consisted of the following statistics:
Distance = 649.2miles, mainly due to the route diversions and extra distance off the path inland to campsites.
Height gain/loss in excess of 32,970m.
I only had one day of rest during the heavy storm on Monday 26th April.
I must say that the Coast Path was very well signed with the majority of it being in a decent to good order, which is a credit to the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the path conditions. Thank you.
Just completed this amazing walk after 16 years, walking 1-2 weeks each year. Initially a tent, then caravan and finally a lodge!
Memories - The views, meeting people, actors filming Poldark. A signpost for New Zealand, America and Iceland never dreaming that we would visit these countries!
Missing a sign in the mist at Bolberry. A storm at Polruan, all campers had tent damage but friendship was wonderful as we helped each other. Listening to our wind-up radio to hear the weather forecast - rarely rained, going to services at local churches. Death of Queen Elizabeth.
Walking Lynton - Coombe Martin on a very hot day realising we weren’t going to catch the return bus, Paul running to catch it and then driving back for Marilyn who by then was paddling!
Celebrating our Golden Wedding with our son and family providing a champagne breakfast! On the final day our son and his family joined us again, producing Prosecco and a medal!
We’ve not just walked the path but visited many places and had beach days. Now in our mid 70’s we will enjoy our scrapbook!
Kevin & Jane Whiting, Uffculme and Phil & Claire Kenward, Porlock
April 2019 – April 2024. Living in the southwest, we regularly visited the coast and so after retiring, decided to walk the whole Path, with no end date in mind, but just to explore and enjoy.
Phil & Claire who live in Porlock, joined us as far as Lynmouth and not surprisingly, they got hooked! So we completed the 630 miles as a foursome, doing day trips and stints of 3-4 days, staying mainly in pubs. Having two cars helped with logistics. We were lucky with the weather and only got truly soaked on a handful of days.
There was so much variety and interest although the glorious afternoon sun reflecting off the water has to be a highlight. Also, the many interesting people we met along the way. We found Dave Westcott’s Walking Guides useful, particularly for points of interest and for navigating some of the more urban areas, as well as OS maps.
Our top tips would be to check the SWCP website before each section particularly where coastal erosion is common as diversions can add significant time. Also, keep a diary/record to accompany the many photos you will take! A happy reminder of the stunning beauty of our coast and places worth a revisit.
The Mullion Weasel
A hot tramp on a hot South Cornish day, sweaty and greasy.
One step at a time, after another step, that was after the last step, and that was an eternity ago.
Can you drink lactic acid?
Am I the tramp or is the tramp the walk?
Wow the Sun is hot.
I mop my brow as the Gorse moves and softly crackles, and there he was … Orange and Smiling.
We stare at each other, across a space that is not an earthly measurement, but just our own spiritual sea space.
He cocked his head and winked, I want to say something, but he turned and scampered up his track, then into the warm welcoming home-gorse.
And still the salty water ran down my face.
It was not sweat as I grinned and laughed, he is with me forevermore on this path.
Having completed the Cotswold Way and South Downs Way, my good friend Chris suggested we walk the Path. So off we set but work, family and Covid intervened and it was only in April 2024 that we managed to finish.
Along the way we took the car, buses, B&Bs, hostels. Our friend Karen joined us and then Chris’s sister Ann – and the camper van. The journey from Minehead to South Haven point was a delight, mainly, but some of those ascents and descents were very hard. We saw the beautiful sights of the Path with only 2 days of rain over all those years and the escapism from normal life was extraordinary.
We did not manage to spot the Cornish Choughs regrettably but did see Devonshire Cirl Bunting. ‘Bird of the Walk’ was definitely the White- Tailed Eagle as we diverted inland near Swanage. Best tip? Put plasters on before the blisters appear! An extraordinary and humbling achievement and fabulous memories, especially all Ann’s chauffeuring and cooking and our lovely welcome Committee at the end.
Thank you South West Coast Path and the Association.
Having walked Minehead to South Haven Point in 2017 and 2022 I needed no excuse to walk from South Haven Point to Minehead. Indeed, I promised myself that I’d do this when I completed the Path in 2022. So, I set off from SHP on 10 May and arrived in Minehead on 23 June (my 65th birthday).
Once again, I had the joy and privilege of spending 45 days walking one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world experiencing amazing sights and sounds of nature. The coastal scenery is spectacular, and I had the treat of seeing a variety of wildlife including seals, choughs, kestrels, deer, foxes’, lizards, and (my favourite) a small adder near Navax Point.
However, a journey is not just about what you see and do but also about the people you meet and once again I was blessed to meet many kindred spirits from all over the world sharing the enchanting experience of the Path. Walking the Path is an exhilarating experience. It is challenging, rewarding and humbling. Embrace the Path and it will not disappoint.
When we lived in Devon, we enjoyed walking the local Coast Path with our young family. In 1996, we moved back to Bedfordshire. Regular trips to the west country always involved walks along the Path and we began to record these sections on OS maps. Once we retired from teaching in 2018, completing the missing sections became an ambition finally achieved in March 2024.
The brief record on maps grew into a journal recording each walk, supplemented with sketches of the coastline. It has been lovely referring to these to recall the challenging rollercoaster sections, the eerie beauty of the Undercliff near Lyme, the long stretches of almost deserted beaches and the sights of seals, choughs and spring flowers as we experienced the fun of walking in all weathers. Even the rating of the many pasties consumed along the way, made us smile.
Walking the SWCP together has been an experience of a lifetime, made even more special on the occasions when we were joined by our family & friends, some even from America. We would like to thank them all for sharing our amazing adventure and also to all who help maintain this wonderful path.
Having lived in Dorset for several years I’d enjoyed many walks along the Coast Path, but it wasn’t until June 2018 that I decided to embark on the challenge of walking the whole 630 miles. I loved discovering different sections of the path and wanted to see it all!
In April 2024, six years later, I completed my final section as I walked into Portscatho, joined by my family and friends who had walked many sections with me. Little did I know that my husband had been carrying a banner and a bottle of bubbly in his rucksack that day! Portscatho isn’t the most popular place to end, but I received a cheer from several onlookers! Some may say I cheated by cycling some of it but I couldn’t resist cycling the Tarka Trail from Braunton to Bideford.
I have lots of happy memories from the stunning views, watching seals basking in the sun, having a dip in the sea at the end of a day’s walk, eating ice creams etc. Walking the path with others, family members and friends was important to me and witnessing how walking can improve people’s physical & emotional health.
We have hiked all over the world but consider the South West Coast Path the most beautiful and one of the most challenging hikes/walks we have tackled. We loved it so much we completed it a second time!
The scenery is incredible and it seems to vary every few miles. The terrain is challenging and is a test for the fittest walker. We met many people on these two journeys that will fill our memories forever - other walkers, people we stayed with, shop keepers, folks we asked for directions and just about everyone who sold ice cream along the path! We had many friends who came and walked the trail with us both from the US and from the UK. The people from America came because they saw the beauty of our photos and heard our stories, None were disappointed and found the path both beautiful and tough. My goal now, at close to 79 years of age is to talk my wife into a 3rd completion!
Cheryl Hoole, Brixham
Together with my little dog ‘Paisley’, who swapped her home comforts for long walks and nights in a drafty hiking tent! We began our first long distance solo walking adventure in April 2024, during cold, wet and windy nights and we completed it 73 walking days later in July.
The views, flora and fauna are without doubt amazing on the SWCP, however the most wonderful thing was the people we met along the way and our supporters back home. I was constantly aware that the world is full of generous and kind people. They ‘might’ remember our adventure, I will ‘always’ be grateful for their support; they got us to South Haven Point.
I refer to our journey as my MMA (Menopausal, Midlife, Adventure). I carried our camping and life essential kit, for most of our journey. The early days and nights needed plenty of grit and determination. The path asks you to dig deep inside of yourself at times, but the rewards are endless for doing so.
I feel physically amazing and I am so proud of myself and Paisley. Walking the path has given me the experience and confidence to look forward to more adventures!
We’re on a mission to complete all 19 UK National Trails, the South West Coast Path is our 14th. We’ve also walked the whole coastline of Wales and Wainwrights Coast to Coast twice - getting married en route on the second time!
Simon was already retired but Clare made the life changing decision to quit her job and take a gap year or two! So what better way to start the new chapter in our lives than to set off on an epic walk!
We usually book B&Bs but decided to walk the Path by backpacking - carrying everything we needed for 8 weeks of walking. Camping most nights and having no real plan of where we would stay until the day or day before, was both a physical and mental challenge that pushed us both out of our comfort zones but taught us resilience, determination and self-reliance! We are stronger for completing it and feel immensely proud of ourselves! We couldn’t have done it without each other!
It has been such a wonderful adventure and every single step has been amazing! The magic of the walk is the sum of all its component parts.
I used to train on the Jurassic Coast for multi terrain running races, which led me to consider walking the whole SWCP. In June 2024 I completed the Path for my 5th time, having taken me twenty years to complete five times.
My intention back in 2004 was to walk it just once. Then one day I decided to walk it in the reverse direction. I turned around at Minehead and walked back again for a third time. One thing led to another and my mantra became “Five by seventy Five!” which I achieved just after my 74th birthday. Will I walk the path for a sixth time? Never say never!
The best thing for me is the never-ending variation of coastal scenery and the fantastic “feel good” factor that comes from walking all day on the path. My number one tip to a would be SWCP walker would be, invest in a good pair of sturdy walking boots and good socks. It feels fantastic to have completed five times, but I honestly love it so much I can’t stay away from the path. I am sure you will see me out there on the path for years to come!
All product prices include p&p and are available in our online Shop, along with a varied selection of Guides, Maps, Clothing and Gifts for you to purchase and show your support of our beautiful Coast Path. Visit shop.southwestcoastpath.org.uk or call us on 01752 896237 to place your order.
- £12.00
Contains beautiful photos depicting stunning locations around the Coast Path. Months are broken down by week with room to mark down all those important dates, making our 2025 calendar ideal to organise your year.
8-PACK PHOTOGRAPHIC CHRISTMAS CARDS - £8
8 different delightful scenes from around the Coast Path. Size 148mm x 148mm. Wording reads: ‘Wishing You A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year’.
- STARTING FROM £12
Our assorted range of quality clothing in a variety of colours all comes embroidered with the South West Coast Path logo. So show your support whilst out on the Path – and maybe a conversation stopper to help spread the word!
Remember, it costs as little as £29.50 per year to become a member of the Association and you will receive the latest edition of the Complete Guide to the South West Coast Path absolutely FREE. Or why not give the gift of Membership to a loved one.
Visit southwestcoastpath.org.uk/become-a-member or contact us on hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk or 01752896237 for more information.
WALKS FOR ALL AGES - £7.50
Choose between Cornwall, Devon or Dorset. Each guide provides 20 circular walks, each under 5 miles with detailed route description, local information, grid references, approximate timings and more.
We’ve created some Member Offers, so use the codes below at our online shop southwestcoastpath.org.uk/shop Alternatively, we would be happy to help you place your order over the phone so call the office on: 01752 896237
All offers expire 31 December 2024. Postage cannot be guaranteed by a certain date.
Finding it hard to find a present for a loved one? How about the Gift of a Membership. Visit southwestcoastpath.org.uk/gift-membership or call 01752 896237
Enjoy a taste of Cornwall while out exploring the path with our special offer exclusive to South West Coast Path members!
Buy one delicious pasty and get another one free at Warrens Bakery –the perfect treat for your coastal adventure.
With many of our shops dotted along the 630 miles of the South West Coast, you’ll be sure to find a pasty pitstop along the way.
Find our shops: https://warrensbakery.co.uk/find-our-stores/
Pasty powered coastal walks! Pick up a pasty and receive another pasty free. Simply present this coupon when you buy any large or medium pasty at Warrens Bakery.
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