Trailblazing Magazine Spring 2025

Trailblazing

A coastal sanctuary on the Salt Path, where the wild beauty of North Devon meets Scandi-inspired comfort.

Tors Park’s luxury self-catering apartments offer a home away from home, just a few hours from London, with breathtaking sea views and the tranquillity of the coast

Spring is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors, with the Salt Path Coastal Walk on your doorstep and Exmoor’s rugged landscapes bursting into life Follow the trail along dramatic cliffs, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and discover secret coves and wild swimming spots along the way

For walkers, we’ll pack you off with a delicious gourmet picnic and refreshing drink, so you can fuel your adventure and make the most of the journey After a day exploring, return to comfort, unwind on your private terrace, and let the sound of the waves lull you into complete relaxation

EXCLUSIVE for South West Coast path readers Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch and refreshing drinks for your journey along the South West Coast Path Use code SALTPATH when booking (Valid until 20th December 2025)

Email: hello@torspark co

Phone: 02034 886 980

Web: www.torspark.co

Every mile matters

Welcome

As we enjoy the longer evenings and warmer days of spring it’s the perfect time to continue your walking adventure along the Coast Path.

We’re looking forward to the launch of the Salt Path Film not only as it will shine a spotlight on the South West Coast Path but also how it will help tell the story of the transformative power of trails. This theme will also be picked up in our upcoming SW Coast Path Forum on 6th June at Royal William Yard followed by our AGM and celebration of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. We look forward to seeing you there.

Finally, you may also notice an update to the design of Trailblazing magazine. This is part of a wider piece of work to refresh the charity’s brand to help raise awareness of the Coast Path and the need to protect and enhance it for future generations.

The South West Coast Path Association is a registered charity and volunteer-led organisation governed by our Trustees.

Trustees

Ruth Adams, Katie Ash, Chair: Hilary Dinsdale, Zoe 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 all our volunteers can be found on pages 38 and 39.

Follow us

Staff

Membership Engagement: Debbie Bakewell debbie@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Community Engagement (North Devon): Huw Davies huw@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Community Engagement (Plymouth): Gemma Dunn gemma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Director: Julian Gray julian@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Community Engagement (Cornwall): Jack Greaves

jack@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Business Engagement: Sarah Gunn

sarah@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Finance Manager: Wayne Mackney wayne@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Community Engagement (Dorset): Catherine Mason

catherine@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Head of Comms: Aletha Mays

aletha@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Impact Comms Officer: Molly Palmer molly@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Head of Fundraising: Emma Parkman emma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Community Engagement (Torbay): Tracy Pleece tracy@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

National Trail Officer: Lorna Sherriff lorna@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Project Manager: Alex Turner alex@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Design by: Ingrid Kendall

Printed by: Deltor Communications Ltd

Contact us

South West Coast Path Association Residence 2, Unit 11, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3RP hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk 01752 896237

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by authors and contributors to this magazine are not specifically endorsed by the Association. Although every care is taken to avoid mistakes, the Association does not accept liability for clerical or printing errors. 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.

Front cover image – Rame Head, South Cornwall by Anick Graveline

Portwrinkle by Kaytie Thomas

Stories

14-15 Sustainable use of the Path

16-17 Path improvements in progress and completed

The View

18-23 South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2024 revealed alongside category winners

Explore

24-26 The Salt Path film: what impact will the film have on the Path and the Association?

28-29 Screen Tourism: how do films and TV influence tourism behaviour?

30-31 Rail to Trail: a new initiative seeks to inspire train travel to access the Coast Path

Way Makers

Sauna hot spots on the Path

HF Holidays: connecting people to the outdoors for 111 years

Make a Difference

10% for the Path

Meet our latest Corporate Mile Makers 36 Challenge Fundraiser: Tom Keys-Toyer

37 B-Corps: the businesses making a difference

People

38-39 Volunteer Map

40 Volunteer Focus: Bryn Gittins

41 Sharon Thomas: helping improve the access experience on the Path

42-43 Coast Path

Connectors: health and wellbeing benefits

44-53 SWCP Completers share their stories

54 Shop and show your support

Completer

Tyler Hersey, 17 years old

SWCP Photographer of the Year

The Salt Path Film

Chair’s message Spring 2025

Welcome to this Spring’s edition of Trailblazing. Away from the current political turbulences, how reassuring it is to see the signs of new life in our gardens and along the Path. The South West, and Cornwall in particular, are well known for their spring gardens, some of which are actually on the Path.

One example is Mount Edgcumbe, just over the water from Plymouth, always a favourite of mine. Take a moment to look inland from the Path and a blaze of colour will often greet you. It’s small pleasures such as these that can reset your mood on a difficult day. And of course, the SWCP was recently ranked the World’s Happiest Walk, even more reason to get out on the Path to elevate your mood!

Like many, I am a self diagnosed sufferer of SAD (seasonal affective disorder), and to combat this, I started winter sea swimming a few years ago. It has been a relatively quick way to enjoy the pleasure of walking on the Path and then braving the cold sea; the endorphin release after even just a short dip is amazing, and I feel happier and healthier for it. We should not underestimate the powerful effects of our “Natural Health Service”; let’s hope that Government funding will be increased in future years to recognise this.

I’m very fortunate to own a car and be a short drive away from the south Devon coast, but there are many people living in some of the urban areas along the Path who are not in a position to access what some of us take for granted. These are some of the target groups who have benefitted from our Coast Path Connectors (CPC) project, where the provision of a bus fare and hot drink have often enabled their guided walk along the Path to be possible. The Board is delighted that we have secured funding to continue this Project during 2025. I haven’t yet seen the Salt Path film but I’ve heard from some of our team who have had a sneak peek that the issue of homelessness in a number of our coastal towns and cities is not glossed over. One of the groups taking part in monthly walks facilitated by our CPC officer and volunteers is from the homeless charity, St Petrocs in Newquay.

Growing up in Newquay myself I’m particularly pleased that we are able to help this group access the health and wellbeing joys of walking on the Path.

Having read the Salt Path book, I am very much looking forward to seeing THE film of 2025, which showcases our magnificent SWCP along with Raynor and Moth’s inspiring story. Our comms team are busy fielding enquiries from near and far and are taking every opportunity to highlight the work of the Association. 2025 is going to be a busy year for the office!

With best wishes for happy and healthy walking.

Hilary Dinsdale

Thank you for your continued support of the Association; we know times are hard for many and your ongoing membership is much appreciated.

Director’s Message

Transformational Journeys

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association

The upcoming release of The Salt Path film is helping to shine a light on the transformational power of trails.

Readers of Trailblazing will be well-aware of the power of walking to benefit our health and wellbeing. We now have scientific research to properly articulate these benefits, including physical health (heart, circulation etc.) and mental wellbeing (improved mood, reduced stress and enhanced cognitive function) from being active in green space and by water. There’s also something special about undertaking a long-distance walk.

Once we’re several days into a walk we start to fall into a rhythm. This stride helps us focus on experiencing the walk and allows us to step away from the noise of daily life.

For some, this is an active process and one of the drivers of undertaking a trail. For others, this is unexpected and may not be realised until a little later. This rhythm enables us to focus on our quest, whether it’s running away from something or looking to find something on our journey. Hearing Raynor Winn talk about her journey with Moth gives an insight into how the power of long-distance walking impacts on our health, even if this wasn’t part of the plan.

It is often the journey itself that is transformative

For thousands of years people have joined pilgrimages. The driving force is often to visit a sacred space, and this is a common practise across many religions around the world including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Shinto. However, it is often the journey itself that is transformative. Those undertaking a pilgrimage may be fulfilling a vow, atoning for sins, asking for a spiritual intervention or as a gesture of thanks. In modern-day pilgrimages along routes such as the European Camino de Santiago network and Japanese Kumano Kodō a strong driver is to share experiences and commune with other pilgrims.

Rachel Joyce’s 2012 novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was released as a film in 2023, tracking a journey from Kingsbridge to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The 500-mile journey gives Harold (played by Jim Broadbent) a new purpose in his life. He vows that by walking across England to see an old friend who is dying that his journey can keep her alive. The transformation in this case is not only to the main character but also to all the lives he touches en-route from Devon to the Scottish border.

Photo by Sue Searle Looking towards Logan Rock near Porthcurno, West Cornwall

Photo by Colin Foster

St Michael’s Mount, West Cornwall

Prior to modern mass transit, long-distance trails were also cultural and trading routes, allowing the sharing of goods and ideas. Although the route of the South West Coast Path is mainly attributed to the paths of smugglers and coastguards, there are a number of prehistoric pilgrim routes in the South West including the Mary and Michael Way, Cornish Celtic Way, St Michaels Way and the Cornish Camino. The current route of the South West Coast Path passes along the routes of some of these ancient pilgrimage trails. The National Trail is also part of more contemporary pilgrim routes such as the International Appalachian Trail, European E9 Coastal Trail and the soon to be completed King Charles III England Coast Path.

A disconnection between people and nature

For those of us lucky enough to walk regularly along sections of the South West Coast Path – or just a local regular walk along footpaths and bridleways – there is another transformative power of walking. Walking the same route time-after-time allows us to get a sense of nature and the constant, if gradual, changing surroundings as the seasons move to their own steady cycle. The repetitive nature of undertaking the same walk several times a week builds our ‘muscle memory’ forming stronger connections in the brain and allowing us to recall better. Over time this amplifies the calming nature of being in green space whilst out on our regular walk

In the UK for the past few decades, modern working practices and leisure activities have resulted in a disconnection between people and nature. However, the lockdowns during covid were a wakeup call to many – seeing the impact of not being able to access our green spaces. The challenge now is to ensure that we can take advantage of opportunities to reconnect to nature. An example is a shift towards hybrid working practices which allow us to take a walk in our lunchbreak.

Our successful Coast Path Connectors, Couch to Coast and Connecting Actively to Nature projects have all focussed on helping people to connect to nature by walking along the Coast Path. We see this work as a core part of our charitable purpose and will continue to grow our capacity to deliver this important work as part of the Natural Health Service.

Our successful Coast Path Connectors, Couch to Coast and Connecting Actively to Nature projects have all focussed on helping people to connect to nature by walking along the Coast Path.

Photo by Simon Bray Lizard Point, West Cornwall

Photo by Gillian Thomas Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast

Association News

Watch us on Countryfile

We were thrilled to feature on the last episode of Countryfile for 2024, did you see it?

Our Cornwall Coast Path Connectors (CPC) hub was invited to participate in a special ‘winter walking’ episode of Countryfile, BBC ONE’s flagship programme. We were excited to meet the Countryfile team and walk with presenter Charlotte Smith. and share how the CPC work is positively impacting, enabling more people to venture onto the coast path and enjoy the many mental and physical health and wellbeing benefits a walk in nature provides.

New Look

You may have noticed that this issue of Trailblazing is looking a little different. As the charity evolves, we identified a need to refresh our brand to align with the changing needs of the Association, and the ways in which we communicate. Over the coming months, you will see a slow transition to our new look that is infused with dynamic energy and colours inspired by the coastal landscape. Working with Cornwall-based Idenna on the development of this piece of work, we are grateful for their support and considered approach to working with us and creating a brand rooted in the spirit of adventure, discovery and deep connection to the coastal environment, just like the Coast Path.

A big thank you to our CPC partner organisations St Petrocs; The Cove Macmillan Support Centre; Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; and our wonderful volunteers who joined us for the day.

You can catch up on BBCiPlayer if you missed it, go to bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0026f6w/ countryfile-winter-walks

Let the trail guide you. Let nature inspire you.

SW Coast Path Forum

The Path to Transformational Journeys

9.30 – 12.30, Friday 6 June 2025

Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Join the South West Coast Path team, alongside inspiring speakers, as we explore the many health and well-being benefits of walking the South West Coast Path. As we anticipate the cinematic release of The Salt Path, we will hear from people who have experienced a transformative journey on the SWCP and have enjoyed the healing benefits of connecting to nature in the coastal environment.

SWCPA Annual General Meeting

14.00 – 15.00, Friday 6 June 2025

Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Meeting papers for the 2025 AGM will be published on our website closer to the date and emailed to members of the charity.

15.00 – 15.30 Completer Celebrations

Presentation to celebrate those individuals who have completed all 630 miles of the South West Coast Path.

15:30 – 16:30 King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Special ceremony for SWCPA volunteers to celebrate the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

Photo by Rosie Fox

Royal William Yard, Plymouth

Countryfile filming, from left to right Aletha Mays (Head of Comms), Charlotte Smith (Presenter), Margaret Bonner (Area Path Rep and CPC Volunteer), Jack Greaves (CPC Project Officer Cornwall)

Amplifying Voices

In March, Aletha Mays (Head of Comms) and Lorna Sherriff (National Trail Officer) attended the Amplifying Voices seminar and workshop sessions organised by the Protected Landscapes Partnership. The day focussed on Race and Faith in the outdoors and how we could be doing more, both independently and collectively, to create a welcoming environment for everyone wanting to experience our National Trails, National Parks and National Landscapes.

We advocate that the South West Coast Path is for all, and our Coast Path Connectors work is starting to break down the barriers which some people experience when accessing and enjoying the coast path, but that is just the start, and we need to do

National Trust’s 10 year Strategy for nature, people, and places

The National Trust has launched a new 10-year strategy which focuses on restoring nature, ending unequal access to nature and heritage, and inspiring more people to care and take action. The strategy aims to increase access to natural and historic places and should have a positive impact on public access to the countryside.

The strategy’s goal to restore nature includes creating or restoring coastal habitats which will help us deliver our Coastal Wildbelt ambitions: to improve nature around the coast and help people connect to nature.

By aiming to end unequal access the National Trust will work with partners such as the Association to bring more nature to where people live, ensuring that local communities can engage with nature on their doorstep. This work fits well with our community engagement work linking urban populations with our wider coastal landscapes along the National Trail.

more. If you don’t feel welcome, what can we do to create more dialogue, break down the barriers to access, and create a positive experience for everyone, no matter their background, to enjoy the incredible natural environment on our doorstep?

The fantastic panel of speakers, Mary-Ann Ochota FRGS (author and anthropologist on the outdoors), Haroon Mota (Muslim Hikers), Corinne Fowler (Expert in colonialism & heritage), Clint Thomas (Climber and Adventurer) and Alinah Azadeh (Writer, artist, performer & cultural activist) discussed the challenges and issues faced, which were thought-provoking and have spurred us into action to work harder to connect with different communities along the South West Coast Path.

University of Plymouth Collaboration

We are pleased to share that the Association is collaborating with the University of Plymouth on their BA Hons Photography, Year 2 module, with the subject being the South West Coast Path, and exploring creative responses to the United Nations Sustainability Goals that will highlight important issues for our communities.

This collaboration is the first time we have worked with the University of Plymouth in such a way, and we are looking forward to seeing how the students respond to the SWCP in their photography. Dr Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography, says,

We are very excited that our 2nd year BA (hons) Photography students are collaborating with South West Coast Path Association this spring. They will work on different photographic approaches along various sections of the South West Coast Path, and we hope this will culminate in a photography exhibition. Collaborating with the SWCPA and accessing the Coast Path offers a unique insight into a rich landscape that is on our doorstep.”

As part of the module, students from the course joined our Plymouth Coast Path Connectors volunteers on a walk through Mount Edgcumbe Estate to Kingsand-Cawsand along the SWCP.

An exhibition of the students’ work will be on display at the Lion’s Den (The Hoe) from the 9th May.

Photo by Sue Searle Silver Studded Blue Butterfly, West Cornwall

Mount Edgcumbe Folly

Association News

King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP) Route changes:

The KCIII ECP sections in the South West started to officially open last year with the majority of the South West sections opening later this year. As the SWCP is the original coastal trail in England we remain a National Trail and will be part of the KCIII ECP. The establishment works of the KCIII ECP has given us an amazing opportunity to make improvements to the trail, which we have previously not been able to due to constraints on the land and funding. Over the next 12 months there will be more improvement works occurring, including some areas where the path has been re-routed onto a better alignment either closer to the sea or taking a more safer route, keeping coast path users away from roads wherever possible. The current KCIII ECP sections opened are:

• Minehead to Combe Martin

Picking up the

• Marsland Mouth to Newquay

• Newquay to Penzance Part section opened (Newquay to St Agnes Head)

• Kingswear to Lyme Regis

• Rufus Castle to Lulworth Cove

As the KCIII ECP is being opened in sections we cannot be certain when works will be occurring and route changes will be officially opened. We recommend that before you set out on your adventure you check the SWCPA website for all the upto-date route changes.

Pace

SWCPA Marathon champion Laura is all set for London on the 27th April!

Our first ever London Marathon Champion, Laura Nunn, is still powering through her training and fundraising for the path. We are

really looking forward to hearing Laura’s experience of running one of the most iconic marathons in the world!

Best of luck Laura – we are all rooting for you! Support our Marathon Champion Laura with a donation and help to reach her target of £2,000 for the Association. justgiving.com/page/laura-nunn-1732045618843

Thank you to departing Path Reps

Dave Pawley

Dave has been the local rep for Plymouth since the inception of the local rep volunteers 15 years ago. Dave always found voluntary work an enjoyable and rewarding experience, helping and meeting people, and it has kept him busy and active since he retired. Dave said,

After 15 interesting years of involvement in the evolution of the Plymouth section of the SWCP, it is time for another volunteer to take on the role”.

Dave promises that he will keep in touch if he sees anything amiss when he is out on his daily walks on the path around the city.

Bob Ponchaud

Bob first walked the Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coast Path in 1967 when he fell in love with the coastal scenery and wellremembered his first trip up Golden Cap and along the Lyme Regis undercliff; which remain his contrasting favourite sections. 45 years later he moved to within sight of Golden Cap (after many holidays in the area) and wanted to help the SWCPA and became a Path Rep. Thanks to Bob for looking after the West Bay East Cliff through to Abbotsbury sections which is at the forefront of coastal erosion.

I’m really excited to be running the marathon for the South West Coast Path Association as it’s a cause so close to my heart. The coast path is my happy place – I’ve spent so many days out exploring Devon and Cornwall and I know I’ll keep returning to the path again and again. It never gets old! Spending time on the coast path has helped both my physical and mental health over the years so it’s great that I have the opportunity to give something back.”

Dave Pawley – Leaving volunteer from Plymouth

Bob Ponchaud –Leaving volunteer from West Bay

KCIII ECP improvements at Porthcothan. Photo courtesy of Cornwall Council

Inspired by the Coast

Our series celebrating local artists who take inspiration from the coast continues. Below is a snapshot of artists we have featured recently.

Laura Nunn

Devon-based printmaker and illustrator Laura Nunn, the artist behind The Black Pug Press, captures the beauty and joy of special places in her designs, inspired by her love of nature, wild swimming, and adventures along the Coast Path. For Laura, printmaking is an antidote to the need for instant gratification, each print taking weeks to complete, culminating in a magical design.

@theblackpugpress

Read the blog at blog.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/2025/02/03/ inspired-by-the-coast-the-black-pug-press

Mark Lord

Photographer and lino print artist Mark Lord creates snapshots of Cornwall, capturing the coastline he calls home. Mark’s prints include iconic retro classics and veg from his family allotment, but the sea and perspective of the Coast Path has deeply influenced the composition of his recent work and has been instrumental to Mark’s development as an artist.

I’ve also always been fascinated by the way footpaths sculpt themselves through the landscape: furrows, trenches and deep grooves where thousands have walked before me, a sense of history carved into the landscape. Being by the sea at any time of year is just a huge inspiration –whether it’s a stormy day with gunmetal skies or the sea is a clear, turquoise millpond, I love it all.”

@linolordpress

Read the blog at blog.southwestcoastpath.org. uk/2025/03/03/inspired-by-the-coast-lino-lord

Those breathtaking views from a clifftop, the clear, turquoise water of a secret cove, the exhilarating expanse and feeling of absolute freedom are what truly inspire me as an artist. I also love to capture the abundant wildlife of the region – whether on land or in the vast ocean that surrounds us.”

Hannah Jenkinson

Hannah Jenkinson works from a small studio built from reclaimed farm materials, that overlooks the South West Coast Path. She makes expressive visual art with a passion for exploring relationships with nature. She cherishes the stretch of coast path that runs through her home and has walked and sketched there for years.

A drawing or painting is an expression of feelings about my environment that I can’t express in language. The process of making a mark on paper begins an articulation of deeper thoughts about what it is to be human. My art follows the seasons. I draw and paint what I see around me in the moment, often from life, combined with imagined forms and colours. I use sticks or feathers and other found objects, that I collect when out walking, to apply paints and inks.”

@hannahjenkinson_artist_moostow

Read the blog at blog.southwestcoastpath.org. uk/2024/11/26/inspired-by-the-coast-hannah-jenkinson

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 molly@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Photo by Laura Nunn

Photo by Mike Lord

Blue bramble by Hannah Jenkinson

Guest Feature

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Protected Landscapes –Saskia Luqmani

Saskia Luqmani works with colleagues across England to make our protected landscapes more welcoming and inclusive places. She explores what ‘EDI’ work is, and why it’s important in our landscapes.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, or EDI, has been making global headlines recently, with many businesses scaling back or cutting their investment in this work. EDI sometimes gets a lot of bad press, so why do we need to think about it in our protected landscapes, and what does this work mean in practice?

Across the UK, we have a brilliant network of protected landscapes: National Landscapes, National Parks and National Trails, which are culturally, historically and ecologically unique and precious places. While many of us have been lucky enough to experience the joy of being in a protected landscape, extensive research has shown that they are not accessed or enjoyed by people equitably.

In 2019, the government commissioned a review of our protected landscapes called the Landscapes Review. This research, among others, reported that older people, young people, those from lower-socio economic or working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from a Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds were much less likely to visit and enjoy protected landscapes.

This research underpins what many of us know or have experienced, that there are many different types of barriers that people face to enjoy, access and feel a sense of belonging. In practice, this might mean lack of reliable or affordable transport options, lack of confidence, a fear for personal safety, not enough information about if a space will be accessible, or it might simply be that going out into the countryside was not part of people’s childhood experience, and therefore not known for the profound joy and benefits it can offer.

It also means that in order to make our protected landscapes truly welcoming, organisations need to consider a wide range of strategies to break down these barriers.

What is being done?

Across protected landscapes, teams are working hard to ensure that access to and sense of belonging in these places is more equitable. This includes amazing projects like Coast Path Connectors led by the South West Coast Path Association.

In addition to local programmes, the Protected Landscapes Partnership has been established, which brings together the National Landscapes Association, National Parks England, National Trails UK and Natural England, with support from Defra.

This partnership includes a dedicated EDI Workstream which works on national scale, innovative projects aiming to engage new audiences, diversify the sector and ensure everyone feels actively welcome across our landscapes.

Saskia in Porthleven

One of these projects includes Nature Calling, a flagship programme led by the National Landscapes Association which works closely with artists in the landscape to engage new audiences in our towns, cities and countryside. You can find out more about the work at naturecalling.org.uk

Another focus for the partnership has been around making our communications more inclusive. This work became a priority in response to the antimigrant, Islamophobic and racist violence that broke out in the summer of 2024. The impact of this violence and online hatred has been felt in our protected landscapes too.

In the South Downs National Park, a spoken word audio walk called ‘We Hear You Now’, created by Sussex-based writers of colour, was vandalised following the rioting, with police treating the act as racially-motivated. Thankfully, after quick and decisive action by the Park Authority, the listening posts have been reinstated for everyone to enjoy. In addition, online hate and negativity targeted at groups like Muslim Hikers CIC is all too common.

In response to these events, with feedback from colleagues and advice from experts, the partnership has created a programme for colleagues to come together and learn more about what we can do in our communication efforts to ensure that everyone feels welcome.

As Kaye Jemmeson, the Partnership’s Communications Manager, says “Right now, we’re seeing a rise in divisive rhetoric aimed at people who simply want to enjoy the outdoors. It’s been over 75 years since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act secured access to nature for all but that promise is only real if we actively uphold it”.

So what?

Making our protected landscapes more inclusive might not seem the biggest priority given the environmental and climate crises that we are facing today. But it is important to remember that the reason we have protected landscapes is because they have been fought for by people who demanded better access to them.

In 1949, just over 75 years ago, legislation called the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was passed, giving the public limited access to areas of the countryside and paved the way for the designation of our National Parks, National Landscapes and National Trails. This legislation was an important and historic win for people and for nature and recognised the importance of these spaces for our health and wellbeing.

In more recent years, the Covid-19 pandemic sharply brought into focus just how important, and how unequal, access to green space is. For some, our parks and landscapes became our places to socialise, to connect with nature and to take a break from the stresses of daily life. And that is exactly what they are for.

‘EDI’ is modern phrasing, but the ambition to ensure more equitable access of the beautiful countryside is one steeped in our history. Ultimately, this work is about ensuring all of us have opportunities to find connections to nature, to be able to feel the wind, touch the grass, hear the birds. Having a meaningful connection to our landscapes can be life changing, as Raynor Winn’s journey on ‘The Salt Path’ has shown. So, whether that is close to home or high in the peaks, having a thriving network of nature-rich, historically important, culturally diverse places is good for all of us.

Saskia Luqmani Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Protected Landscapes Partnership

Map illustrated by Jess Knights

Sustainable use of the Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s most cherished long-distance walking trails and offers an unparalleled way to experience nature, wildlife, and breathtaking views. However, as outdoor activities and tourism continue to rise, there is an increasing need to promote sustainable use of the path to preserve its beauty and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy it. By raising awareness of sustainable use of the path we empower people to make informed decisions that allow everyone the opportunity to experience the trail whilst protecting both the path and the surrounding environment.

Connecting to Nature

The South West Coast Path is much more than just a path — it offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature. For many people, spending time in nature reduces stress, promotes mental well-being, and increases physical health. The coastal landscapes of the South West offer a unique chance to become immersed in the natural world, whether by watching dolphins off the coast of Cornwall, walking through lush woodlands and secluded coves in Devon or being amazed by the ever-changing geology along the Jurassic Coast. Being beside the coast allows people to witness the beauty of the natural world up close.

The path passes through numerous protected areas, including National Parks, Nature Reserves, and National Landscapes. These areas are home to diverse wildlife, including seabirds, ground nesting bird species, seals, otters, and rare plants which rely on healthy ecosystems to flourish. When the path is used responsibly it helps protect these habitats and allows both nature and people to thrive on the coast. Connecting with nature often inspires a desire to help care for it. People who love the trail often become advocates and volunteer to help care for the path and support the work of the charity.

Minimising Environmental Impact

One of the key aspects of sustainable use is reducing the environmental impact of using the trail. This starts with respecting wildlife and plants that live and grow in the coastal area. This can be easily achieved by keeping to designated paths to avoid trampling fragile plant life or disturbing nesting birds or marine life. Keeping to the path also prevents soil erosion, which can occur when paths are widened by foot traffic. If walking with your four-legged friend it is best to keep them on a lead as this keeps them to the path, away from the cliff edges and also minimises the disturbance to wildlife especially nesting birds and waterfowl. Dog waste must also be bagged and binned.

Litter should always be removed, including biodegradable waste. While it might seem harmless to leave an apple core behind, such organic matter can alter local ecosystems if it is not native to the area. The trail passes through areas where facilities are sparse, so walkers should use proper toilets when available or ensure that any waste is removed with them.

Using the coast path is thirsty work so make sure to bring a reusable water bottle with you and you can find out all the places you can top up your water bottle by using the refill.org.uk app.

Sustainable Transport

Another important way to use the trail sustainably is to reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation to reach the path rather than driving. Several sections of the Path are accessible by bus or train, and using these services helps reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, particularly in more rural areas where infrastructure is limited. In Cornwall we have worked together with Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership to promote Rail to Trail walks.

Coast Path Friendly

The South West Coast Path is home to some of the most iconic and challenging trail running events in the country. Events help make experiencing the freedom and beauty of our Path easy and fun for people of all ages and backgrounds, but the increased footfall does have an impact on the path. In order to reduce the impact of activities we ask organisers to

Bedruthan Steps, North Cornwall by Andrew Turner

sign up to the Coast Path Friendly scheme where they donate back to the maintenance of the path. If you participate in organised activities on the trail – be that charity walks, trailrunning challenges, hiking holidays or similar, please look for the ‘Coast Path Friendly’ badge, and support organisations that display it on their website. If your favourite doesn’t yet have the badge – encourage them to be ‘Coast Path Friendly’ so when registering for an event you are safe in the knowledge that you’ll be leaving a light footprint on the Path.

Sustainable Tourism and supporting local communities

The path sees over 9 million visitors each year bringing in a vital £520 million into the region's tourism economy. Sustainable tourism aims to minimise the environmental, social, and economic impacts of visitors, while ensuring that the local community benefits from the visitors who come to explore the coast path and visit other areas of the wonderful South West.

Sustainable use of the Path is not just about protecting the environment; it also involves supporting the local communities that depend on tourism. The trail passes through a number of small villages, towns, and hamlets where year-round coast path users provide a welcome boost to local businesses, such as cafes, shops, and accommodations.

Many communities along the Path are working hard to balance tourism with conservation, and supporting these efforts helps ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared with those who live and work in the region. The SWCPA encourage walkers to stop off at local businesses by getting their passport stamped in art galleries, cafes, shops and visitor centres. There are over 500 Way Maker businesses who go the extra mile to support our work looking after the path, whilst providing a warm welcome for walkers and visitors to the trail. Please do support the way maker businesses which are found in The Official Guide to the South West Coast Path or on the SWCPA website.

Information provision

Providing up to date information plays a crucial part in encouraging the sustainable use of the Path and that is a core role of the charity. The SWCPA website and official guidebook provide valuable materials, including maps, tips for minimising impact, and advice on how to safely enjoy the trail. Further information on using the trail, local wildlife and conservation can also be found at visitor centres and Tourist Information Centres along the route.

Final Thought

The South West Coast Path is a treasure that offers incredible experiences for everyone. The key to preserving and improving it for future generations lies in sustainable practices and supporting the charity who cares for the path. By respecting the environment, supporting local communities, and fostering a deep connection to nature, everyone can ensure that the path remains a source of inspiration and enjoyment for years to come.

Lorna Sherriff SWCP National Trail Officer

Man O’War Bay, JurassicCoast by Gillian Thomas

Near Delabole, North Cornwall by Johanna Moore

Path Path Improvements

Chesil and Fleet access improvements to limit Bird disturbance

The footpath at Hive Point, East Chickerell, was wet and almost impassable in places without wearing wellies resulting in walkers leaving the line of the path and walking on the foreshore causing bird disturbance. Approximately 475m long/3m wide footpath surfacing was completed making the path accessible all year round. Works started at the end of September, but the heavy rain and high tides meant the project was not completed until the end of November.

Total Cost £14,700 SWCPA Contribution £7,350

Peak Hill & Orcombe Point

At Peak Hill near Sidmouth an old soft wood kissing gate, which had started to fail, was replaced with a new oak kissing gate. At Orcombe Point the path had become very narrow due to vegetation encroachment. The narrow path became very muddy and slippery underfoot in wet weather. A roboflail was used to remove a strip of scrub which has increased the width of the path for walkers and increased the amount of sunlight and airflow reaching the path to keep it drier.

Total Cost £3,747 SWCPA Contribution £1,874

Torbay signage refresh

New insert signage has been installed around Berry Head and surrounding areas to refresh the signs and keep coast path users on the right path. SWCPA Contribution £499

North Hill, Exmoor

The trail surface had become rutted as there was nowhere for water to run off the path, making it difficult to walk. The rutting also meant visitors were treading off the Coast Path and eroding the surrounding protected habitat. This project regraded the path and installed a side drain to remove any water flowing down the path.

Total Cost £1,000 SWCPA Contribution £500

Livestock Management, Little Dartmouth

This project moved 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 involved installing a length of pipe from the existing drinking point and moving the trough to a 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 was created.

Total cost £2,230 SWCPA Contribution £1,115

Chesil and Fleet path improvement. Credit Dorset Council

North Hill Path works. Credit Exmoor National Park

Credit Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust

Alternative coast path route at Little Dartmouth. Photo Credit National Trust

Peak Hill New Kissing gate. Credit National Trust

Royal William Yard Stairway Refurbishment

The award-winning Devil's Point staircase at Royal William Yard has undergone a major refurbishment. The impressive 63-step structure which was originally installed 11 years ago, dedicated in memory of Eric Wallis MBE, had started to experience the effects of being in a marine environment. The stairway was taken down to a warehouse in Falmouth where it was blast cleaned, refurbished and repainted. This has been a major project working in partnership with Urban Splash the developer of Royal William Yard and Natural England. SWCPA successfully secured a £150,000 grant from Natural England as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path Establishment works for the refurbishment.

Exmoor and North Devon repairs after Storm Darragh

Storm Darragh caused widespread damage to the Exmoor and North Devon section of Coast Path. Fallen trees blocked many paths, making them unsafe and inaccessible. Skilled teams worked tirelessly with tractors, machinery, and chainsaws to clear debris and reopen the trail. Additionally, our dedicated trail partners have been inspecting all the routes, coordinating with landowners, and ensuring the safety of these vital pathways. Thank you to Exmoor National Park Authority, The National Trust Exmoor teams and Devon County Council for your work in getting the sections reopened. SWCPA is working to source funding to contribute to the storm damage repair estimated at £27,000.

Bossington Path

Approximately 600 metres of permitted footpath and cycle path was impassable in places during long periods of wet weather. The works included scraping the surface mud and vegetation from the path and surfacing with stone scalpings to form a central raised path surface. These works have improved this path section and made it usable all year round.

Total cost £16,700 SWCPA Contribution £8,350

In Progress

Portland Signage

After completing a full signage audit of the Isle of Portland it was identified that 15 fingerposts were needed to replace existing damaged or missing posts as well as 3 new waymarkers. The project includes the production of all the new fingerposts and waymarkers in oak wood, installing the new signage as well as cleaning and repainting stone mile markers and using Coast Path stickers on appropriate existing metal posts. The final cost of the project is estimated £4,000 with a kind donation already being received towards this project.

Path surface improvements, Glebe Cliff near Tintagel

A 45m section of SWCP is suffering erosion from water and visitor pressure. There are two sets of steps, which are too narrow and high, leading to walkers not using the steps and walking off the line of the path. This has created a wide, slippery, eroded corridor that is difficult to walk down and actively eroding. This project will replace the 15 narrow steps with 30 wider steps, making the height of each step less. This will make the path easier to use and allow the habitat on the edge of the path to re-establish. 3 slate cross drains are also being installed to prevent future erosion from water runoff. Total Cost £3,248 SWCPA Contribution £1,624.

Storm Daragh Damage. Credit Exmoor National Park

Bossington Path Improvements. Credit National Trust

Proposed Glebe Cliff SWCP repair. Credit National Trust

South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2024

Now in its 13th year, our annual photography competition continues to attract stunning photographs of life on the South West Coast Path. This year, we had a record-breaking 1,700 entries, a huge thank you to everyone who submitted an image.

We are delighted to have the support of Great Western Railway for a second year, and following the success of our first-ever exhibition at London’s Paddington Station last year, we are thrilled to once again bring beautiful images of the South West Coast Path to Paddington in May, timed to tie in with The Salt Path cinematic release. More details of the exhibition are on page 27.

Beating tough competition, Jasmin Fernholz, a photographer from Germany was selected as the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2024. Jasmin’s image captures the calm and tranquillity of walking the South West Coast Path at sunset on a warm summer’s day. The magical light and colour highlight the beauty of nature and a peaceful moment of solitude.

We were delighted to see a significant number of images entered by photographers from across the globe, showing how much the South West Coast Path attracts international visitors.

OVERALL WINNER

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2024

Jasmin Fernholz

Walking on Sunshine, Tintagel, North Cornwall

Judges Comments

Throughout the judging process, this image repeatedly captivated our attention. We were drawn to its serene atmosphere, where the soft, low light gently highlights the wildflowers and winding path, while the woman walking evokes a sense of freedom. The scene embodies the very essence of what many seek when exploring the South West Coast Path– a harmonious blend of natural beauty in an accessible environment. The photographer has perfectly captured a fleeting moment, where the setting sun breaks through the clouds, casting light that intensifies the vibrant colours of the wildflowers.”

Heidi Morstang, Associate Professor in Photography at the University of Plymouth

This photograph captured the special qualities of light you can experience along the Coast Path. The image also tells a familiar tale of walking along the Coast Path and how special this can be… and the transformative power of the trail.”

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association

Jasmin Fernholz said of her winning image,

My ‘Walking on Sunshine’ photo was taken at Tintagel in May 2024. It was my fourth time to Tintagel, but the first time travelling with my Mum, and in the evening, we chose the path up to St Materiana’s Church in the hope of seeing a wonderful sunset. I was afraid that the clouds wouldn’t move fast enough, and I had carried my 1.2 kg Sony A7III for nothing. But we enjoyed the warm light of the evening for taking photos, the gentle breeze, the perfect view over the coastline and the King Arthur statue in the distance, when suddenly, out of nowhere, an impressive capercaillie appeared. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments when everything around you feels just perfect; the meaning of a capercaillie is to bring love into your life. It means a lot to me that this goosebumps moment now makes me the ‘South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year’.”

Congratulations to Jasmin Fernholz who enjoys the coveted title as well as a 2-night stay at St Austell Brewery’s The Pier House, Charlestown and 2x return train tickets courtesy of sponsors Great Western Railway. Jasmin will be returning in May with her Mum to see the exhibition at Paddington and will then be walking the Path for 3 weeks, happy walking Jasmin!

WILDLIFE

Robert Hughes, Jumping for Joy, Labrador Bay, South Devon

I often come across local Shortbeaked Common Dolphin pods, and occasionally, I get the rare opportunity to photograph these amazing wild animals as they majestically leap out of the water in unison. In this image, you can see an older calf breaching alongside its mother. I love the way the overcast light reflects off the sea surface, and the splashing water shows their motion in the split second they breach the surface. It’s incredibly difficult to capture these moments, but using a fast shutter speed really helps freeze the action.”

Judges Comment

NATURE

Stephen Holdway, Jurassic Coast, Hooken Cliffs, South Devon

I remember walking down the coast path and just stopping in my tracks, faced with the sheer beauty of this scene. The sun was nearing the horizon, there was a slight haze in the air, and the sunlight was glinting off the white cliffs, bathing the greenery with a soft warm light... You feel at one with nature here, both humbled by its majesty and empowered by its beauty. This is Jurassic Coast territory, and what I love about this photo is that it almost feels like you are walking into the land of the dinosaurs.”

Judges Comment

Stephen’s photograph captures the power of Hooken Cliffs. It connects you to the historic Jurassic Coast where dinosaurs used to roam. The image also demonstrates the vibrancy of nature along the cliffs and undercliffs covered with trees and other vegetation.”

Julian Gray

This beautiful image of dolphins leaping out of the sea reminds us of the amazing wildlife on our doorstep.”

Alex Fisher, Editor, Coast Magazine

Explore

PEOPLE AND PATH

Sally Durow, Park Run Past the Map, Minehead, Somerset

As a runner and photographer I have wanted to photograph the park run in Minehead for a really long time. For me it was the epitome of people and path with each person doing their run on that morning for so many different reasons. There is something of a contrast from Minehead to the path and that is quickly experienced on the first section up North Hill onto Exmoor and I love this transition and how quickly you can find quiet, nature and other like-minded people on the trails and I would say that is true of all the sections I have hiked myself.”

URBAN LINES

Ayla Rinke, Natural Mirror, Polzeath, North Cornwall

Judges Comment

For many who have walked the South West Coast Path, Sarah Ward’s hand and map sculpture marks the start of an epic journey. The photo captures both the power of the artwork and the movement of people along the trail. National Trails are an important resource for runners, and this image can help in telling that story.”

Julian Gray

This was one of the few pictures I took that showed the urban environment during my hike last year. In the moment I thought it didn’t look like a typical Cornish scene and could be interesting to show a different modern side of the architecture that can be found on the SWCP. The wooden house in the sunlight looked quite new, but still fitting into the environment. The urban environment has a big influence on the experience I think, because its architecture affects the perspective in real life as

Judges Comment

Some images just jump out at you. The reflection of the sun in the puddle brightening up a cloudy day. The photograph captures the Coast Path as you enter Polzeath on the North Cornwall coast. This is a short distance from the dramatic coastline of Pentire Point and The Rumps but feels like it could be 4,000 miles away.”

Julian Gray

SKY SHOT

Pete Courtis, Clifftop Down, Rinsey, West Cornwall

The photo was taken on the coast path between Rinsey and Porthleven in the Autumn. The light was so amazing at the time. The camera used was a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. The image is one of my favourites taken with my drone. Any top-down drone shot shows a scene in a unique way.”

Judges Comment

The perspective and clarity in this image are striking, beautifully highlighting the vivid colours of the Atlantic and the intricate geological formations. It’s a captivating portrayal of what the South West Coast Path offers – an intimate connection between land and sea.”

Heidi Morstang

Thank You

CLIMATE CHANGE

Mark Gowan, Safety Just Around the Corner, Newlyn, West Cornwall

I have a deep passion for capturing storm photography, and on this particular day, the weather forecast predicted wild conditions with strong southeast gales. The storm was later referred to by the media as “The Storm with No Name” because it wasn’t officially named by either the Irish or UK Met Offices. This unpredictability made it the perfect choice for the Climate Change category – highlighting how extreme weather events can arise suddenly and powerfully.”

Following last year’s overall winning shot this is another stunning photograph showing the power of nature and gives insight into how the Coast Path is under threat from more powerful and frequent storms.”

Julian Gray

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The second year of the SWCP Young Photographer of the Year Award was won by last year’s winner, 16-year-old William Curzon, for his photograph, Path to Kellan Head.

Having won previously, I was keeping my eye out for interesting scenes as I walked the path with a friend following our GCSEs. The leading lines and great lighting instantly jumped out at me as something that would create a fantastic photo. It feels amazing to be chosen as the Young Photographer of the Year – I feel a big connection to the path, especially after my thru-hike last summer.”

Judges Comment

This beautiful view of the winding coast path is complemented by cloud formations that seem to guide the way along the coastline. The outline of the farmland evokes the region’s rich agricultural history meeting the rugged, exposed coast. The photographer has captured the warm golden hues of summer, and the image serves as a reminder of the ever-changing colours that transform the path throughout the seasons.”

Heidi Morstang

A big thank you to our judges Heidi Morstang (Associate Professor in Photography at University of Plymouth), Julian Gray (Director, South West Coast Path Association), Alex Fisher (Editor, Coast magazine).

South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition 22 May – 19 June | Paddington Station, London

The View

Walking on Sunshine Tintagel, North Cornwall

Photographer of the Year Jasmin Fernholz

The Salt Path

The

anticipation is mounting

on the 30th May!

We are grateful to have Raynor’s support as a valued ambassador of the Association. Raynor says of the upcoming film…

I’m so looking forward to people seeing the film adaptation of our story. The SWCP is more than just a path, it’s a transformative landscape, both challenging and healing, and available to all of us. I’m incredibly proud to be an ambassador for the charity, helping raise awareness of the support needed for the Path to remain open and accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

Raynor Winn, author, The Salt Path

Renowned to have inspired many people to walk the South West Coast Path, The Salt Path, is the bestselling memoir by Raynor Winn, with the screen adaptation bringing to life the remarkable true story of resilience, love, and rediscovery. Following the devastating loss of their home and livelihood, Raynor and her terminally ill husband, Moth, decide to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path as a way to find purpose and healing amidst their hardship.

With Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, The Fall) and Jason Isaacs (White Lotus, Harry Potter) in leading roles, the South West Coast Path is set to shine as the third star of the film, forming the backdrop to Raynor and Moth’s journey.

For the team at the South West Coast Path, we have already seen ‘Salt Path fever’ hit as we respond to press enquiries from all over the world. We are in no doubt that the film will attract more people to the South West Coast Path to follow in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth, and we are busy preparing for the increased focus on the Path, and the opportunities this may herald for the Association.

With this in mind, we asked our team to consider the following question:

How do you think The Salt Path film will impact the South West Coast Path and the work we do at the charity?

as The Salt Path film is set to hit cinemas

I believe it will create more of an awareness of the Coast Path, (many don’t even know they’re on it), which should have a positive impact on the Association. This in turn will hopefully increase memberships/shop sales/visits to the website.”

Debbie Bakewell, Membership Engagement

I think the film will increase the awareness of the SWCP, increase people walking bits and/or all of it. I think the book highlighted the restorative benefits of walking the path and that it can be a spiritual experience. The film is going to be seen by more people than read the book and when its streamed a much broader and new (younger!) audience.

When I meet other walkers on the path, I usually ask them why they walk the path (I like the different answers you get and want my walkers to hear the responses, they can be inspiring). On several occasions the answers have been ‘because of the book’, people don’t call it by its title, I guess soon it will be ‘because of the film’.

As a charity we will probably get a lot more enquiries and for CPC I expect an increase in participants. Hopefully raising awareness of the role of the SWCPA and generating income to invest in new initiatives and projects.”

Huw Davies, Community Engagement, North Devon

This will bring a worldwide interest to the South West Coast Path, providing opportunity to increase knowledge of the path as a whole, not just the key focus areas in the film. Showcasing how we (SWPCA), our wonderful volunteers, members and partner organisations keep this amazing 630 miles alive for all to experience!”

Tracy Pleece, Community Engagement, Torbay

I think the Salt Path will be a huge boost to tourism and hospitality businesses along the Trail who will hopefully recognise the importance of the Path in creating new opportunities and supporting livelihoods and local communities. Hopefully this will encourage even more businesses to support our work as Way Makers and Mile Makers and become part of the Salt Path experience for the visitors who’ve seen the film.”

Sarah Gunn, Business Engagement

The Salt Path has already sold well over 1 million copies and is inspiring people to walk the South West Coast Path. As a film, it will now showcase the trail to new audiences and raise awareness nationally and internationally not only of the amazing beauty of the South West coast, but also the transformative power of walking. It’s expected that most visiting film sightseers will stay at local hotels and B&Bs and eat at local restaurants & pubs, so the film will be beneficial for the regional visitor economy. For the charity, I see the film as an opportunity to engage with people on how they can make a difference to protect and enhance this world class trail.”

Julian Gray, Director

I am really excited about the film, it is very much anticipated – I’ve had lots of questions about it from friends, family, volunteers and CPC participants that I’ve met on the Path. The trailer being shown in the cinema certainly whetted people’s enthusiasm too! I think it will broaden the reach of the charity as people who might not normally have read the book or know about the South West Coast Path will want to see the places of the film and will be inspired by the story. Hopefully, it will also make people realise that they don’t have to have all the expensive gear to get out and enjoy the Coast Path. Raynor and Moth’s story is very powerful and Raynor’s writing is so evocative of the beauty of the Path, and yet is an accessible read. So, I think a lot of people will read and re-read it.”

Alex Turner, Project Manager

From left to right: Jason Isaacs, Raynor Winn, Moth Winn, Gillian Anderson. Photo by Steve Tanner

I think the Salt Path film will not only shine a light on the incredible resource that is the South West Coast Path, but also the incredible stories which are woven into this amazing trail. Having seen the incredible impact of the Cornish film Bait and the empathy from communities far away from those directly affected, I think Raynor and Moth’s story will similarly resonate with so many of us who have faced challenges and found solace and wellbeing in nature. I also think that in showcasing how important the South West Coast Path is the film will show how important it is to support and champion the charity and the work we do to keep the path open and accessible for all; so that all those inspiring and special experiences can happen.”

Emma Parkman, Head of Fundraising

Having been fortunate to attend a sneak preview, I am looking forward to seeing how audiences will respond to the film. The strong thread of love, freedom, and the restorative power of nature is interwoven throughout and beautifully captures how the path can lead to transformational journeys. Media interest has been high leading up to the release, and we expect this only to increase once the film hits cinemas. We aim to be prepared and ready to respond to press enquiries, to ensure we capture all opportunities to raise awareness of the Association and encourage support from those who are discovering us for the first time, as well as provide the essential information for anyone wanting to step on to the Trail for the first time.”

Aletha Mays, Head of Comms

Keep an eye on our social channels during May and June as we celebrate The Salt Path film release with

‘A Taste of the Salt Path’ walking itineraries, the 2025 SW Coast Path Forum focussing on ‘transformational journeys’ (see page 8 for more details), and a host of other activities to celebrate –stay tuned!

For further information about The Salt Path visit southwestcoastpath. org.uk/the-salt-path

Photographs by Steve Tanner and Kevin Baker. Images courtesy of Black Bear.

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2024 EXHIBITION

22 May – 19 June 2025 Platforms 8 & 9, Paddington Station, London

Image: Hooken Cliffs, Jurassic Coast by Nature category winner Stephen Holdway

How screen tourism is changing the way we travel

Have you ever planned to visit a place because you saw it on TV or in a film? You’re not the only one! In fact, visiting a screen location when travelling abroad is on the rise, particularly amongst younger generations, with 7 in 10 inbound visitors to the UK having visited a TV or film location on their holiday, according to VisitBritain. Screen tourism, in other words travelling to attractions that have featured onscreen, is growing in influence as a result of modern-day streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ that can be streamed around the world. What does this mean for the South West Coast Path?

Whilst travelling to visit film, TV and even video game locations has seen a surge in popularity, the concept of screen tourism isn’t new. In fact, it’s a well-established phenomenon that people travel to visit screen locations, such as the increase of tourism in Dubrovnik, Croatia since Game of Thrones! With several notable film locations in the South West, such as Martins Heron, Stonehenge, The Eden Project, the Minack Theatre and Bourne Woods, people have long been travelling to the South West to see for themselves the backdrop to their favourite TV series and films. Screen tourism has become a powerful driver of regional tourism, and the South West Coast Path is no exception. Known for its dramatic cliffs, mesmerizing views and fascinating heritage, it’s no wonder the coast path features on-screen in a number of popular TV series and films, including Doc Martin (2004-2022), Broadchurch (2013-2017), Poldark (2015-2019), Beyond Paradise (2023-present) and more recently House of the Dragon (2022-present). With The Salt Path set to hit the big screen this May, we’re already beginning to see the effects that this will bring to the Coast Path. Featuring screen locations across Exmoor, North Devon and Cornwall, the film includes some iconic locations on the path, such as Valley of the Rocks which forms the backdrop to the film’s official poster, Hartland Quay, renowned for being perhaps the toughest part of the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path, the quaint fishing village of Clovelly and the UK’s surf capital of Newquay.

Valley of Rocks.

Photo by Daryl Baker

Port Isaac. Photo by Abbi Pitt

Newquay North Cornwall. Photo by Sam Sauerwald

The Coast Path has also featured in several popular TV series and films since The Witches in the 90s, bringing visitors from around the world to explore their favourite screen locations. Doc Martin, filmed in the picturesque village of Port Isaac, showcases the dramatic Cornish coastline, attracting many fans to visit the town and its surrounding cliffs. Poldark highlights the rugged beauty of Cornwall and Devon, with stunning locations like St Agnes, the Crowns engine houses at Botallack, and beaches and coves along the coastline. Similarly, Broadchurch, filmed at West Bay in Dorset, has turned the dramatic golden, sandstone cliffs into a must-see spot for fans of the show. These locations, with their breathtaking views, fascinating geology and cultural heritage, have brought a significant boost to local businesses and tourism. For many viewers, the South West Coast Path has been the unsung star to their favourite TV series or film—and a destination to tick off their bucket-list.

While screen tourism can boost the local economy, there is ground for concern about its potential negative impacts, particularly with the upcoming release of The Salt Path. One key concern is over-tourism, as popular film locations on the South West Coast Path could risk overcrowding, especially in remote areas. Increased footfall risks erosion, placing pressure

on the path and local infrastructure, such as parking and public transport; However, screen tourism doesn’t need to be looked at as a threat, with plenty of evidence showing its benefits to the local economy. Doc Martin, for instance, attracts over 10,000 visitors to Port Isaac each year, and an estimated 13% of people visiting Cornwall cite Poldark as one of the reasons – if not the main reason – for their visit, according to research by Visit Cornwall. With the release of The Salt Path, we can expect a boost in year-round tourism, supporting the local economy and continued investment in protecting, promoting and improving our trail. Take a look at the Sustainable use of the Path article for ways to use the trail whilst protecting and enhancing it for now and future generations.

Molly Palmer Impact Comms Officer

Clovelly. Photo by Annie Marston

Explore

Rail to Trail

New railway station information boards inspire sustainable exploration of our National Trail

We are delighted to share a new project that we have been working on in collaboration with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and Great Western Railway that aims to encourage exploration of the South West Coast Path from five key railway stations in Cornwall. It is our aspiration that this project will be expanded to other stations on the South West rail network to increase the number of people using public transport to access the South West Coast Path.

Rebecca Catterall, Development Officer for the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said:

The South West Coast Path is a wonderful natural asset that can be accessed easily from a number of railway stations in Devon and Cornwall.

We are thrilled to have worked with Great Western Railway and the team at the South West Coast Path to highlight these key gateway stations and hope that even more people will discover the Path by train.”

Located at the following railway stations in Cornwall: Penzance; Newquay: Falmouth Town; Falmouth Dock; and Looe. Each of these locations provides a gateway to the Coast Path and the opportunity to walk and explore stunning stretches of the trail.

The first rail board was unveiled in early April at Falmouth Town Station.

Rebecca Catterall (Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership) and Emma Parkman (SWCPA Head of Fundraising) installing the new Falmouth Town Station board.

Each board includes between 3 and 4 circular walks that cover a range of distances and highlight some of the beautiful coastal places that can be accessed when stepping out from the train station onto the South West Coast Path. A QR code on each walk links to the SWCPA website for further details on what to expect from the walk, including places to visit, eat and drink.

The walks will also be promoted digitally on the SWCPA and Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership websites to increase visibility and encourage rail-to-trail exploration, using integrated public transport options to visit the National Trail.

We are grateful for the support received from Great Western Railway in producing the boards, thank you.

Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer said, It’s wonderful to be working in partnership with Great Western Railway and the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership to encourage more people to use sustainable transport to access the coast path. We need to promote sustainable use of the path to preserve its beauty and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy it and these Rail to Trail walks are an ideal way to experience the path more sustainably.

Newquay Station

The health boosting benefits of taking a dip in the sea year round has already been well documented, but now there’s a chance to combine this with the ultimate thermal journey from hot to cold by relaxing in an ocean-side sauna before taking the plunge.

There are now around 93 outdoor saunas in the UK and about a third of them are situated on our beaches – many of them along the route of the South West Coast Path based in converted horse boxes, beach huts, purpose built wooden pods or even suspended on stilts above the sea! Many hotel spas offer the outdoor sauna experience too.

These boxes of warm wellness heated by wood-fired stoves and hot rocks to temperatures of around 80 – 110 ‘c mean you can now replicate the sauna ritual invented by the Finns as far back as 7,000 BC, as a way to warm up, relax, rejuvenate, cleanse and socialise.

Sauna Hot Spots on the Path

Outdoor saunas are springing up on beaches, cliffs and shorelines along the Trail to offer the ultimate, Nordic inspired experience which is good for mind, body and soul.

Health Benefits

The list of health benefits includes improved sleep, stress reduction, detoxification, better cardiovascular and respiratory function and a whopping boost for your immune system and energy levels. The heat from saunas can help reduce muscle soreness, stiffness, and joint pain, making them a great stop off after a challenging hike along the Path.

But it’s not just the physical benefits which are making the outdoor sauna culture so popular. The Global Sauna Survey in 2019 showed that those who used a sauna between 5 and 15 times a month reported greater general mental wellbeing. The tranquil and stunning settings of the sea saunas create a place to mentally disconnect from the everyday, reconnect with nature, and emerge with a renewed sense of well-being.

Many saunas offer the chance to enjoy a salt scrub, mud masks or the addition of healing herbs. Some combine sessions with mindfulness, breath-work or other holistic therapies. Ice-baths and outdoor hot tubs are frequently on-hand and there’s even a chance to enjoy full moon and sunrise sauna events too!

Go solo or enjoy a communal sauna session with like-minded folks – some saunas seat up to 12 people. Community sessions at beaches in villages and towns along the coast are becoming a way for people to regularly meet up and, you never know, they could even become the new alternative to the pub as the social hub of coastal life!

Way Maker Sauna Stop Offs

South Cornwall

Motts Wood Fired Sauna –Millendreath/Mount Edgcumbe motts-sauna.com

North Cornwall

Saunassa Nordic Spa – Newquay saunassa.co.uk

Escape to the Sauna – Hayle and Maenporth escape-unplugged.com

South Devon

The Somewhere Sauna – Mothercombe somewheresauna.com

Blackpool Sands Sauna blackpoolsands.co.uk

Dorset

Revive Wild Saunas – Weymouth and Portland revivewildsaunas.co.uk

Escape to the Sauna Hayle

Blackpool Sands. Credit Claire Gillo

Saunassa

Finding friendship on the South West Coast Path

TWay Makers, HF Holidays, have been connecting people to each other through the great outdoors for over 111 years.

Some of its walk leaders share their experiences of the healing nature and friendships formed through the South West Coast Path.

he transformational power of walking together in nature was something that 19th century social innovator Thomas Arthur Leonard OBE spotted early on. Hailed as the "Father of the Open-Air Movement" and champion of the British countryside, he sought to improve the lives of factory workers in the 19th century by offering group walking holidays as an alternative to a week at the seaside. He went on to establish the Holiday Fellowship – now HF Holidays – a walking holiday co-operative in 1913.

His goal was to provide shared holiday experiences that inspire friendship, fun and an active enjoyment of the great outdoors. He believed that walking together can boost mental and physical health, foster friendships and community. In today's digital age, where excessive screen time often leads to isolation and mental health issues, this vision is more relevant than ever – over 111 years on.

There is nowhere better to see Leonard’s vision in practice than at HF Holidays’ country houses in Holnicote in Exmoor and Chy Morvah in St Ives, from which HF’s experienced leaders take groups walking along the ‘Salt Path’. Simon Tremerwan, an HF Holidays Leader, has a deep connection to the area;

I think of myself as Cornish - and although I no longer live in Cornwall, Cornwall is my home so, I love sharing my enthusiasm with those who find wonder in walking along the South West Coast Path. There is something special about strolling along the clifftop paths at the margins of the land, close by the trackless sea; marvelling at the aquamarine waters of a sandy beach backed by the towering “jenga” forms of soaring granite cliffs. Such moments lift the soul.”

Around a third of HF Holidays’ guests are solo travellers and walkers, and the communal dining and group walks foster friendship and connection. Simon explains; “Travelling the trail together with others is revitalising. Walking in the company of another, being in step; talking and listening; sharing the path, the place and the moment, are all therapeutic.”

Liz Fairweather, also an HF Leader adds: “I live in Cornwall and walk the South West Coast Path most days. I’m incredibly lucky. I’ve had many people join my walks who hope to find healing and friendship. Sometimes it may be someone taking a break from the full-time care of a family member, or someone trying a solo holiday for the first time following a significant bereavement. To watch them blossom and know they can still enjoy life is wonderful. When I see guests swapping numbers at the end, it’s so rewarding.”

Angie Tiller, an HF Leader and Field Advisor adds; “What I love most about the Salt Path is that you can go anywhere along it, and it can match your mood and the experience you’re looking for. The Coast Path in Cornwall is just so evocative; you feel right on the edge of something. I may be biased but I think there is something really special about walking this Path with a group and the feelings it can stir up, it’s a real bonding experience.”

HF Holidays has 15 country houses across the UK and organise group walking and activity holidays that foster community, connection and belonging. For more information, please visit hfholidays.co.uk

Holnicote House, Exmoor

Walk Leader Simon

Angie Tiller, HF Walk Leader

Liz Fairweather, HF Walk Leader

TA Leonard, founder of HF Holidays and friends courtesy of Nancy Green

Make a Difference

A percentage for the path

Fundraising is something that happens all along the 630 miles of South West Coast Path, in all kinds of forms. Runs, walks, art; you name it fundraisers have been out on the path raising vital funds for all kinds of causes. What makes the path such a special asset is it means different things to all who love and use the path, with the uniting thread; the path facilitates journeys. The path particularly provides for those who fundraise as the varied character of each section of the path inspires their challenge, their art creation, their walk or so many other types of activities.

Whilst we have fundraisers who raise money solely for the South West Coast Path, we also have the

unique pleasure as a charity to be involved in journeys alongside other charities. These hybrid fundraisers have a cause they are fundraising for, but in using the SWCP to do so they appreciate how important giving back to the path is. Our most recent fundraiser Tom Keys-Toyer’s challenge raising funds and awareness for both Boys in Mind (BIM)and the SWCPA was a wonderful example of where charities can work together raising funds and awareness for important causes. You can read more about Tom’s journey on page 36.

Vanessa Williams-Grey, Fundraising and Events Manager from Boys in Mind shared with us of the experience;

I’m still bowled over by Tom's resilience as he ran through some of the worst winter weather on record, including Storm Bert later that month. But as an outdoors enthusiast myself, I completely understand his passion to honour his son as he traversed that coastal path: it was a journey through a landscape in both the physical and the metaphorical sense. We followed his progress avidly via Instagram, sharing the highs and lows, but always marvelling at his stamina - and humour! That Tom raised around £55,000 is phenomenal and testament to his supporters’ appreciation of his epic run, but also our joint causes. It has been lovely to be in contact with the folk at SWCPA - we wish you all the very best in your endeavours to preserve this glorious coastal landscape.”

Working alongside BIM to support Tom, has been an opportunity to promote the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of the path but also to share inspirational journeys, allowing both charities to work together to a common goal. This year as a charity we will be focussing on facilitating a percentage to the path for all kinds of individual fundraisers, giving them an opportunity to give back to the path which made their journey possible.

The path can offer the perfect place whatever your journey and giving back to it’s maintenance and improvement allows it to continue to provide for communities, visitors and fundraisers alike.

If you are planning a fundraising journey along the South West Coast Path and would like to explore giving a percentage to the path get in touch.

emma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Thank you to Corporate Mile Makers ATASS Sports for smashing their fundraising goal and raising £3,000 for the charity – helping us to protect 2 miles of our beloved Trail. Our Head of Comms, Aletha, met with the team on the SWCP at Exmouth to present them with a Mile Maker sign in recognition of their achievement and to say a heartfelt thank you.

Being a sports orientated company, 28 members of the team utilised the 2024 Euros to create an engaging programme of fundraising activities. Shaun Salter at ATASS said of their challenge,

At ATASS, we are passionate about sport and the outdoors. For that reason, we decided to support SWCP through a Euro 2024 fundraising campaign, which involved 2 teams running, walking or cycling the distance between all the stadiums on England and Germany’s route to the final in Berlin. Between 28 of us, the England and Germany team both hit their targets of reaching Berlin, with each team travelling distances of 2191km and 3043km throughout July. This challenge has been a great way to keep active because we’ve been sponsoring for every km covered and stadium visited.”

A huge thank you to ATASS Sports and many congratulations on becoming a Corporate Mile Maker x 2!

You can read more about ATASS’s fundraising challenge on their website atass-sports.co.uk/news-events

Business Mile Makers Make a Difference

This issue, we’re welcoming two Business Mile Makers who’ve shown their support for the Path and the work of the Association by raising or donating the £1,500 it takes to care for just one mile of the Path each year.

Luggage Transfers

Luggage Transfers has been lightening the load for walkers making their way along the South West Coast Path since 2009, celebrating 15 years of supporting walkers along the Trail. It’s the only luggage courier service which covers the whole 630 miles of the National Trail, transporting around 35,000 bags a year. Using the innovative idea of asking each customer who uses their service to make an optional donation to the SWCPA as part of the booking process, they’ve raised almost £15 000 in total over the years, making them a mile maker ten times over! Their Mile Maker donation for 2024 totalled £1,900 – the highest ever. Huge thanks to the team at Luggage Transfers and their customers for their continued support.

The South West Coast Path is obviously essential to our business and extremely important to our customers, so it’s a no-brainer when it comes to joining together with them to support the SWCPA every year. We’re proud to help the SWCPA in its work to keep the Path accessible and in good condition for walkers from all over the world and for locals all year round, as it’s such a vital part of our tourism economy.”

Mike Kearon, Director Luggage Transfers

Don’t forget SWCPA members receive a 10% discount on Luggage Transfers bookings. Don’t worry about short notice if you need help with your bags –next day bookings now available.

Practice Plus Group Plymouth

Staff at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, have put their best foot forward walking the total 630-mile path over the past 12 months following nominating the South West Coast Path Association as their Charity of the Year. They raised a fantastic £1,794 through staff fundraising and a generous grant donation from their head office. The charity are extremely grateful for the team’s fundraising and support this year.

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth, is able to treat hip and knee replacement patients via its Wellsoon Private Healthcare service – offering fastaccess to surgery in as few as 4-6 weeks

of seeing a consultant. NHS patients can also ask their GP for a referral to the hospital.

Sarah Fell, Hospital Director, says:

I’m so proud of our Mile Maker award. Staff have loved their fundraising walks along the SWCP and enjoying the local scenery. The route is popular with our patients too, many of whom are able to enjoy gentle walks again after hip and knee replacement surgery with us.”

Luggage Transfers Mile Maker

James Hunt Physio Team PPG with his dog Max walking SWCP

Make a Difference

Running 630 for Sam

In Memory of Samuel James Keys-Toyer 14 August 2002 – 28 May 2020

n May 2020, our world was blown apart through the unimaginable loss of our younger son Sam aged just 17. Mental health, particularly among boys and young men can be a silent killer, without warning, without the opportunity for intervention

As we approach the 5th anniversary of losing Sam, time does not heal and we miss him more than ever. There are however other avenues that can bring a sense of recovery and wellbeing that time on its own cannot. For me, this has been about discovering some positivity in the face of tragedy and despair.

Very early on after losing Sam, I had a vision of undertaking a physical challenge that would test me to the core. A challenge that would cause me physical pain in the knowledge that this would be part of my healing journey. So, the challenge was born and this would be to run/shuffle my way around the entire length of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) during November 2024. A charity was carefully selected to be the principal beneficiary of our efforts and this was Boys In Mind. A Bath based charity whose objective is to encourage positive mental health in boys and young men and ultimately to prevent suicide.

The SWCP is one of our greatest natural assets. Whilst it is free for anyone to enjoy, there is a very significant cost to maintaining and improving the infrastructure so that we can all continue to benefit from its shear rugged beauty. It is also a place that is incredibly powerful for anyone that is seeking headspace, healing from a trauma or just good wholesome outdoor enjoyment.

This is why it was so important to me to donate a proportion of our charity fundraising to the SWCP Association. Thank you SWCP for everything that you do.

Vanessa Williams-Grey, Fundraising and Events Manager from Boys in Mind

We were delighted to be approached by Tom with his plan of running - not just walking, mind but RUNNING! - the entire length of the South West Coast Path in memory of his son, Sam and in aid of two great local charities: Boys in Mind plus, of course, the SWCP Association. It was great fun to work with Tom in the lead up to the challenge and also to meet him and his family and friends as we congregated to see him off in style at the starting point in Minehead, at some unearthly hour one grey, drizzly Saturday morning at the start of November!”

B-Corp, the businesses making a difference

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. These businesses striving to meet these high standards make up some of our fantastic business supporters who become Mile Makers and corporate supporters through our sponsorship partnerships, supporting the SWCPA.

Our business supporters Turnstyle Designs and Macs Adventure both hold B Corp status. Turnstyle Designs; who produce and deliver some of the worlds finest door and cabinet hardware, evident in the quality and design. Based in Barnstaple, North Devon, Turnstyle Designs have supported the SWCPA for a number of years initially making contact through ‘1% for the Planet’; a global network linking businesses and environmental organisations encouraging businesses to donate 1% of annual sales to environmental organisations. Turnstyle Designs made their most recent donation becoming Mile Makers again for 2025 and supporting not one but over 3 miles of the SWCP for the year.

“We proudly support the SWCPA and all the fantastic work they do to maintain our beautiful coastal walkways that so many locals and visitors enjoy. Sustainability and responsibility have always been at the heart of our company ethos here at Turnstyle Designs. We do our upmost to support not only local charities but also organisations such as SWCPA, who work hard to keep our beautiful local area staying beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Right now, Turnstyle Designs is the only hardware manufacturer in the world to achieve B Corp status and we are very proud of our recent certification. Every business, regardless of sector, has a responsibility to drive change, and we are proud to be part of that change.” Kat Burdon, Marketing Lead.

at Turnstyle attended our 50th Anniversary Trailblazer Walk, walking from Woolacombe to Croyde along the SWCP. In January 2025 the team also worked with a group of volunteers from Finding Nature’s Footprint in Braunton Burrows. Helping to control vegetation and scrub plants (e.g. hawthorn, brambles), allowing wildflowers and other species to flourish. Braunton Burrows is the largest sand dune system in the British Isles, covering approximately 1,000 hectares. Braunton Burrows is the core of the North Devon Coast National Landscape, and is a recognised site of special scientific interest.

We at the SWCPA are so grateful for businesses like Turnstyle Designs, making a difference to people and planet and building long term relationships with local charities like ourselves.

If you are part of a B Corp or business which would like to get involved with the South West Coast Path Association get in touch to find out more.

emma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

The team

SWCP Mile Maker Sponsorship - Turnstyle Designs

Turnstyle on SWCPA 50th Anniversary Trailblazer Walk

Volunteer Map

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who give their valuable time and commitment to the charity, we simply couldn’t do what we do without you. THANK YOU.

Path Representatives

Minehead to Bideford

Geoff Garfield

Bob Fisher, Jane & David Rattue, Paul & Sandra Berry, Chris Burley, Isabelle Maggs

Bideford to Bude

Chris Lucas

Stephen Mills, John Byrne, Mark Whitehead, Charlie Sullivan

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, Jane Grey

Porthleven to Portloe

Paul Rabbeth

Julie Larter, John Elsey, Tessa Farthing

Portloe to Cremyll

Sue Williams

Greg Philp, Edmund Wilson, Lucy Daniel, John & Linda Barnes

Sharon Hosgood

Kevin Richards, Adam Downing

Chris Leigh

Ken Carter, Bill Lawrence

Plymouth to Erme Erme to Dartmouth Kingswear to Starcross

Tino Savvas

David Hinchliffe, Haydn Mudford, Mike Homer

Exmouth to Abbotsbury

Aidan Winder

David & Margaret Brocklehurst, Carole Gibbs & Roger Dyer, Martin Smith, Peter Staddon, Helen Bruno, Jayne McGuire, Gary Holpin, David Witham

Abbotsbury to South Haven Point

Bryn Gittins

Tara Hansford, Martyn Buxton-Hoare & Sue Cooper, Jeremy Saul, Alastair & Julia Hoare, Robert Mott, Charley Scragg

End

Map not to scale, for illustrative purposes only.

Report a Problem

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.

Boscastle

Rock BODMIN MOOR

The Lizard

Mevagissey

Portloe

Falmouth

Penzance

Porthleven Land’s

Hayle

St Ives Newquay

Padstow Tr uro

Bude Lundy

Coast Path Connectors

These volunteers support our programme of community walks in our five hub areas. Their community engagement roles include: walk leaders, walk buddies, local area expert, and photography.

Richard Wilson, Nick Tinkler, Rachel Churchill, Jeanie Blackall, Abi Williams, Chris Wright, Graham Bollands, Hazel Millard, Tracey Upton, Martin Dowding Torbay

Katherine Flood, Anna-Laila Jost, Deb Bridges, Muriel Benjamin, Robin Causley, Anthony Dixon, Chris Price Plymouth

Helen Marshall, James Buckly, Caroline Hanlan

Louise Gage, Ian Banfield, Maureen Viney, Cherie Davies, Becky Dusky Corrine Farrell

Cornwall

Laura Benbow, Ellie Moseley

Steve Wright, Kate Passmore Tuesday Gale , Sue White, Paul Miller, Matt Tolson, Sarah Donogue, Lizzy Gibson, Ant Langham, Mike Hosking, Sharon Whale, Helen Kelynack, Julie Mayhew, Helen Dovey, Jane Leigh, Liz Tipper, Elena Sikes

Dorset

Jon Regler, Graham Marshallsay, Christine Stewart, Charley Scragg Bryn Gittins, Jenny Savage Amanda Foxell, Roger Rodemark, Gina Marshall

Megan Jackson, Barney Munn, Sally Robins

Communications Planning

Steve Church, Jane Beech, Terry Sweeney, Malcolm Elliot, Michael Kelly

Focus

on

Name: Bryn Gittins

Volunteer role: Area Path Rep (Abbotsbury to South Haven) and CPC Walk team Dorset hub

How long have you volunteered at the Association?

I have been a volunteer for around 10 years starting as a Path Rep and then moving on to the Area Rep role. I joined the CPC Dorset Hub volunteer team in 2023.

Tell us a little about yourself and your relationship with the Coast Path. I was born in Barnsley and completed my education at London University and spent my working life in the healthcare sector initially in marketing and later in Business/Country management. I am married to Susan and we lived and worked a large part of our working life overseas in Egypt, Singapore, USA and Japan. I enjoyed hiking in my spare time and loved being by the sea and this developed into coast path walking and retiring to Poole where our SWC Path begins (or ends).

What inspired you to volunteer at the South West Coast Path Association?

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering?

Being able to re-walk sections of the path while I complete my volunteer commitments; contributing to the development and prioritising of path projects; and generating path walking guides.

Why do you think people should volunteer?

Being a path rep gets you outside and lets you enjoy what is our national treasure. You have the satisfaction of helping to keep the path in good order for all to enjoy.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the SWCP?

How unique the path is in terms on management - much better maintained than many national trails and how well known it is world-wide.

Have you walked the entire 630 miles?

This has been enjoyable and let me utilise my skills in a different way.

Socialising with other path volunteers and walkers has been a bonus.

I learned about the SWCPA during the walk and thought on retirement that it would be nice to put something back by contributing to the path management while also enjoying my walking hobby.

How has volunteering at the Association impacted you?

Although initially considering joining the Association as a Trustee given my business background the Path Rep volunteer vacancy got me into the more practical arena (path working, networking with landowners/managers and meeting fellow walkers).

Completed over 5 years in 7-day sessions based out of local cottages and 3-day walks carrying my kit and staying in pubs starting from Newquay. Got to the Minehead section 2 years in but did end the walk at South Haven Point (Poole) in May 2016.

How many Annual Surveys have you completed?

10 starting with the South Dorset Ridgeway and now Portland where the first section of the KCIII England Coast Path arrived in 2012.

What is your favourite section of the South West Coast Path?

Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove for the beauty – Dorset’s rolling landscapes and the contrasts between sea and land. Bude to Boswell for ruggedness and the mileage/ascent challenges. The inland South Dorset Ridgeway for its uniqueness within our Coast Path..

Enhancing Accessibility on the South West Coast Path

Welcoming Sharon Thomas, who has joined the charity as a volunteer to advise on wheelchair-accessible routes on the South West Coast Path.

Sharon shares her passion for the path, and the work she is doing to support access initiatives to inspire more people to enjoy the SWCP.

The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s most stunning natural trails, winding along cliffs, beaches, and countryside for 630 miles. While it offers breathtaking views and invigorating walks, accessibility remains a challenge for many. As an electric wheelchair user myself, I have a small window frame where I feel well enough to go out and explore the countryside. So having knowledge of places to go and know that I will be safe is important to me.

Working on accessible pathways and being part of a community with shared passion is incredible, especially when connecting with groups like The Rolling Ramblers – wheelchair adventurers with off-road wheels who fill every excursion with laughter and camaraderie. It’s

also been a privilege collaborating with the National Trust to raise awareness and develop solutions for accessible countryside experiences.

For wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges, nature often presents barriers through uneven terrain and inadequate pathways. With research showing that nature access improves mental and physical wellbeing, we’re committed to creating pathways that open these beneficial experiences to all, ensuring no one is left behind in enjoying our natural world.

Some of the key initiatives include:

• Path Improvements: Smoothing uneven surfaces, widening paths, and installing ramps.

• Signage and Wayfinding: Ensuring clear markers are placed for accessible routes and highlighting potential challenges.

• Gates and Entry Points: Replacing stiles with wheelchair-friendly gates or none and ensuring rest stops are accessible.

• Community Engagement: Gathering feedback from wheelchair users and local disability groups.

Not every section of the coast path can be adapted easily due to natural geography and conservation concerns. However, small changes can have a significant impact. Even creating a few well-marked, wheelchair-accessible sections along the route opens up opportunities for more people to explore the coastline. Through teamwork and dedication, we are making steady progress. Seeing individuals and families enjoy newly accessible paths is incredibly rewarding. The journey towards full accessibility is ongoing, but each step forward is a step toward inclusivity.

Health and Wellbeing benefits of Coast Path Connectors walks

As we come to the end of our National Lottery Heritage Fund support of the Coast Path Connectors (CPC) Project, it is a good time to reflect on what we have achieved and look at how we build on these successes in the coming months as we move to other funding sources.

In this issue of Trailblazing, we’ll highlight the success of the CPC work in improving people’s health and mental wellbeing through our programme of sociable walking groups across our five hubs along the Coast Path.

To give us an objective perspective on how the project was working, we commissioned external consultants to speak to participants, volunteers and partner organisations, which revealed the following:

At the end of a walk:

• 95% of participants agreed that walking made them feel refreshed and revitalised

• 94% agreed that it made them feel calm and relaxed

• 96% enjoyed the company of other people

• 97% agreed that they enjoyed the walk.

Within the group, I can join in conversation and discussion or walk on my own, reflect, enjoy the experience of being outside in all kinds of weather and feel safe, as we all look out for each other. I’ve always enjoyed being outside learning and enjoying nature. There is always something of interest to discover about an area; history, geology, weather, birds, flora and fauna, the list is long, as is the coast path! Each person has their own experience and knowledge to convey. The walks can be gentle, level, good weather walks or more strenuous hilly, inclement walks but all with their individual experiences, and never the same.”

For regular participants:

• 93% agreed that their physical wellbeing has improved

• 99% agreed that their mental wellbeing has improved

• 88% of these people said that their confidence to walk on the coast path outside of this project has increased.

These benefits were also evident with our Coast Path Connector volunteers: 80% have improved wellbeing, 84% now have new friendships and 84% said that they’ve learnt new skills.

Why walking programmes work:

The evaluation also spoke to people to find out why is this so? The reasons given included:

• We provide a safe space with a well-planned walk

• Walks are varied and focus on nature and the local area

• People feel treasured and supported.

We are really pleased to be able to continue this work throughout 2025 and will be using what we have learnt from these last 2 years to guide us into the future. With additional funding from Macmillan Cancer Support, Clare Milne Trust, National Lottery Communities Fund and Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre, we will be using this time to embed community engagement within SWCPA’s core activities. More information: southwestcoastpath.org.uk/coast-path-connectors

Galmpton to Greenway

I really look forward to the coast path walks, Exercise in the open air helps with my anxiety and depression.’’

Walks for mental wellbeing

“It’s good to have the walk in my diary each month and look forward to the day out with good company. Walking the coast path is an escape from everyday life. The coast path is a stunning natural environment.

Meeting up with other like-minded people to share and enjoy it is really good fun. A day out on the coast path is good for the soul… whatever the weather!”

Supporting those dealing with personal loss

“A friend recommended the CPC walks to me when I told him about the very unexpected bereavement I had experienced; I was drifting in a black hole with no direction and no future worth enjoying without my soul mate and partner in life, and felt I would not be able to adjust to a completely different way of life.

Joining the coast path walks helps me deal with the future, both mentally and physically as it has re-introduced me to beautiful, dramatic locations to walk, in all kinds of weather and being in the outdoors environment, listening to nature keeps me healthy, I hope!

The walks give a purpose to my life now I’m ‘on my own’ as I like to join as many as I can, testing and measuring my physical ability and mental awareness, being eager to always learn about new things to enjoy. Taking time to contemplate the sounds, colours, textures, etc of nature and be inspired by the amazing world around us. Regular exercise in a wonderful landscape.’’

CPC walks as a means of health recovery

A CPC walk as part of recovery from cancer is ideal. Evidence has shown that a self care activity releases dopamine, socializing releases oxytocin, being out with nature in the sunlight releases serotonin and exercise releases endorphins. Also exercise is shown to reduce fatigue, stress and anxiety, improve mood, helps with a healthy heart, weight and bones and reduces cancer recurrence.

On a personal level a regular CPC walk allows me to set aside time for a self care activity and to socialize and forge connections. It allows me to be supported with my cancer recovery as well as give support in return. It gives the push needed to get out in the fresh air whatever the weather. There is always something to learn about the wildlife and local history. The simplest encounter with nature can be a real boost - and all that fresh sea air!’’

Supporting long term illness

“I have a terminal health condition which causes me to constantly dwell on its impact on me and my family. Being out on the Coast Path makes me focus more on the beauty around rather than the illness within. I was instructed to take as much exercise as I could tolerate and being on the Coast Path is the best way I could imagine to achieve this.

Firstly you can’t help but switch your focus to the walk, rather than your problems. You can’t beat fresh sea air and exercise to feel physically better. There’s always something more to see, just over the next hill and I’ve found it to be a meeting of like minded people. It is a safe escape for two hours from my normal and a chance to get things into perspective. It’s a gathering of friends. I have met new friends, laughed, talked, been stunned by the scenery and wildlife and felt renewed. They are events I put on the calendar and look forward to, whatever the weather. The walks enable a release of natural pain killers, which make living with cancer more bearable, and I wouldn’t want to be without them!”

Bolberry

Walking group near Hayle by Jane Leigh

Completers

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.

Clive & Janet Goddard, Winfrith Newburgh

Having lived in Derbyshire all our lives we moved to Dorset in our late 50s and began walking the Coast Path close to home. Over the next few years we completed the south coast, catching trains & buses, carrying our rucksacks and stopping at places enroute. In October 2022 we started at Minehead to walk the north coast, in 7 stages, finishing June 2024.

Gill Bunnell, Barnstaple

I’ve always walked –being outdoors letting my mind go blank whilst appreciating the scenery, is so therapeutic. I’d always wanted to walk the Path but work and family commitments meant I hadn’t had the chance. In September 2021 I finally got the opportunity!

Averaging 10 miles a day, our aim to walk leisurely, enjoying the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and swimming wherever possible. We’ve stayed at 44 different places ranging from a caravan in a garden, B&Bs and luxury hotels. We’ve met many friendly, interesting walkers and caught numerous buses, trains, taxis & ferries.

It’s difficult to name highlights as so many places have been spectacular, but North Cornwall’s steep, rugged climbs and sheer drops is at the top of our list, with many sightings of seals & choughs. We walked in all weathers, with several drenching’s, but as we reached Land’s End we felt an incredible sense of achievement, tinged with sadness that our walk of a lifetime had finished. Maybe we’ll start again, in the opposite direction!!!

Jeff Wolf, Axminster

I first walked the Path 34 years ago in two-week stages. Retiring to Devon recently fuelled the urge to do the whole thing again in one go! My wife Carole enjoys short walks but didn’t want to do full days. So we walked one week stretches and identified a base in each stretch. From there Carole would drive me to the start of each day and pick me up at the end. All I had to carry was a day pack while she explored the local area and beaches!

I set off from Minehead 3 May 2024 and finished 30 June. Initially I found it very hard work and struggled. However, after a week or so I started to feel fitter, and the constant ups and downs slowly became easier. I definitely wished I had trained more!

At first colouring the line on the edge of the SWCPA map was a little daunting – a 10-mile walk felt huge but was only a teeny, little mark on the map. But as time went on, I looked forward to filling in the gaps between the sections I’d coloured, with immense satisfaction as the gaps got fewer and fewer. I only got rained on twice. I never tired of looking at the rolling landscape and turquoise seas. The changing seasons were gorgeous – from bare hillsides in winter to yellow gorse, changing to shades of pink, white and purple in summer, rolling into autumnal rusts.

There’s no denying the walk is tough. I took a 7-month break for knee surgery, I’m suffering from Achilles tendinopathy and, in what was supposed to be my last few days of walking, I tore a muscle in my hip (walk abandoned and rescheduled), but it was worth every last mile.

The scenery is superb. The sea is a constant presence, but its moods are everchanging, and the coastal scenery is amazing - the clifftop flowers made it feel like a never-ending rock garden. My favourite section was approaching Lulworth Cove – walking high above the dazzling white cliffs and the azure sea along a winding path – stunning.

Martyn & Lesley Williams, Exeter

On 24 July we completed the Path, most of it over the last 7 years. We had always wanted to but sometimes a life event gives reason to focus on your goals.

Eight years ago aged 55yrs Lesley had a Stroke and had to learn how to walk again amongst other things. We had embarked on a couple of sections prior to that, and her rehabilitation specialists advised such walking as extremely beneficial to her ongoing rebuild. Motivated by the advice, we made the goal a reality and loved every section. We treasure the memories and value the benefits to mind body & soul, the wonder of the world that we have on our doorstep. The varied path’s breathtaking scenery, flora and fauna is enjoyable all seasons, although we didn’t do many, preferring Spring.

Our best advice is not to be in a rush to finish so pick your walks for clear visibility days, dry days, postpone if not. Allow time to stop, turn around to absorb the surroundings often which are 360’. We feel blessed and proud of the experience.

John Carter, Torquay

So why did I walk the South West Coast Path? It started with a ‘throwaway line’ after my partner finished walking it in 2009 along the lines of; ”I’ll do that when I retire”. First piece of advice to potential walkers, don’t leave it until your 7th decade before you start to walk it! (although James Lovelock, see later, left it until his 80’s)

So I set off on 5 July 2018 from South Haven Point and by 8 July I was already at Weymouth. Second piece of advice, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Eventually I finished on 30 July 2024. Know your limitations, I found 9.5 miles per day about right for me.

The best thing about the path is the other walkers you meet either on the path or in accommodation, you all have a common interest and stories to tell. How does it feel to have competed 630 miles? Brilliant, in the words of James Lovelock it feels like my life’s greatest achievement.

Time taken: 63 days. Total cost: £1,973.67p Was it worth it? Yup.

Jean & Steve Howard, Honiton

We started the path on 10 June 2021, as a way of exploring our new neighbourhood - the south west of England, having moved from Edinburgh. Living in Dunkeswell we were able to take the bus from outside our house and travel to Minehead from where we launched our first week on the path, backpacking via

B&Bs. What a great first week, a vivid memory of which was walking into Woolacombe after a stonkingly hot 13 miles, and seeing the great, welcoming beach. It had been a varied, highly textured adventure, during which we have learned much about our new home, and we are justifiably proud of ourselves.

Steve & Kathryn Tyson, Woking

We started in April, finishing in August. Except for the greyer hair, we could almost claim to have done it in one fell swoop! But it took 8 years, (COVID interrupted), using B&Bs, luggage transfer, then a cottage for a week while we navigated the toe of Cornwall. Some day trips closer to home; and our last little bit fortuitously bolted onto a family holiday.

Things we’ve learnt

• It’s NEVER better to walk across the beach.

• Buses don’t always arrive despite what the timetable says.

• Trying to eat salad in a gale is a fool’s game.

• Any debate about wearing waterproof trousers will result in the wrong choice.

• Downhill means, as certainly as night follows day, a later not-so-nice uphill.

• Fish and Chips taste better by the sea (we knew that already!)

Just because you’re walking the Coast Path, it doesn’t mean you’re going to be sea swimming, but a paddle at the end of a tiring day is a glorious thing!

Completers

Tom Homer, Totnes

I started the Path July 2021 and completed it in September 2024. My Dad had completed the path and told me how beautiful it was, so I decided to give it a go! I started in Padstow July 2021 and enjoyed the sense of adventure it provided and was keen to continue, to discover the coastal scenery and the camping lifestyle carrying everything in a rucksack.

The highlights of the path were the wildly different scenery, the kindness of strangers, and the feeling of being

Ben Langhorne, Hassocks

I moved to Exeter from Nottingham to start work as a Junior Doctor and during my 2 years there I made it my mission to run the SWCP in sections when I could between shifts. It was such a wonderful experience and I spent many happy hours out on the path in all weather. I’ve included some stats below from my adventure!

Longest single run: 66km (Torcross to Teignmouth)

Average run length: 26.2km

Total time: 148hrs

Total calories: 99,069kcal

Average pace (including stops!): 08:21min/km

Earliest start: 4:21am

Coldest temperature: -8c

Warmest temperature: 32c

I embraced storms, hail, snow, and sun!

Thank you to everyone who works to keep the magical path open!

outdoors. My advice for someone wanting to walk the path is to enjoy it and not rush it, you might need to book accommodation in advance, the path is a marathon and not a sprint, to be enjoyed and not rushed. Also start early in the morning and wear hiking shoes instead of boots as they are lighter.

It feels like a great achievement to complete all 630 miles of the path. It has been the walk of a lifetime, and I am very proud to earn my completion certificate and badge.

David Stedeford, Yetminster

I first walked Lyme Regis to West Bay in 1997, then started again from Lyme Regis in 2002 to Lulworth Cove. With family and work commitments, it took me 10 years to complete the Dorset path. Retiring in 2014 I decided to grasp this nettle and walked Lyme Regis into Devon, walking a week every year, finally finishing in Minehead July 2024 where I was unexpectedly welcomed by my family!

The walk took me 67 days, over 23 years and with the inevitable extra bits, I measured it at 665 miles. I found the walk extremely tough in places, but it was always exhilarating, the scenery stunning and I loved every bit. I used buses, trains plus my car and only used

a taxi twice (at Hartland). I walked alone apart from a few days with my sons, so it was always good to stop for a chat with other walkers. On my last leg last year, I raised funds for Mercy Ships.

I’m very happy with my achievement but feel bereft not having this challenge ahead of me. But I won’t be tackling the new England Coast path, at my rate of walking that’d take me about 100 years!!

Mick Obee, East Grinstead & John Cackett Tonbridge

Having walked for years and recently retired, we decided on a challenging walk, the SWCP didn’t let us down! We started May 2016 and realised very quickly what we’d taken on. The first week we backpacked which was hard going (after that we used baggage transfers!) North Devon and Cornwall were stunning with fabulous views and good weather. Plymouth to Dartmouth was a challenge with river crossings and boots off at the River Erme. From Dartmouth it was easier with public transport, but didn’t make the climbing any easier!

April 2024 walking from Swanage was a mix of elation for finishing and what we were going to do now after 8 years? We stayed with wonderful people, met friendly likeminded walkers, saw wonderful views, climbed some challenging hills and enjoyed the odd pint or two. We walked for a week or two each year (except covid) and in that time gained four grandchildren between us, 8 years in age making us both 74, a few more aches and pains but most of all an appreciation of the wonderful coastline and the interesting and friendly people. Thanks to the Association for all the help and support.

Sandra Blyton, Harrogate

After walking 3 other long-distance footpaths, my daughter Sian and I decided to take on the challenge of the SWCP. It was a long-term project starting in 2021, twice a year, a week each time. We started at Minehead, staying in some lovely but some not so good, B&Bs, pubs and hotels. Our luggage was moved by the ever-reliable Luggage Transfers.

We finally finished at South Haven in Sept 2024, totalling 47 days walking. The scenery was breath taking, a mixture of scenes, with the industrial landscapes of the tin mines and the distant sight of the clay spoils in Cornwall. The walk was hard, with all the ups and downs. I found the Lulworth Army Ranges particularly challenging with some severe ascents and descents.

When we arrived at South Haven we felt a great sense of achievement. I would like to thank my daughter Sian for all her support on the walk, as at 72 years of age I did find it challenging. The time spent with her and the people we met on the trail was wonderful and memorable. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who maintain the SWCP.

When we arrived at South Haven we felt a great sense of achievement. I would like to thank my daughter Sian for all her support on the walk, as at 72 years of age I did find it challenging. The time spent with her and the people we met on the trail was wonderful and memorable. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who maintain the SWCP.

Tyler Hersey, Rugby

Born and bred in Rugby you can’t really get much further from the Coast. Determined to one day move to the coast and volunteer for the RNLI, I decided to mix that with my passion for hiking and the outdoors. One year of planning later and I set off to walk the path in 31 consecutive days, August 1st 2024 to August 31st 2024.

I went into this challenge thinking about how tough it would be, it was only when I set off I began to also appreciate how

magnificent the path really is. I did next to none training for this walk, but I made it through. I met so many incredible people along the path. Everyone was so friendly and being by myself on the path felt so freeing.

Being 17 years old I wanted to show that despite current stereotypes for teenagers there are still good ones out there and I hope that I inspire others of similar age to take up a challenge like this.

Jackie Moss, Ruislip & Sue Bish, Wivelsfield Green

In September we started the final stretch of our seven-year adventure. As we walked along that loooong stretch of beach towards Poole we reflected on our experience. We started separately but “found” each other through the SWCP female walkers list, walking our first section together in 2018. We were of similar age, walking pace and appreciation of the wonderful scenery, fine wine and good food!

We walked in all weathers, climbed in torrential rain, hail, gale-force winds (particularly memorable was clinging to rocks in howling winds at Zennor) and beautiful sunny (sometimes too hot) days. We visited in Spring and Autumn, some years only making it once – Covid, deaths of parents, illness all playing a part. North Cornwall was my favourite for the sheer ruggedness

and challenge; Sue loved Plymouth to Torcross which included ferries, Burgh Island and a B&B owner who gave us a wee tot of rum at breakfast to celebrate his and the Queen’s birthday!

And now it’s over. We walked the last leg for our charity (Alzheimer’s) raising £1,600, celebrating with prosecco. It‘s been a truly memorable and wonderful journey.

Completers

Ginny Brown, Poole

I want to share my story to encourage others, like me, who haven’t quite finished the walk. Sometimes, less than perfect is valid. I was between jobs and needed a physical & mental boost, so started in 2014 and immediately fell in love with the Path, researching, finding accommodation, following acorn signs, the magnificent countryside & seascapes and finding out about towns & villages. Then coming home, sorting my pictures and writing my blog. My favourite stretch – there are so many! I loved the North Devon moors, the wildness of North Cornwall, I have a fondness for Portland, but my favourite is the wooded undercliff Seaton to Lyme Regis. I usually walked alone, struggling with logistics but completing circular walks, train, boat, taxi and bus walks. Walking with family & friends, and meeting new friends, was a bonus.

I’ve now finished, three quarters done. Driving to Cornwall and staying over was getting too much for many reasons. But I celebrated this perfectly imperfect at South Haven Point August 2024. I will have left the farthest reaches of Cornwall undone, but am happy, as I raised money for MIND. I would advise anyone to do this or parts of the walk.

Rob & Lisa Wells, Nottingham

In 2010, having completed a number of long-distance charity walks and looking for a new challenge, I stumbled across the SWCP website. Fourteen years and eight trips later, in September 2024 Lisa and I finally completed the best long-distance path around.

Highlights have been many, accommodation has been varied in price and standard, and there have been so many memories made. Remembering being left on our own in a B&B in 2012 to let the bread delivery in while the host went out for the day still makes us laugh! Some of the walks were tough, getting tougher as we got older, but at the end of the week we always had a sense of reward and a regret that we were going home. Walking on high cliffs overlooking the sea whatever the weather is so good for well-being and a fantastic salve to busy working lives.

Everyone has their purpose. Some to finish as quickly as possible and some, like us, to enjoy every moment and make lifetime memories. Reaching the finish at South Haven Point gave us such a sense of reward. What next? Maybe start all over again!

Glynis Davies, Mold

The catalyst for my SWCP adventure was finding the diary of my dad’s SWCP experiences while clearing his flat after his death in 2014; Dad completed the SWCP in 1998. Starting in Minehead June 2017, I planned to complete the SWCP over 53 days in five annual stages, but Covid-19 intervened so I finished in 2023. I choose October for the final section having particularly enjoyed the SWCP in the autumn, when its beauty is accentuated by wonderful autumn skies, colours and light.

Dad’s diary accompanied me on each walk and I wrote a blog entitled ‘Walking in my dad’s footsteps’ comparing our experiences. It was very special to remember his life while walking the path although of course I was not always walking exactly the same paths, with many sections having tumbled into the sea in the intervening 25-30 years and numerous improvements and changes to the route also made since then.

I have now acquired the long-distance walk bug and have since walked the Offa’s Dyke Path and plan to complete the Welsh Coastal Path in stages. However, I frequently find myself missing the SWCP and may yet walk it again.

Peter & Francine Mulherin, Canada

In 1988 we walked the Coast-to-Coast path in Northern England to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. This was such a wonderful experience that we decided to walk another long-distance walk, the SWCP. We were both still working then and unable to do the entire route in one go, so we agreed to walk a section and ended up doing it in six segments between 2015 – 2024, and always looked forward to returning for the next section.

The varied landscape, challenging terrain, solitude, beautiful villages and amazing hikers and hosts that we met along the way, all contributed to the overall experience. We did all the planning ourselves with the help of the SWCP website, which is excellent! Our advice would be to buy the best hiking boots available and make sure they are well broken in. Although it was an amazing feeling of accomplishment when we completed the last leg, it was also sad that it was over after all these years working at it.

This was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives and we would recommend it to anyone who enjoys walking.

Rosie & John Rostron, Exeter

We had our first taste of the South West Coast Path back in 2011 on a holiday to Cornwall, with a walk on the beautiful section between Treyarnon and Padstow. As luck would have it, we moved to Exeter in 2014 and have been hooked on the South West Coast Path ever since.

We were able to do many of the sections from Exeter in a day but without a car we took longer to do the sections further afield. We are really grateful for all the public transport links! For every section we have walked, we have accumulated a wonderful memory - whether it be a particularly delicious scone, stunning scenery or ‘memorable’ weather!

We completed in September 2024 with a fantastic three-day trip to Dorset. It won’t be the end though - we will never tire of walking the South West Coast Path!

Gregory & Katrina Sturdy

Steve Adams, Florida – US

In 2023 I invited a couple of fellow Brits onto my U.S podcast. Both had walked/ run the SWCP, and I was instantly intrigued. As a British exile in Florida, the chance to hike “back home” seemed impossible to pass up. I thru-hiked the 2200-mile Appalachian Trail twice in my sixties yet at 71, I knew my window for long hikes was closing.

The SWCP was everything I hoped for, with sufficient climbs to engage my heart, spectacular views to engage the spirit and descents that didn’t kill me!

One of the most precious aspects about hiking is the community and this seemed to be largely absent on the path, yet it wasn’t until the last 100 miles that I understood that community comes in different ways. The community of the SWCP comes from the way in which towns and villages provide their people with easy access to the trail, with well-graded paths and plenty of benches. Once you leave the village behind, you’re free to find your own community, which I did with friends and family visiting me. This is a trail I may revisit sometime and one I constantly think back to.

Amanda Lambert, Birmingham & Katie Pitt, Macclesfield

We started walking in April 2010 during Katie’s first year at university, and completed in May 2024 with her 18-month old son Robin in attendance. It took 73 days of walking during 15 separate holidays to the South West from our homes in Birmingham and Macclesfield.

We had so many highlights: some of the places we stayed along the way, the food we ate, the gorgeous views, but mostly it was the opportunity to spend mum and daughter time together laughing our heads off at silly jokes. I don’t have much of a head for heights and would never have managed it without Katie’s support on the scarier paths on the cliff edges. On one occasion a helpful man acted as a fence so I could cross a narrow bit with a steep drop!

The photo shows us with our home-made medals drawn by Robin. Thank you to the SWCP Association for all you do in maintaining this wonderful path.

It’s overcoming the truly challenging sections that make the memories greater!!

Tony & Anne Mansey, Letchworth Garden City

We started in Minehead July 2021 with a morning temperature of 27C and clear blue skies, it was a lovely way to start our adventure. We achieved the whole Path with 8 visits walking for about 8-9 days at a time and wonderfully assisted by luggage transfer who were excellent. In all it took us 64 days of walking and out of those we only had rain on about 5 or 6 days.

As other people who have completed the walk have said it was a great adventure and met some nice people along the way and stayed at some wonderful B&Bs

Alan Drage, Syston

I remember talking with my late parents, approximately 17 years ago, about walking the SWCP once I had retired. This idea finally came to fruition in the summers of 2022, 2023 & 2024, starting in Minehead & completing the 630 miles at South Haven Point, over 112 days of walking.

I encountered quite a number of path diversions, due to land slips. Some were quite short & easy to follow, others were

and pubs. There were some long and challenging days and we always looked forward to a shower/bath and dinner. We arrived at South Haven Point, along with the tail end effects of a hurricane with gale force winds helping us along the way on 20 October 2024.

The SWCP Guidebook helped our planning, all done by Anne, and helped us to plan our walks. Our next long walk is the West Highland Way next May and hopefully before the midges wake up!

really quite difficult. After completing one such diversion of 2½ miles, around Hounstout Cliff, I surprisingly came upon a lady in a small remote settlement of houses at the NNE end of West Hill, Dorset, who was serving tea & homemade cake, in her back garden – I couldn’t miss out on that!!

I never wanted to turn it into an endurance test, I wanted to make it memorable by stopping to take many photos, talk to people I met along the way, have ice cream, coffee, explore ancient industrial buildings like the tin mines in Cornwall, or guided tour of the Lizard lighthouse, or a National Coast Watch Lookout Station.

Annette Lehmann, Germany

This summer 2024, I was one of the lucky ones who walked the Trail in one go, having started in Minehead 12 June and arriving in Poole 3 August, which included 6 days of rest.

Every moment on the way was wonderful. It’s difficult to point on one highlight only – there are so many! Maybe it was the evening of the second day, the weather had been mixed the whole day. I put up my tent and there was the rainbow right above me. In that moment I knew everything will be fine: on the way and in my life. But there were so many more great moments.

Paul Gauntlett, Bodmin & Andrew Prior, Horley

“We” are a group of 12 walkers from Horley Baptist Church aged 40-70 ish. Even though several of us moved to different parts of the country, we stayed together to complete the Path. Initially, we cut our teeth walking the Surrey Hills and the South Coast, covering between 10-14 miles daily. The switchbacks of the Seven Sisters were great practice for the SWCP!

We started April 2016 and 14 short breaks later in October 2024 we finally completed our big adventure walking the whole Path, anticlockwise.

“Just keep the sea to your right” worked pretty well (except for path diversions!) What a great time we had and how we’ll miss our meetups!

Special congratulations to David who celebrated his 40th birthday the day before we finished at Studland. But even more notable is that David has been blind from birth but still completed every step of the path (with a little help from his parents). Is that a first? Thank you SWCP Association for your great work maintaining and promoting this wonderful trail. Our lives are so much richer for this experience.

I met so many amazing people, everyone was friendly and helpful, often chatty, interested and interesting. The path is incredible and indescribable, and I enjoyed some really good pubs. The Guidebook was very helpful for my preparation, as was the Facebook group. And the path is so well signed, even the latest diversions.

Thanks so much to everyone who made it possible. It was the best time of my life!

John Stanlake, Saltash. Third and last time?

Despite COVID delays, I completed the SWCP for the second time in September 2020 with my wife. Following her death in July 2022 I decided I would like to walk it again, to relive the fond memories.

I set off in September 2022 and completed it for the third time on the second anniversary of her death. The feeling at the end was neither one of satisfaction nor sadness, but disappointment as it was all over.

Fortunately, during the winter of 2024 I had walked the Tamara Way with friends. This gave me the idea of walking the Cornish coast path again in order to complete the circular route. I have set off from Morwenstow and hope to walk to Cremyll over the next year. Maybe, just maybe, I will keep going.

The SWCP is a dramatic open-air experience and meeting place for likeminded travellers of all ages. Arduous at times but so rewarding. One revelation is that by basing oneself slightly inland it is possible to complete the SWCP with one car and using public transport.

Mike Garrick, Sidmouth. Mikewalksintoretirement

After 30 years working in the same school, I knew that it would be a wrench to leave, and that September could be tricky as all the students and my excolleagues returned to school. I therefore decided to set off on the SWCP in late August, to ensure I was in a completely different mindset. I loved (almost) all the 43 days it took me to complete the path and enjoyed sharing stories with fellow walkers, most of whom were walking the other way (as I decided to walk from Poole to Minehead). I was constantly amazed by the continuous beauty of the coastline, it being so varied, and I loved the lack of time pressure and just time to think.

I was fortunate that friends and family supported me at different times and was so lucky that one of my son’s, Toby, walked the last week with me when I needed it most! The sense of achievement at the end was even better with him by my side. Apart from people, it was my walking poles that got me through. I couldn’t have completed without them!

Sally Tyler & Basil, Newton Abbot

James Lloyd, Tregony

We started our Coast Path adventure in 2013, walking anticlockwise from Padstow to Falmouth one week in June of that year. We were hooked and soon began planning when and how to walk the rest.

Living in Cornwall, we were able to complete some sections in day walks, but it needed the hospitality and kindness of friends and family to help us with the stretches further up country. Fuelled by peanut butter sandwiches (Martin) and flapjacks (James), and plenty of porridge, we completed a few sections each year towards Poole with gaps for injuries, lockdowns and other distractions, until finally in September

Celebrating my 60th Birthday I planned 60 nights under canvas with my dog Basil, walking the Path in one go, my biggest solo adventure ever.

I met the kindest, caring individuals who encouraged me on, describing me as crazy, brave and an inspiration to solo female walkers. Every day was a challenge, the terrain, changing weather, where was I going to sleep and would there be enough food & water. Water was our biggest challenge, each litre weighing a kilo. I actually succumbed to drinking out of a dog bowl due to dehydration, a lesson I will never forget! We fought through every storm and were blessed by the sun. I was ecstatic to reach Poole and be joined by many supporters. I raised £2,500 for Hope Cove Independent Lifeboats, thanks to the generosity of Family & Friends.

My darling Mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour as I hiked through storms from Hartland Quay to Bude, a moment I will never forget. Sadly, she never learnt of my achievement, she would have been so proud. Nobody knows what tomorrow holds. If you have a dream go for it, how crazy it may seem. You won’t regret it.

2024 we walked the final stretch clockwise into Minehead accompanied by family members.

Walking the SWCP truly is an incredible, challenging and hugely rewarding experience, which has forged so many shared memories. From walking in a heatwave (Teignmouth), horizontal rain (Harlyn) and gale force winds (Hartland) to meeting some inspiring people, we also enjoyed the amazing flora and fauna that lives along the path.

Thank you to all at the SWCPA who contribute to maintaining this valuable and important trail.

Mike & Ginny Eves, Stratford Upon Avon –Second Time Around

We first backpacked the whole path in one go during the heatwave of 2018; it changed us in many ways, a true partnership bonding us with a uniquely shared experience where we learnt to live in the moment, cherishing the freedom those weeks gave us.

From 2020 onwards we returned to walk some of our favourite stretches. It didn’t take us long to realise that our frequent return visits, taken in our new campervan, were clocking up the miles. Out came the big map once more! In no particular order we walked the whole path again, finishing our second lap at the Square and Compass Pub in Worth Matravers in November 2024, for a well-deserved pasty and pint. This was very appropriate, as we had failed to find the pub in our 2018 adventure!

We are still discovering the wonders of this incredible path and our second lap reinforced our magical 2018 memories. It always was and always will be about the journey.

At the Square and Compass for our celebratory Pasty and Pint

Karen & Keith Glover, Looe

Keith & I decided we needed a challenge after completing a few other long distance UK trails – our legs wanted more walking ! Having been very regular visitors to Cornwall for years, we decided to properly tackle the SWCP. We started on 27 September 2014 in Minehead.

Over the next 10 years we walked the path in chunks of holiday from work and finally finished at South Haven on 1 November 2024 at the grand old ages of 69 & 64 respectively, having worn out several pairs of walking boots/shoes.

We loved (almost) every single step and are now wondering what our next challenge will be – after we’ve finished re-walking the Cornish section with our retired Coastguard friend Anne and her dog Ted!

We found it hard to name a favourite section but as we walked South Devon & Dorset area, we were often in awe of the amazing views –though our hearts are definitely in Cornwall where we now live. We realise we are so lucky to be able to do this type of walking and plan to keep going until we can’t.

Christina Hartshorn & Peter Walshaw, Guildford

We drifted into the SWCP walk. A free half day in St Ives saw us walking to Zennor. A 2014 weekend birthday bash in Worth Matravers we walked a few miles east and west. Previously ‘pointy peak’ hikers – Munros, Fells, Tour de Mont Blanc, we now discovered that these walks were connected! We started to join the dots in Weymouth walking mostly clockwise, never spending more than 5 consecutive days on the Path, three - four times a year. Using public transport wherever possible, staying in a variety of accommodation we shared true camaraderie with fellow walkers from across the globe.

Memories from the Path include; fantastic crab sandwiches eaten at the Devil’s Frying Pan, Cadgwith, tropical Undercliff at Lyme Regis and awesome Morwenstow -Hartland Quay section. Every day the shimmering sea on our shoulders.

We concluded by taking in the highest point of the Path, Great Hangman. A microcosm of the entire journey: sunshine, showers, winds, ‘edgy’ cliffs, and of course, total exhilaration as we descended into Minehead, finishing 20 September 2024. Thinking of doing it? Pick a point, pick another point then put one foot in front of the other!

Ian Barnes, Weymouth

Having lived near to and walked many short sections with family, Martin a friend of 50 years and I decided to challenge ourselves in retirement and walk the whole Path. We started in Penzance May ‘21, heading east with the weather, (predominantly) behind us. Seven 4-day weekends got us sequentially to South Haven Point. Obliging wives and a 2-car shuffle enabled a number of nights at home or in B&B’s. In March ‘23 we resumed walking from Penzance, again sequentially, and five 4-day weekends saw us arrive in Minehead in Oct ‘24.

It is difficult to pick specific highlights, every day being different, - only 4 wet days but even they were memorable in their own way, as was meeting ‘Fergal the Mergle’ and his Didgeridoo, and the naturist hiker who amused us with his hurried, panicked, dressing as we approached. Lots of nature including seals, adders and choughs, but the main event was the scenery, often so quiet and not a sign of humanity. Fantastic.

Finishing in Minehead and being met by supportive wives was bittersweet, a relief that the hard work was done, but also a sense of loss of anticipation. Where next?

Congratulations to the following Completers!

Stewart Bradley Cheddar

Lesley & Mike Wilkin Ipplepen

Christopher Frost Bristol

John Barton Redhill

Monique Hawkins Esher

Paul Mackinnon Bracknell

Michael & Rhona

Southerton, Third time Reading

John & Eddie Rigby Much Wenlock

Martin Single London

Sue & Craig Hinchcliffe Wellington

Steve & Kathryn Down Newton Abbot

Joanne Duffen Torquay

Mo & Graham Andrew Ivybridge

Simon & Ursula Futcher Chichester

Annette Davidson Lingfield

Susan Robinson Lingfield

Loraine Buckles East Grinstead

Paul & Dawn Aberdeen St Austell

Peter & Janet Wright Maidstone

Dilip Patel Dukinfield

Shop

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.

All offers run until 30/06/2025. All orders include p&p.

Walking Guides

Member Offer – Buy 4 Guides or more and get 20% OFF

A great addition to use whilst out on the Path providing a plethora of useful information and directions as you walk. shop.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/ products/south-cornwall-walking-guides

Use discount code WALK24 at the checkout

Section Completion Certificates

£6.00

By completing just one section of the Coast Path, you are still a ‘Completer’ and can reward yourself with a Certificate to mark your achievement.

shop.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/collections/certificates

Map Poster

Member Offer – 20% OFF

A great incentive to map your progress and spur you on to the next adventure! 30 photos illustrating the beautiful landscape around the Path with mileage/km detailing distance walked. Measurements: 84cm x 59.5cm (A1) shop.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/ products/map-poster

Use discount code POSTER at the checkout

Passport Gift Pack

Member Offer – 20% OFF

Start collecting your stamps whilst out on the Path. Includes: South West Coast Path Passport, Wooden Roundel & branded Wood Pen.

shop.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/products/coast-pathpassport-gift-pack

Use discount code GIFTPASSPORT at the checkout

Remember, it costs as little as £29.95 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 01752 896237 for more information.

Every Mile Matters

It costs on average £1,500 per mile, per year to care for the Path.

Over 9 million people use the Trail every year. Less than 1% of people who use the Path give back to it regularly.

Tom Keys-Toyer completed the Path by running over 26 miles per day during November 2024. Tom raised over £52k for Boys in Mind charity and donated 10% of the total raised to the Association.

For more information go to southwestcoastpath. org.uk/fundraise

Trebarwith sands to Port Gavern by Abigail Callaghan