May is National Walking Month and to celebrate, the South West Coast Path Association is calling path lovers to sign up and step out on their Magnificent 7 walks. The charity, which has been caring for the South West Coast Path, for over 50 years is urging people to step up and join them on one of their Every Mile Matters coastal fundraising walks through May and June, as they seek to raise £50K to help protect the world’s leading National Trail, which is under increasing threat from severe weather conditions.  

The Magnificent 7 walks are taking place across each of the seven sections of the 630 mile Coast Path and have been designed to make it easy for everyone to join in and get a taste of the powerful health and well-being benefits of taking to the Trail, whilst giving back and supporting the work the charity does to protect and champion the path. It now costs £1,500 to look after every mile of the Path each year, but increasingly severe weather conditions, coastal erosion, rising sea levels and increased footfall mean its structure and unique wildlife are under threat. With over 30,000 steps, 4,500 signs, 1,100 gates and 630 miles of path surface, there is a lot to keep maintained every year.

With backing from St Austell Brewery as the headline sponsor and GWR as the sustainable transport partner, together with local companies supporting each section, walks range from 3-6 miles and are all accessible by public transport. Most routes include shorter options for families and those with limited mobility. Walkers will be joined by members of the SWCPA team and there will be a chance to stop off at any Coast Path Passport stamping points along the way.

Aletha Mays, from the South West Coast Path, said: “This is a great way for families, friends, work colleagues and walkers of all abilities to join us to show their love for the Coast Path or even discover it for the first time, whilst helping to protect and care for this amazing national treasure. More serious walkers might like to use the walks to kick-start their own Every Mile Matters fundraising over the rest of the year, maybe taking on all seven or their own Coast Path Challenge!

“Many people use the Path on a regular basis but don’t realise the enormous amount of expense and work by the SWCPA, its partners and volunteers that it takes to keep the Path accessible all year round. Signing up for a walk means we can all come together to ensure the Path continues to offer a respite from the pressures of daily life, a unique haven for wildlife and important resource for visitors to the region.”

You can find out more and sign up the Magnificent 7 fundraising walks at southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Across the Devon sections of the Path, there are several options including:

Barnstaple to Instow | North Devon | 2nd June | 6 miles – easy
Supported by John Fowler Holidays

This walk follows the former railway track alongside the Taw estuary and crosses Barnstaple’s historic Long Bridge. This section makes for easy level walking following the Taka Trail, a 180 mile walking and cycling route in the unspoiled Devon countryside. Situated within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve, this walk will be an excellent opportunity for spotting bird life. This walk is fully accessible.

Paignton to Brixham | South Devon | 23rd June | 5.7 miles – moderate
Supported by Luxury Coastal

An exploration of a living, but tranquil area of countryside and coastline that divides the residential outskirts of Paignton and Brixham. We’ll be following the South West Coast Path from Paignton’s hidden harbour, through the park built by miners, past the setting of one of Agatha Christie’s most famous books to the active fishing port of Brixham, once Torbay’s largest town.

Exmoor | North Devon and Exmoor | 9th June | 5 miles – moderate

Starting at County Gate carpark and finishing at Countisbury this walk takes you through Exmoor and parts of Somerset.

Additional information:

  • £20 adult / £10 child
  • 100% of ticket sales go back to looking after the Path
  • Make a difference simply by signing up and enjoying a great walk with the South West Coast Path team
  • What better way to celebrate National Walking Month and the Path you love!
  • Book your place here.