Tuesday – Volunteer Coast Path Connectors Walk Leader, Cornwall
Tell us about your role. What encouraged you to volunteer for the SWCPA?
I participated on my first walk in Aug ’23, and around just six months later I was signed off as a walk leader on the coast path connectors project in Cornwall. Our Project Officer Jack encouraged me to volunteer with the association, it was something I did not ever think I would be able to do, but Jack truly believed in my ability and the trust I had built in him really helped me to take that leap of faith! It’s wonderful to give back to the project which continues to give me and others so much. Since becoming a walk leader myself and another volunteer have very recently put together and launched a walking group which is for women only, which helps to support the projects goal to increase accessibility of the path for their health and wellbeing. Women in particular have a few barriers such as safety in exploring the path and this group aims to empower women and build their confidence to access the coast path independently and to engage in the rich heritage and nature on these walks.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering with the SWCPA has really boosted my own confidence and I have found it very beneficial for my own wellbeing and sense of purpose. Nothing fills me with more joy than meeting others and exchanging stories about ourselves and the area we are walking, it has been wonderful to not just be more connected to nature but to others too. It is a gratifying experience when someone new joins us, it reminds me how I felt when I first participated and to see them end the walk full of happiness is very rewarding! I have felt very supported both during my training and within the role, nothing has ever been too much to ask for and I genuinely feel supported both by the organisation but also the team of volunteers I am a part of.
Any surprises with your role as Walk Leader?
Every walk is a learning experience, I am amazed by how quickly nature changes and just how many different species of flora and fauna are, from one month to the next the views and experiences are completely different. I have much to learn about the eco system we have along the path as well as all of the different species of animals that inhabit it too!
What’s your favourite stretch of the SWCP?
Picking just one favourite stretch is a challenge, I recently explored a circular from St Anthonys Head to Porth and it really surprised me how the path doesn’t just span the clifftops and beaches as you’d typically think but also goes up and around some marvellous creeks too, the SWCP is certainly one which is full of never ending surprises!
Maureen – Coast Path Connectors Volunteer, Plymouth
Tell us about your role. Where do you volunteer and who with?
My role is to remain at the rear of the walking group , if anyone is lagging behind I can assist by walking with them , also I can offer support / help to the leaders. I volunteered because I go on as many organised SWCP walks as possible, and enjoy the interaction with all who attend. I volunteer in Plymouth and part of Cornwall with Gemma, Helen, Sarah, Louise, Anna and James.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
There are so many benefits of volunteering with the SWCPA. While out walking I can help the Leaders who are very informative, it encourages me to be able to walk more frequently and safely with several other walkers.
Any surprises with your role?
Definitely lots of surprises, knowing the history and about wildlife along the coast path that I have lived very near to all my life, paths I have never used previously. I have met young and older people that I probably would not have met if I had not joined the SWCPA as a volunteer. The diversity of people I have met has been very enjoyable, interesting and all great company.
What’s your favourite stretch of the SWCP?
Noss Mayo, Stoke coastal, Bovisand, Heybrook Bay, Wembury, Plymouth Hoe and all surrounding areas.
Kate – Volunteer Coast Path Connectors Walk Leader, Cornwall
Tell us about your role. What encouraged you to volunteer for the SWCPA?
I am a Walk Leader based in Cornwall on the Coast Path Connector’s Project – a fantastic scheme that encourages people to explore, interact and walk the South West Coastpath. I was encouraged to volunteer for the SWCPA after seeing the goals of the project lined up with my own passions and skills. Also, walking the SWCP myself guiding nature and history walks at least 3 times a week I wanted to give back to an organisation that works tirelessly to provide a space where people can connect with nature and the outdoors.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
I have met some of the other wonderful path volunteers and led some walks where I’ve shared my passion for Cornwall’s nature and history. I was fortunate to have access to funding qualifying me as a Health and Nature Facilitator – further developing my passion to connect people with walking and nature connection.
Any surprises with your role as Walk Leader?
Not with the role per say – but the hard work and dedication that are put into organising these walks with, on occasion, little turn out despite huge interest has been surprising. But not unexpected as we are not a society that prioritises time out in nature or walking. That is why the coast path connector project is so crucial – to give people the best opportunity to get outside and experience the many benefits of walking – especially by the coast on the SWCP.
What’s your favourite stretch of the SWCP?
This is a really hard one because the character of Cornwall’s coastline is wildly different from one section to the next – it’s impossible to choose! Saying that, the granite landscape of Cornwall’s West hosts some breathtaking sections in all seasons – from the wildlife to the cliff top views. Its remoteness and raw natural beauty draws you in and the seascapes have inspired many visitors and locals over time.
Anna – Coast Path Connectors Volunteer, Torbay
Tell us about yourself. What’s your relationship with the Coast Path?
I am a 29-year-old professional. I came to reconsider and understand my relationship with nature while studying – at first from an academic perspective. I moved to the South West four years ago, a move that affected me tremendously and has allowed me to explore Devon and Cornwall’s coastline and its wildness. I love the sea and the outdoors. I know that walking the path throughout the seasons has affected me in many ways. It’s been a constant source of liberation, comfort, happiness, and wonder. I wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!
What inspired you to volunteer for the SWCPA?
I moved to Devon in 2019 and discovered the path while studying. Especially during the pandemic, it’s provided me with a place to be and escape. It holds an important place in my life and my overall wellbeing. I also wanted to gain more experience in community engagement alongside my current engagement role at an educational charity.
Describe a day’s volunteering.
A usual day of volunteering begins with travelling to the specific location. Generally, we meet at a café from where we meet our group (and sometimes a local Community Builder). From there, we set off on a 1,5-2hr walk around the area. The route is often circular, including stretches along the coast as well as community parks and sometimes a bit of woodland. As a volunteer, I will either walk in the middle of the group, engaging and chatting to people, or I will act as the group’s backmarker.
The walk will end at the original start point of the café where everyone will gather and share a hot drink together. It’s a great time to sit and chat about the path, upcoming walks, and other topics.
James – Coast Path Connectors Volunteer, Plymouth
Tell us about your role. What encouraged you to volunteer for the SWCPA?
I am a volunteer on the Coast path Connectors project, helping on planned group walks sometimes as the group walk leader and other times helping alongside another walk leader. Since I have moved to Plymouth in 2020, I really benefited from access to the SWCP, both physically and mentally, and therefore wanted to share this great feature of our coastline, as well as the benefits of walking it, with a wider range of people.
Where do you volunteer and who with?
I volunteer on the stretch of coast path around Plymouth ranging from Whitsand Bay through to just past Wembury and Noss Mayo. I have led and volunteered on walks all along this stretch with diverse groups including Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support, Devon Mind, Sensory Solutions and open (self sign up) groups.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
I get to continue to enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature of the coast path and at the same time help others become familiar with the path and gain confidence walking different routes. Volunteering with groups encourages me to stop and appreciate both the nature and history around me, but also allows me to meet many interesting people from the different groups and SWCPA.
Any surprises with your role?
The groups I have volunteered with have been much more varied than expected, which makes for a varied experience even walking the same stretch of path multiple times. I have also learnt plenty of surprising facts, particularly historical and cultural facts, about the coast round Plymouth from both other SWCP volunteers and people in the groups. Thankfully though, the walks themselves don’t involve too many surprises – as walk leaders we need to know the routes we walk really well!
What’s your favourite stretch of the SWCP?
I find it really hard to choose one favourite stretch, as there are so many beautiful and varied walks. However, I am particularly fond of local stretches, as I regularly walk them with people who visit me and the various groups linked to the Coast Path Connectors project. For expansive views of the coast, I think that the walk from Whitsand Bay to Rame Head and on to Cawsands is hard to beat! Plus it can all be accessed by public transport (bus and ferry) from Plymouth. For enjoying nature, particularly at this time of year, I think the mix of coastal woodland, cliffs and open meadows on the relatively short stretch from Mount Batten to Bovisand is really special.
Richard – Volunteer Coast Path Connectors Walk Leader, North Devon
Tell us about yourself. What’s your relationship with the Coast Path?
Having spent 9 years in North Devon whilst in the military 30 years ago, we have always harboured a dream of returning to live in the SW of England. 9 years ago, through my second career as a horticulturalist with the Royal Horticultural Society, we moved back for me to take up a post at Rosemoor. I have always lived a very active life and distance walking has been an important feature throughout, I have done several of the Scottish distance walks. The SW Coast Path has been top of my list to do for many years and in 2019 I finally started in Minehead. I reached the official halfway point at Porthallow in September 2023 and plan to continue my steady quest this year, hoping to complete another 8 to 10 sections. The path very quickly became (and continues to be) my special place where I can relax, chill and recharge my mind.
We are very lucky to live 5 minutes’ walk from the path and it is a feature of our daily lives, running, cycling, commuting and walking almost daily. I have always been an advocate of volunteering, spending time doing volunteer gardening for Britain in Bloom and surveying for Devon Wildlife Trust to name but a few. The opportunity to volunteer for the SWCPA was an obvious choice for me when it arose and the perfect opportunity for me to spend even more time on the path!
What inspired you to volunteer with the SWCPA?
The opportunity to walk the path, accompany and maybe help people with a variety of needs using the well-documented benefits to mind, body and soul that the outdoors can provide sounded like a very rewarding thing to do. I was not disappointed and thus far, I have met and walked with some amazing, interesting and very resilient people from all walks of life, it has also served to enrich my life and has given me a renewed appreciation of life in general.
Image: Richard (in orange) at Watermouth
Describe a day’s volunteering.
Preparation work prior to an organised walk will include completing a Risk Assessment. We will research a route on the path suitable for the group to be accompanied, noting terrain, car parking, toilets, points of interest, wildlife, local history, shortcuts if needed, etc. and most importantly, where we are to retire to after our walk for coffee and cake!
On the day, we (the appointed leaders) will arrive at an agreed meet-up point ready to greet the participants as they arrive. We will have a meet and greet, introducing everyone to each other and providing a brief introduction to the walk, ensuring that everyone is prepared and happy to participate. During the walk, stops for rest and to point out sights and discuss a myriad of topics are an important part of the day, we often act as sounding boards as well as walk leaders for the participants, being a good listener is often a key requirement. The social refreshments afterwards are, again a very popular way of having a chat and lifting the spirits of the group after what sometimes can be a bracing walk!
“Reading and observing the feedback from these walks is what we are all about, it is heartening and humbling to see the benefits in real time to the participants and makes it all the more worth the effort we put in.”
About the Coast Path Connectors Project
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Coast Path Connectors project aims to open up coastal walking to a range of new audiences. This project will help improve equity of access along the South West Coast Path by supporting local people in making the most of our amazing trail, for their health and well-being, through a network of new volunteers.
MORE INFORMATION
Email: Coast Path Connectors Project Manager, Alex Turner at alex@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Website: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/Get-involved/coast-path-connectors/
The South West Coast Path 