We’re all back into the swing of delivering walks again in all of our hub areas, after the summer pause. After making adaptations to miss the busy paths and carparks during the school holidays, we’re now looking at how best to adapt walks as the weather gets colder and wetter so that we can still get out enjoying the Coast Path, whatever the weather.
Over the summer we also made some great videos showcasing the amazing work of our CPC team and later this year we’ll be sharing them – watch this space for details later this year.
Plymouth
As we transition into Autumn, we’re focusing on encouraging walking during the darker and wetter months. Our volunteer-led walks have a dedicated group of participants who brave all weather conditions and typically walk 5 miles or more. However, this season can be challenging for those new to walking for health and wellbeing.
To support these individuals, we’ve launched a new ‘short walk’ group that will meet biweekly to explore the Coast Path and nearby areas. The walks will start from the Mayflower Steps and will last between 90-120 minutes, including the obligatory stop for a warming drink! We hope this initiative will attract new participants and those who find winter walking more challenging.
For more details on meeting times and locations, please contact Gemma at Gemma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk.
Cornwall
Walking for better Mental Health.
The 10th October is World Mental Health Day, so what better time to reflect on how walking with the Coast Path Connectors project improves my wellbeing.
Walking for me ticks so many boxes, it’s getting outside whilst carrying out a physical activity, its connecting with nature, whilst meeting new people and exploring new places. I have learnt from volunteers, partners and our participants about the history of Cornwall, alongside our amazing local flora and fauna. I have seen first-hand the benefits of walking the SWCP, not only in myself but in those who join our walks.
Our walks range in distance and difficulty, and we try our best to make sure there is a walk for everyone. Walking in a group helps remove at least some of the barriers to getting outdoors. It’s a regular check in with others, and something to look forward to.
I would encourage everyone to check out the walking groups in your local area, whether you join as a participant or a volunteer, you never know where it might take you!!!
Torbay
After a refreshing summer break, we’re thrilled to announce that the walking groups in Torbay are back in action! Participants from both The Lodge Cancer Support Centre and Brixham Theatre are now meeting every fortnight, guided by our incredible volunteer team. We’re also continuing our collaboration with Live Long Better and our Fatigue Management groups to offer short and medium-length walks throughout the Torbay area.
A personal recent highlight from recent weeks was a walk with the LLB wanderers from Brixham harbour to St Mary’s Bay in early September. As we left the town behind us, the sun came out and shone beautifully for the rest of the afternoon. We were rewarded for our efforts to climb up the hill to Berry Head with two gorgeous seals sighted swimming below the cliffs, and a wonderful array of butterflies and bird species around the path. It was a great afternoon, inspiring surroundings and great company.
North Devon
Despite the weather not being brilliant this summer walks have been well attended and, in some instance wet weather preceding a walk has been an advantage. This summer has seen two new groups in the Bude area (unpaid carers and mental health wellbeing) begin walks and hopefully these will grow into successful walk groups.
The Ilfracombe Friendship and Social Group participated in walk from Hillsford Bridge down through Watersmeet to Lynmouth. The weather prior to the walk was very wet and we considered postponing if the rain didn’t stop. However, on the day of the walk the sun shone and the walk went ahead. The East Lynn River was in full force, with spectacular waterfalls and rapids, very unusual for this time of the year. An added bonus was the river birds out feeding including many dippers and grey wagtails.
The North Devon Long Walkers group have now completed the route from Minehead to Bude with only Braunton to Westward Ho!, postponed from June, to do in October. This walk is now going to be the CPC Project North Devon Celebration Event, where other groups and individuals can join for all or part of the walk. The ‘train’ will be leaving Braunton at 8am on Wednesday 16th October and picking up (and dropping off) walkers at Barnstaple, Fremington Quay, Instow, Bideford, Appledore and terminating at Westward Ho! early evening.
Dorset
I have always loved the changes that autumn brings to the countryside as the days get shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky. Walking the Coast Path regularly is a wonderful way to take notice of these seasonal shifts. Familiar routes undergo a transformation as the leaves turn, hedgerows fill with berries, and the flowers give way to dried seedheads and fungi. Walking groups in Dorset have been enjoying these changes, particularly seeing the huge variety of fungi that are fruiting after the recent wet weather.
October sees two new groups starting up in Dorset, allowing even more people to get out walking this autumn. A group supporting cancer patients and their families in Lyme Regis and Axminster will begin a series of walks at the end of the month, allowing participants to walk the section of coast between West Bay and Lyme Regis over several sessions. There will also be a new regular Wellbeing Walk in Lyme Regis on the second Monday of each month, in addition to the current monthly Wellbeing Walks in Weymouth and Swanage.
This article is the tenth bi-monthly update on the Coast Path Connectors project. Read our recent updates below:
Coast Path Connectors Summer Update
Coast Path Connectors Late Spring Update
Coast Path Connectors Spring Update
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 