As the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting wetter, our walking groups are still going strong. As well as this, we’re really pleased to announce that the project is now continuing into 2025. We’ll be spending some time this winter, evaluating work so far and developing what the project will look like in 2025 but are so pleased to be able to continue this work into 2025, encouraging new people to get out and make the most of our beautiful Coast Path.
Cornwall
Winter is one of the best times for walking, the days are shorter, the paths are quieter, but there is still so much to see. Here are a couple of regular Coast Path Connectors routes we run throughout the winter with different groups and make good use of public transport.
Penzance to Mousehole (3.5 miles): A flat and accessible walk, mostly on pavements but plenty of cafes and shops enroute if the weather turns. Buses back from Mousehole are every 20 minutes, and if you time it right you may get to see the wonderful Mousehole Christmas Lights.
Helston to Porthleven (a range of distances): Starting at the Boating Lake in Helston you pick up the National Trust Trails through Penrose. There are a range of routes, some wheelchair and buggy friendly, and the Stables Cafe about halfway. Continue around to Looe Bar, where you can pick up the coast path to Porthleven’s beautiful harbour with plenty of shops, pubs and cafes. Buses are about hourly back to Helston.
Watergate Bay to Newquay (4 miles): Regular buses link Watergate Bay and Newquay, and after a climb out of the bay, you walk along the cliff tops back to Newquay. Newquay has a range of fantastic beaches, with plenty of cafes and pubs to warm up in post walk.
Torbay
We’ve had a beautiful autumn in Torbay. Very little rain and lots of autumnal sunshine has provided the perfect conditions for walking and enjoying each other’s company along the path.
Our Live Longer Better groups have met every Tuesday afternoon for short and medium length walks in various locations from Dawlish to Brixham. The diverse coastline offers fascinating geology, heritage and wildlife to admire, providing a welcome break after climbing the hills!
The fatigue management group has meet regularly and has welcomed some new participants. Together, we have explored parts Dawlish Warren, Paignton, Torquay and Babbacombe. We have also continued to support The Lodge Cancer Support Centre with regular volunteer led walks, and also the Brixham Theatre volunteers who meet fortnightly to explore longer walking options.
A huge thank you goes out to all the local volunteers who have supported the walks in 2024!
North Devon
To celebrate the SWCPA Coast Path Connector Project in North Devon the volunteers decided to walk from Braunton to Westward Ho! and encourage other CPC walk groups, stakeholders and other individuals to join us for sections of the walk.
The initial group included Richard, Nick, Rachel and Ron and Natalie from Devonmind and set off from Vellator Quay at 8am, it was drizzly. We made it to Barnstaple Train Station at 10.30 and met the Ilfracombe Friendship and Social Group, Alex from SWCPA and Toni from Sunrise Diversity. The ‘train’ arrived at Instow and we were joined by walkers from Healing Steps, Walk This Way (Fern Centre) and Sunrise Diversity, then it really rained.
At Bideford Train Station Phil (Devonmind), Mandy, John and Amber the dog came aboard and we headed for Appledore. The group arrived at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Appledore at 5.30pm. It hadn’t rained for 30 minutes. We made to the Pier House in Westward Ho! for 8pm, an hour later than planned.
- 25 miles
- 12 hours
- 4 volunteers
- 38 participants
Plymouth
Our new fortnightly ‘short walk’ group has got off to a fantastic start, enjoying gentle strolls around the historic Plymouth seafront and beyond. We are fortunate in Plymouth to have great public transport options, including lots of regular ferries which allows us to easily visit locations such as Mount Batten and the surrounding coastal areas. We will be continuing these walks throughout the winter, with a short break over the holidays.
Our brilliant team of volunteer walk leaders have been busy this autumn, delivering regular walks for our community group partners, such as Improving Lives Plymouth and The Mustard Tree (Cancer Support Centre), as well as monthly ‘open walks’ for self-referrals. Over the year, our volunteers have planned and led over 20 walks, providing opportunities for people to connect with the fascinating heritage and beautiful natural landscape around Plymouth’s coastline. Their dedication has been a massive part of our success here in Plymouth and we are very grateful for their commitment to the project.
Dorset
Autumn has seen some mixed weather for our Dorset walks; we have had some days with glorious sunshine showing off the wonderful colours of the changing leaves, as well as a few heavy downpours! The wonderful thing about walking the Coast Path is that it gives a new experience in every season. Well done to all the groups who have braved the elements over the last couple of months!
We have had several new volunteers join us recently and begin their training to lead local walks. Along with the hard-working volunteers who have been with the project for a year or more, this will hopefully mean we can begin to offer some weekend walks in the Purbeck area. This is something we have been asked about and will hopefully make coastal walking more accessible to those who have weekday commitments. Many thanks to all the volunteers who give their time to the project!
Read our latest updates on the Coast Path Connectors project below:
Coast Path Connectors Early Autumn Update
Coast Path Connectors Summer Update
Coast Path Connectors Late 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 