For anyone who has walked along the South West Coast Path, there’s something special about trailing down wooded paths to then climbing steep ascents to find breathtaking sea views.
These green and blue spaces can provide comfort and peace to anyone wishing to connect with nature more frequently. Not only that but there are many physical and mental health benefits to walking in these spaces.
Research shows that spending time in natural environments can make huge improvements to our wellbeing, including reductions in psychological stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. For most people, walking is the most accessible physical activity there is, it’s free, convenient and requires no special training or equipment.
The South West Coast Path especially can significantly increase our wellbeing with the mix of green and blue spaces along the 630 mile trail. It is a place to slow down, but it can also be somewhere to find relief from the struggles we may be facing.
The powerful healing benefits of walking
Raynor and Moth’s story in The Salt Path is proof that walking can be a step towards healing both the mind and the body. Having lost their home and livelihood, they packed two rucksacks and set out to walking the entire coast path from Minehead to South Haven Point.
In the book, Raynor writes about the night they stopped to camp on Portheras Cove. As they settled into the tent for the night, the sea came rushing in above the tideline. She describes the moment where she watched Moth running up the beach holding the tent, with all their belongings inside, above his head, amazed at how he moved with so much ease.
Having been diagnosed with CBD (corticobasal degeneration), a rare, progressive neurodegenerative condition, a few weeks before setting out on the coast path, Raynor and Moth didn’t know how far they would get, not knowing that the further they got, the stronger Moth would feel – something the doctors didn’t think possible. Raynor recounts the conversation she and Moth had, with Moth describing the change he was experiencing: “I feel as if I can put one foot in front of the other and trust where it’ll land. I’m not dropping things as often. But it’s my shoulder too – it’s not painful… It’s been years since it felt this good, and my head’s clearer; I can think straight.”
This shows how restorative walking can truly be. And the benefits go beyond how we feel individually. In fact, in a report commissioned to assess the health and wellbeing benefits of walking the SWCP, it was estimated that for working age people who regularly walk the path, there could be a saving of £1.6 million to £2.8 million per year on mental health.
Creating meaningful connections to the outdoors
Green social prescribing has become a key component to helping to reduce these costs, while helping to improve individuals’ mental and physical wellbeing, as well as reduce loneliness.
Through our Coast Path Connectors project, we have worked with a number of community organisations, social prescribers and other health professionals, to support people who might not normally have opportunities to explore the coast path, and those whose health would benefit most from social, gentle exercise in the outdoors.
Natural environments are places where we meet and interact with others and they provide opportunities for meaningful social contact, which again provides additional health and wellbeing benefits. Our CPC work has reached more than 4,000 participants with regular walkers saying they enjoy sharing time with other people, they feel more independent and helps beat loneliness.
The South West Coast Path is the perfect place to connect with nature, green and blue, and with other people more often. Whether you’re looking for something short, a gentle stroll or a long-distance walk, find a walk suited to your needs, anytime of the year. Experience the therapeutic benefits of walking the path and notice how your mind and body feel throughout.
Guest blog written by Megan Jackson, SWCPA Communications Volunteer
About Megan
Megan is based in mid-Devon and loves to go walking/hiking in her spare time. She is currently trying to complete the South West Coast Path, although not in any particular order so it’s taking her a little while to finish. Megan also loves baking and homemade treats are a must for long walks. She’s a keen runner and will potentially be undertaking her first marathon this year with her running group. And if she’s not spending her time outdoors, you’ll likely find her reading – anything from romance to fantasy novels!
The South West Coast Path 