World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in it.
This year’s theme focuses on access to services and the importance of protecting mental health during times of crisis and catastrophe. Our Coast Path Connectors (CPC) walking programmes are designed to support people’s wellbeing where we provide space to talk, unwind, and appreciate the coastal environment.
We are delighted to share some reflections from our hub areas on the important role these activities play.
North Devon
For every walker participating in CPC walks there will be a different motivation but there are some common threads. Many participants are dealing with differing degrees of mental wellbeing that can be lifelong medical conditions, temporary short-term episodes or just not feeling great.
The walks can offer temporary solace by being away somewhere different, with other people and connecting with nature. When asked about the walks, many comment on the safety and security of an organised walk; the friendship; being in beautiful surroundings; and being with people who may be going through a similar experience. There is no pressure to do anything apart from walking, some prefer to talk and others their own space in the security of a group.
Dorset
While we know that walking and spending time in nature are good for our mental health, I think it can be easy to forget that the coastal element of our walks adds another dimension to this, with a cumulative benefit; the wide open vista and the blue of the water are particularly calming. As one walker said to me recently,
“There is something special about being by the sea. Watching the waves coming in and out is so meditative, it helps to quiet my mind and all the thoughts I normally have going round in my head.”
Our Dorset walks not only give people a chance to be out by the sea, but to share that experience with other people. The social aspect of the walks is one of the most important parts of this project contributing to mental wellbeing. Walkers enjoy the chance to chat in a low-pressure way as they are walking side by side as equals.
Plymouth
In Plymouth, we have been offering regular walks in association with Devon Mind since March 2024. Along with myself and our CPC volunteers, these walks are attended by Devon Mind staff who can provide an additional level of support for participants who may need it. It was on one occasion that we were reminded that looking after our mental health is very similar to looking after our physical health: we need to nourish it with things that are good for us and exercise it regularly. I believe walking on the coast path, being close to nature and making connections with other walkers provides the perfect opportunity for us to care for ourselves in this way.
What made the walk special for you today?
“Sharing time with other people. Talking to other people – beating loneliness.“
Cornwall
Walking for me is connection. It’s connection to nature, connection to each other and in Cornwall especially it is connection to our past.
As someone with a young family, I feel lucky that my work gets me out on the path. Life is full of those day-to-day stresses, what does the future hold for our children? If the car breaks down, can we afford to fix it? Walking is a moment away from it all. Time to learn about the amazing wildlife or history of our coast, or just as importantly learn about each other.
Here in Cornwall, we work with many groups, from families and wheelchair users to cancer survivors and our homeless community. Everyone has travelled their own journey, and the path is the perfect space to share. There is no such thing as an awkward silence, just time to breath and take it all in.
Torbay
The Fatigue Management Walking Group meets on alternate Tuesday mornings in the Torbay area. The walks are flexible and adapt to how the group members are feeling; whether they’ve had a good night’s sleep, are fighting off a bug, or are managing particular symptoms that day. Sometimes the walks are short, sometimes longer, but what really matters is the company of others and the chance to chat with people who understand their circumstances.
As one participant shared recently, there was a walk a few months ago where they only managed to walk a short distance due to how a fellow participant was feeling. But that didn’t matter — they were by the sea, together, catching up and laughing. These walks are not only about improving physical health but, just as importantly, about supporting mental wellbeing through connection and conversation.
Image: Fatigue Management Walking Group at Cockington
If you’re interested in joining our Coast Path Connectors walks head to our website where you can find details of upcoming walks.
Each hub has a page that lists the walks specific to each area.
https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/coast-path-connectors
Header image: Exmouth Beach, East Devon by Pete Hemington
The South West Coast Path 