This would not have been possible without our dedicated team of volunteers, whose enthusiasm and support strengthen everything we do. Whether meeting communities, supporting partners, or helping more people discover the coastline, their contribution has been invaluable.
Our Community Engagement leads in each area have summarised what the year has meant to them, both personally and professionally, as they wrap the year up, and start to look ahead to what 2026 may bring! We are also thrilled to confirm that the Coast Path Connectors project, initially started with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has now been fully embedded into the charity’s core activities, and will continue into 2026. See below for how you can help support the charity in this valuable work.
Dorset
We have had a great year of walking in Dorset, with walks happening along the coast from Studland to Lyme Regis. The beautiful weather we enjoyed for much of the summer led to some wonderful wildlife highlights, including 14 species of butterfly in one day in Swanage, and dozens of orchids alongside a well-used footpath in Weymouth.
Participants have found the walks hugely valuable, with one new walker saying,
“It was brilliant. We visited bits of Portland I didn’t know, met some lovely people and managed to do my daily quota of steps. I really felt the benefit of walking. What a lovely way to meet new people and get some exercise.”
We have also partnered with the National Landscape’s Nature Buddies scheme, helping people to access natural spaces on our walks with a bit of extra support. We look forward to welcoming more participants on our walks through this partnership next year.
Community Engagement, Dorset
Contact: Catherine Mason at catherine@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Dorset hub
Header image: Weymouth Wellbeing Walk, White Horse Hill
Plymouth
Its’s been another busy year in Plymouth delivering walks for partner organisations including Devon Mind, The Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre, Hamoaze House, Improving Lives Plymouth and Plymouth Foyer. It’s wonderful to work alongside these organisations, offering wellbeing walks that complement the brilliant work they do in our community and building long-term relationships that benefit their service users. Our regular open events have also grown in popularity, and I am so grateful to our volunteers who have made these events possible throughout the year. Their welcoming approach is always highly appreciated, alongside their in-depth knowledge of the route and passion for our coast path.
“My fitness is improving from these walks. I have found a new group of lovely friends, and this has made a big difference to my wellbeing.”
Participant quote, volunteer led weekend walk, October 2025
Image: Volunteer led walk from Wembury to Mount Batten – group resting on Bovisand Fort Footbridge
Community Engagement, Plymouth
Contact: Gemma Dunn at gemma@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Plymouth hub
Cornwall
Across 2025 we have worked with so many brilliant groups, including Macmillan Cancer Support, homeless charities, suicide prevention groups, NHS staff, support centres and families. Alongside a long-list of people and partners, it has been difficult for me to pick out a highlight, so I’ve decided to do a personal one. This summer our family welcomed twins into the world, and whilst this has been incredible, doubling our children has also come with its own challenges. Walking the path with our amazing groups continues to be just as important as it is for me, as the participants themselves. The regular chats with others and the miles travelled. The check-ins with nature and exploring new places. It really has helped me personally in so many ways.
I am also forever grateful to our volunteers, who I am constantly learning from and increase our offerings by leading their own activities. They each bring their own expertise and interests, and without them the project wouldn’t be possible.
Here’s to an exciting 2026.
Community Engagement, Cornwall
Contact: Jack Greaves at jack@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Cornwall hub
Torbay
Throughout 2025 we have had so many fantastic walks, learning about plant species on Berry Head not found anywhere else in the world! Even those 2 or 3 we got drenched in!! Partnering with Life on the Edge, The Lodge, The Fatigue Management Clinic, Brixham Theatre Volunteers, Live Longer Better, The National Trust Coleton Fishacre has meant some amazing walks anywhere from Dartmouth to Starcross and we even ventured to Bovey Tracey Park Estate and Newton Abbot Parks.
It has been wonderful watching the friendships grow, social and support groups form amongst existing walkers; people joining who are new to the area and when they are ready, venturing off alone with renewed confidence.
These wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful team of volunteers Robin, Debs, Chris, Katherine, Muriel, Anthony, Anna-Laila, whom I would like to personally thank for their time, energy and support! Here’s to 2026 and more volunteers, more walks!
Community Engagement, Torbay
Contact: Tracy Pleece at tracy@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Torbay hub
North Devon
The Coast Path Connector walks have continued to grow through 2025 with new groups in Bude and a new partnership with Devon Carers. Healing Steps and the Ilfracombe Friendship and Social Group walks have been very well attended and feedback has been very positive. During the summer a partnership with the Barnstaple Alliance PCN promoted self directed walks from GP surgeries and CPC walk groups. The CPC celebration walk was well attended with over 40 participants from all North Devon walk groups.
The development of walking groups would not be possible without the support, time and commitment of CPC volunteers and I’d like to thank; Jeanie, Richard, Nick, Martin, Hazel, Tracey, Chris, Rich and Graham for all the effort they have put in this year.
Community Engagement, North Devon
Contact: Huw Davies at huw@southwestcoastpath.org.uk
CLICK HERE to find out more about the North Devon hub
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORK
Become a Volunteer
Volunteer walk leaders and walk buddies, act as points of contact and advocates for the Coast Path in their local communities, and show people the heritage and nature in their local area, with the goal of sparking an interest that builds confidence about returning and engaging with nature on future visits. We work with local community groups for identifying people who might benefit most.
Full training and support is given to all our volunteers and our volunteer walk leaders undertake a Community Walk Leader course accredited to the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
Donate
If you’d like to support our community engagement work please make a donation, any gift, big or small, is appreciated.
DONATE
The South West Coast Path 