Walking along the South West Coast Path is a simple, powerful way to support mental health. Our group walks help people stay active, connect with others, and enjoy the calming benefits of nature. From coastal views to shared conversations, participants often feel less stressed, more relaxed, and uplifted. Supporting key actions identified by the Mental Health Foundation, these walks show how fresh air, movement, and community can make a lasting difference to wellbeing.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is asking people to take action to support good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel more hopeful and less powerless.
The MHF has identified eight long-term actions people can take to improve their mental health. These actions can form part of a long-term mental health strategy, helping people make sustainable, positive changes to their wellbeing.
Our walking programmes can help people achieve some of these goals.
Prioritise Your Health
Being physically active, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and getting enough sleep all play an important role in maintaining both mental and physical health.
Our walks help people get outdoors and stay physically active on the Coast Path. People in our groups often tell us that walking and talking together helps them achieve more than they expected.
This week, Torbay’s Live Long Better walkers visited Teignmouth. The group met at Teignmouth train station before walking along the seafront and across the bridge to Shaldon. As the Coast Path around the Ness headland is currently closed, the group explored the Smugglers Tunnel to Ness Cove beach, which involved a number of steps down to the beach and back up again.
Photos below from the Teignmouth walk.
One member of the group commented on how important these walks had been in supporting their recovery from illness and helping them regain their fitness. Some walkers were also visiting the area for the first time. And, of course, a good walk and fresh coastal air can also help improve sleep.
Connect with Others
Regularly spending time with friends, family and loved ones is an important part of preventative mental health care. Staying socially connected can help reduce loneliness, create opportunities to share positive experiences, and may lower the risk of serious health problems in the future.
Our walks are sociable. They are a chance to meet new people or catch up with friends. Walking side by side is a great way to chat, and there is always plenty of conversation.
I appreciate the walks as the fresh air is envigorating, the scenery calming, the sounds of birdsong awaken hidden senses and the company pleasant and warm.
This week, North Devon’s Wellbeing Walk explored the stunning scenery and views of Holdstone Down on Exmoor. These walks are open to everyone in the community and provide a great opportunity to enjoy company while exploring local places. The walks are short and accessible, and full information is given beforehand so that people know what to expect when they turn up.
Holdstone Down, Exmoor National ParkHoldstone Down, Exmoor National Park
I joined the walking group primarily to improve my physical health and discover new trails and destinations close to my doorstep. What I wasn’t expecting was the social connection with others or the laughter and uplifting atmosphere of being part of the group. It’s been good to talk and to listen to others – to share stories, experiences, some personal history and even some past challenges.
Be Present
Paying attention to the present moment, sometimes known as mindfulness, can boost wellbeing and help people see things from new perspectives.
Our walks provide opportunities to notice the surrounding landscape, learn about local heritage and nature, and appreciate seasonal changes, such as the recent bluebells now in bloom, as well as the power of the coastal wind!
Today’s walk had everything. Birds and even the call of a cuckoo. Stunning scenery and Lots of chat and laughter. All good for the soul.
Photo by John Barrett – Northern Wheatear, North Devon
This week, the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council (PREC) Women’s Group visited Mount Edgcumbe, where they explored the gardens together. One member commented that walking with the group, stopping to admire blossom, and talking about the plants and wildlife enhanced the experience and helped them appreciate their surroundings more than if they had walked alone.
PREC group at Mount EdgcumbePREC group at Mount EdgcumbePREC group at Mount Edgcumbe
Our walking programmes also provide support to groups which are supporting the public. In Cornwall this week, we walked with NHS staff at St. Agnes. Here is what they had to say:
Our team provide wellbeing support for NHS staff in Cornwall, and we are always trying to be proactive in the way we approach our support offer for staff. The partnership with South West Coast Path Association has been transformational, and brought with it new ways to engage with staff to support their health in work. In the 3 years we have delivered wellbeing walks for staff we have seen 100s of colleagues join our walks, new engagement from different colleagues that haven’t linked with us before and staff that have continually found benefit from the walks.
NHS Trust at Wheal Coates near St Agnes
As a NHS Trust that has high impacts from stress, anxiety and depression what we have found is that yes there are physical health benefits but also, and predominantly, what we have seen is that staff feel the walks support their mental wellbeing. They often report feeling relaxed, less stressed after joining a walk and found a space to connect with others on a human level outside of their operational pressures. It is really magical to see the positives of leading our colleagues on wellbeing walks, and we hope it to long continue!
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.
The South West Coast Path 