This World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing powerful stories of lived experiences from our community that highlight the positive impact of connection, nature and shared experiences on mental wellbeing.
With the weather turning cooler and days becoming shorter, the Community Engagement team reflect on a busy summer. Despite some very hot days, the team have been leading walks and introducing more local communities to the beautiful South West Coast Path to groups that might not normally have the opportunity to get out, as well as those who draw benefit from the positive health and wellbeing impacts of walking the Path.
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.
On World Health Day, we explore how the South West Coast Path supports health and wellbeing. From research showing its potential benefits for the NHS to the inspiring story of a fatigue management walking group in Torbay, this blog highlights how gentle coastal walks can build community, resilience and hope.
2025 has been a great year for walking. Our fantastic Coast Path Connectors (CPC) team has been out in the heat of the summer, the wet of the autumn, and the cold of the winter, creating many opportunities for people to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of coastal walking.
This year, for World Mental Health Day, we reflect on the impact that our Coast Path Connectors programme is having on the groups we walk with and the people we have had join us. Our walks aim to encourage a step away from everyday life, and a step onto the Coast Path and a new environment, that can offer a sense of freedom and space for both mind and body, and boost mental health and wellbeing.
