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.
Nestled in the heart of Dorset, The Sunray in Osmington is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the South West Coast Path. With beautifully restored cottages, a welcoming pub and stunning coastal walks nearby, it offers a memorable seaside escape. As a Way Maker business, The Sunray also helps support and protect the trail.
Our members never cease to inspire us with their South West Coast Path stories. While many share their experiences through the popular Completers section of Trailblazing magazine, this month we received something a little different: a wonderful poem from Jackie Counter and Graham Green. Perfectly timed for National Poetry Day 2026, with its theme of Wonder, the poem beautifully captures the magic, commitment and endurance required for a journey along the 630-mile Coast Path.
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.
Guest writer Tom Lowe grew up on the South West Coast Path. Jam first by nature, cream first by nurture. When not walking, Tom works in education. You might bump into him around North Devon trying to figure out how to say “Buen Camino” in scone. Tom shares some reflections and lessons learned whilst walking on trails around the world.
Steve Church, Volunteer Path Rep and Planning Officer at the charity, describes the incredible work that was undertaken on the Path west of St Ives, to create a granite causeway in 2015. A great story of how partnership and passion combined to create a path improvement that is still appreciated by walkers a decade later!
