SWCP – The South West Coast Path

Inspired by the Coast: Jo Payne

For North Devon artist Jo Payne, the coast is both inspiration and muse. Drawing on the ever-changing skies, shimmering seas and dramatic landscapes that surround her home, Jo creates expressive, elemental artworks that capture the beauty and atmosphere of the coastline. Working primarily in acrylics, often enhanced with gold, silver or copper leaf and handmade collage materials, her process blends intuition with craftsmanship. Daily walks along the South West Coast Path and the North Devon coast provide a constant source of inspiration, from sweeping horizons and changing light to hidden coves, harbours and rugged headlands. Rather than painting specific locations, Jo absorbs the colours, textures and emotions of the coast, allowing them to emerge naturally through her work.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast: Maggie Cochran

Discover the creative world of Cornish-based artist Maggie, whose stunning paintings are inspired by daily walks along the dramatic Cornish coastline. In this inspiring interview, Maggie shares how the changing light, shifting tides, wild coastal landscapes and powerful emotions she experiences by the sea shape her distinctive work in oil and cold wax.

SWCP Journeys

On the Edge: Walking the South West Coast Path with Limited Sight

A selection of images entered into the 2025 SWCP Photographer of the Year Competition introduced us to one of our valuable members, Lena Welch, and her epic challenge to walk the South West Coast Path in stages. Friends and walk supporters captured some special moments on the Jurassic Coast section with one photograph being awarded a third place in the People and Path category of the competition. We are delighted to share Lena’s journey so far.

Environment Explore Wildlife

Summer Solstice, puffins and fairies

We have reached our longest day of light. A liminal time making way for extended possibilities to explore our natural world, and to reflect upon the abundance of wildlife along the South West Coast Path.

Volunteers

In Focus: SWCP Volunteers

The charity is fortunate to have over 100 dedicated volunteers. This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) we are shining a light on our amazing volunteers, and finding out a little more about their roles, and what they love about volunteering at the South West Coast Path Association.

Environment Explore

Jurassic Coast Celebrates 25 years as a World Heritage Site with a 250 million year history

The Jurassic Coast celebrates 25 years as a World Heritage Site this year. Sam Scriven, Principal Officer – World Heritage, at Dorset Council, writes about how special this stretch of coastline is, and the millions of years of history that is continuously revealed in this precious dynamic coastal environment.