writing – The South West Coast Path

Wonder on the South West Coast Path: A Poem from our Members

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.

Inspired by the Coast

Inspired by the Coast: Joe Webster

This month’s Inspired by the Coast feature spotlights Devon artist Joe Webster, known as Feral, whose work is shaped by the wild landscapes of the South West coast. Blending street art and landscape painting, Joe explores connection, resilience and nature’s power, reflecting on how the South West Coast Path continues to inspire his creative vision.

Inspired by the Coast

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: Sam Godfrey

Sam Godfrey is a multidisciplinary artist, writer and curator currently studying for a PhD in Art History and Visual Culture by Practice at the University of Exeter. They work with textiles, sound and digital mediums to make large-scale installations that encourage touch, interaction and rest. As part of a new project, a poem and soundscape created by Sam has been installed as a QR code at the Ronald Duncan Writing Hut, which is located on the Coast Path as it passes from Marsland Mouth to Welcombe Mouth.

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.