Charity Celebrates 50 Years of Caring for the South West Coast Path

*Guest Blog Post - South West Coast Path Association

6 ways to join the Coast Path birthday celebrations in South Devon   

National Walking Month is a momentous one for the South West Coast Path Association, the charity, which this May celebrates half a century of caring for, protecting and sharing the amazing health and wellbeing benefits of the stunning 630 mile South West Coast Path.   

It all started in South Devon 50 years ago when original founders, Mary and Philip Carter, held the  inaugural meeting of the SWCPA charity in Newton Abbot village hall.  Their vision was to create a world- leading National Trail for the South West which could be enjoyed by all.    

Fifty years on, the South West Coast Path is the longest and most popular of England’s National Trails and used by 9 million visitors a year!  The charity’s  mission to protect and share the Path is now even more important than ever as extreme weather conditions threaten its structure and unique wildlife and people seek new ways to experience the proven health and wellbeing benefits of connecting to nature on this precious strip of Path between the sea and the land.

To celebrate, the charity is encouraging Coast Path lovers to join them on an epic 50^th Anniversary Trailblazer Relay Walk which starts at each end of the Trail (Minehead and South Haven Point in Dorset) and takes in the whole 630 miles.   

The walk takes in the South Devon section of the Coast Path starting in  Babbacombe on 6^th June and finishing in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard on  15^th June with birthday celebrations, including a procession of 500 flags.   

Here’s 6 ways to join the celebrations and help the charity to keep on protecting, caring for and sharing the Path now and for the future.    

1. Join the SWCPA 50^th Anniversary Trailblazer Walk  12^th May – 15^th June

Sign up for the SWCPA Trailblazer Walk on your favourite South Devon stretch - places are free but booking is essential on Eventbrite.  

2. Visit the SWCPA Photographic Exhibition, Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard 15^th June – 27^th July

See the winners of the South West Coast Path Photographic Competition in this inaugural exhibition

3. South West Coast Path Passport 50^th Anniversary edition  

Get your copy of the South West Coast Path 50^th Anniversary Passport  here

Check out Passport Stamping Points in South Devon here

4. Listen to the 50^th Anniversary 630 Miles – an Audio Journey podcast

Find out more about the SWCPA charity, the Path, its people, wildlife, heritage, artists, Way Maker businesses and artists.   

5. South West Coast Path AGM  and South West Coast Path Forum  16^th June, Plymouth

Find out more about the challenges the Path is facing for the future and how you can help. Free to attend , register on Eventbrite.    

6. Make a Donation or Fundraise for the Path

Help the charity to raise the £1,500 it takes to look after each mile every year

To keep up to date with the latest news and happenings out and about on the South West Coast Path follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

*Sponsered