UK's Longest Coastal Trail marks 25 years
Britain’s longest national walking trail, which follows some of England’s most rugged and spectacular coastline, will mark its 25th anniversary this year. The 630-mile South West Coast Path embraces steep, ‘hog’s back’ cliffs rising to 800 feet, fishing harbours, pretty villages and unspoilt countryside. The path stretches around the ‘arm’ of South West England, from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point near Poole in Dorset.It also follows the coasts of Cornwall and Devon: more than 1.5 million people walk the Cornish section alone each year. An epic end-to-end trek can take eight weeks to complete, though most people go for day hikes.
Among the highlights of the trail’s silver jubilee are:
A wide variety of events between April and October, including guided walks, talks and displays of works by local artists, writers, musicians and other performers who have been inspired by the path.
A ‘simultaneous guided walk’ along the whole route on April 19. The target is to have 1,000 people walking different sections at the same time and there is no charge.
A permanent artwork marking the anniversary – an ornate steel sail set in a compass, by sculptor David Mayne – will be unveiled at South Haven Point, one end of the route.
Walking holiday operator West Country Walks is extending its portfolio of trips to cover the spectacular 140-mile section through Somerset and North Devon, with a choice of accommodation and daily luggage transfer arranged. Tel. 01271 883131. Website: www.westcountrywalks.co.uk.
Many events are being co-ordinated by the South West Coast Path Association, a voluntary organisation with 3,500 members world-wide; others by the conservation charity The National Trust, which owns and protects 478 miles of the route. Local community groups are also joining in the celebrations. Website: www.swcp.org.uk
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