A blog about discovering the South West coast for nature lovers and adventure seekers. If you enjoy activities on the water, by the water and in the water, or celebrate it in words, pictures, art and literature, this blog is about you. For the people, by the people that love the South West coast #ILoveSWcoast
Wheal Owles, Botallack Photographer Colin Boucher (2014 Photo Competition entry)
Our walk of the month takes in the stunning tin mines of West Cornwall around Levant, Botallack and the crowns. It’s an easy 3-mile walk through a patchwork landscape of tiny fields bounded by ancient stone walls and dotted with iconic mine chimneys and engine houses. The Botallack Count House and the world-famous Levant Beam Engine have both been restored by the National Trust and are key monuments in the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Pictued above the Wheal Owles mine at Botallack, which was closed in 1893 after a disaster in which 20 miners died. It stands among several other engine houses to remind us of Cornwall’s prominent role in our industrial past.
For just £20, you’ll receive the ‘Complete Guide’ to walking it and a year’s worth of news, reviews and discounts from selected partners that support the Association’s work including a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor.
The countdown has begun with just one month to go before the South West Coast Path Challenge kicks off in October. The event, backed by TV adventurer Monty Halls, aims to set a new world record for the number of times the Coast Path can be covered in one month while raising funds to protect the coastline for future generations.
Hikers on the South West Coast path near Polzeath, Cornwall. Photographer Richard Taylor.
Monty said:
“As part of the South West Coast Path Challenge month, I’ll be walking the South Devon stretch from Plymouth to Dartmouth.”
“I am a huge fan of the South West Coast Path – some of my happiest memories have been running and walking it, and it snakes right past my house in Dartmouth. I feel it’s one of the most miraculous trails in Europe.”
Taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge month is a great way of spending time with the family in the great outdoors, keeping fit and healthy, while getting a sense of achievement at the same time.
Whether you want to tackle a short but demanding section, or take on the whole 630 miles, there’s a walk out there for all ages and levels of ability, and unlike the gym, you won’t have to pay a penny. Be warned, though – it is seriously addictive!
Create your own Challenge from 1 mile to 100 miles or take in the entire 630-mile route – every mile counts! For inspiration visit the website where you can find out what other people have pledged and choose from a tailor-made itinerary, or you can join one of four organised 10 mile Challenge events taking place throughout October including:
3rd October – Minehead to Porlock Weir, North Devon and Exmoor
10th October – Gunwalloe to Lizard Point, Cornwall
24th October – Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth
31st October – Durlston Country Park and Castle to South Haven Point, Dorset
All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk.
The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the Challenge event in partnership with the National Trust as part of its coastal celebrations and to help raise much needed funds to maintain the coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.
Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust says;
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Association on their flagship event as part of our coastal festival celebrations this year and look forward to seeing how many miles we can clock up in one month.”
I love SW coast 