Category: Family walks

Step up to the South West Coast Path Challenge

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.
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.

Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge

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.”

Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630

Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

What will your challenge be?

Let us know in the comments below or better still, write a short blog post for us to share.

Get kids and adults back to nature with these top five tips

The recent snowfall has seen many of us reliving our childhood and heading for the hills with our sledges and excited children in tow. If you loved the outdoors as a child, chances are you want your children to enjoy it too but in our busy, time-constrained lives with modern day distractions from TV to computer games, it’s increasingly rare we actually get to enjoy the great outdoors.

When we do and kids get to wander wild and free, we all have fun don’t we? Help create some special memories with these top five tips for getting our kids and ourselves back to nature this winter.

Treasure TrailsTreasure
Explore the coast with a Treasure Trail – these are walks with a
difference, helping you experience the natural and built environment in a fun and unique way that kids love. Follow in the footsteps of pirates with a Treasure Trail from Porthcurno along the ancient smuggler’s route on the Coast Path.

BeachcombingNapoli
Go beachcombing along the shoreline – this is a great way to introduce kids to the marine environment and the flotsham and jetsam washed up with the tides. Branscombe in East Devon saw more than its fair share of gatherers 6 years ago to the day (almost) in the aftermath of the Napoli disaster. Today, you’re more likely to find starfish or jellyfish than a BMW motorbike. You can still see the ships’ anchor that commemorates the event and the communites’ sterling effort to minimise the damage.

Starfish JellyfishWinter Rockpooling
Winter is a great time to go rockpooling. Wembury beach on the South Devon coast provides the perfect natural playground and its Marine Centre runs a series of guided rockpool rambles throughout the year from April. Follow The Seashore Code from Devon Wildlife Trust for advice on rockpooling without a guide. The National Trust has a rockpool score sheet to record your findings.

amoniteFossil Hunting
Follow in the footsteps of Mary Anning along the Jurassic coast, one of the greatest fossil hunters in history. Lyme Regis and Charmouth are the best places for fossil finds and the Lyme Regis Museum hosts regular guided hunts throughout the year. The annual Fossil Festival takes place this year with Curious Coast from 3-5 May.

For more inspiration, check out the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾

What are your special memories of the great outdoors as a child? Any recommendations for locations on the coast that are particularly good for kids?

Please add your ideas in the comments below.