This winter has continued to be very rainy and very muddy! But still, so many walks have kept going, with lots of people benefitting from their Coast Path walks. Our volunteers have also been developing their skills with new monthly online trainin…
This winter has continued to be very rainy and very muddy! But still, so many walks have kept going, with lots of people benefitting from their Coast Path walks. Our volunteers have also been developing their skills with new monthly online training sessions – in February, we looked at mental health issues and in March learnt about seal watching on the Path. We are now looking forward to the spring and have new groups starting. See below for updates from the hubs....
Torbay
Brixham Theatre Volunteers enjoying Elberry Cove
Happy wanderers on a very soggy walk past Thatcher's Rock
The challenges of navigating the damp months of February and March have meant that some walks have had a smaller number of walkers than hoped, and it has certainly been difficult to avoid the super muddy sections of path, but it has also meant some gloriously verdant walks, plenty of laughs and many happy smiles.
All seven of our groups now have a full schedule of walks planned until August and all but two are now back walking regularly. Spring has sprung, and we have a bounce in our step, not least about the idea of wonderful hedgerow plants returning.
In the past weeks, the newly opened up groups have seen a notable increase in walker numbers, and it's been a pleasure to see volunteers active again after their winter hiatuses. April and May look set to be exciting, as volunteers start to lead walks by themselves. Bring on the sun!
North Devon
Since the beginning of the CPC Project in North Devon there have been a number of inquiries from existing walkers about doing longer walks on the SWCP. The reasons given for not getting out there and doing it varied and included; not having anyone to do it with; limited public transport; lacking confidence and just needing a nudge to get me out there. After consultation with those interested it was agreed to walk from Minehead to Bude in nine one-day walks on the first Wednesday of each month. Several volunteers walk leaders were interested and this gave a good opportunity to practice, discuss and share skills learned in training. The first walk started in February and was attended by three volunteers, three walkers from other groups and a NHS support worker. Everyone really enjoyed the day and are looking forward to the next walk.
Dorset
The Loft group on Ballard Down
Now that some of the walking groups in Dorset have been going for several months, it is wonderful to begin to see the impact that regular walking is having on the individuals involved. Several people have commented on the improvement in their fitness, that they can walk further than they could on their first CPC walk, without feeling as tired. There have also been noticeable mental health benefits, with walkers mentioning how good it makes them feel to be out on the Coast Path. Mario, who regularly joins one of our groups in Swanage, said "I have always enjoyed hiking but after contracting Covid, I became very lethargic and disengaged with everything. Joining this walking group has reawakened my passion for walking, but it has also spilled over into my daily life. I feel energised, motivated and more productive."
Plymouth
The weather may have been less pleasant over the past couple of months, but that hasn't dampened our appetite to continue to get out walking (and talking) in Plymouth. Our regular groups with Improving Lives Plymouth, DCRS and the University of Plymouth are still meeting monthly, and our volunteer led walks have now expanded to include a mid-week offer.
We have also started working with three new organisations to provide a regular walking programme, Devon Mind, Catch 22 and The Mustard Tree, a cancer support centre based in Derriford Hospital. We are offering weekly walks every Monday to patients living with Cancer and a companion and have so far enjoyed gentle walks around the local coast path as far as Whitsand Bay.
Devon Mind walkers at Mt Edgecumbe
Finally, we have welcome two new volunteers to our team, Ian and Maureen, who have been a huge help with supporting our walking groups. A big thank you to all the volunteers for your continued support.
Cornwall
Over the winter we have been running walks in partnership with the National Trust at Botallack, West Penwith. Here we are joined by the team there who share the fantastic history of the local area. This is a special site, right on the coast path with a history full of mining heritage, innovation and tragedy.
Photographed: Jack, Cornwall CPC Project Officer at Botallack, photographed by Ralph Mayles
In March we took a team of Wheelchair users West for St Pirans day, where we rambled from Botallack to Geevor Tin Mine, stopping for a fantastic pasty from the Count House Cafe at Geevor. We were spoilt by sun, views and choughs, before making our way back.
Botallack are part of the Cornwall Mobility Scheme and have trampers / electric wheelchairs available to hire from their site. They can also advise on suitable routes on the day, depending on conditions and your ability. Well worth a trip down West!!
This article is the seventh bi-monthly update on the Coast Path Connectors project. Read the previous updates here:
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Coast Path Connectors project aims to open up coastal walking to a range of new audiences. This project will help improve equity of access along the South West Coast Path by supporting local people in making the most of our amazing trail, for their health and well-being, through a network of new volunteers.
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