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.

Monty said:

"My pledge as part of the South West Coast Path Challenge month is to sea kayak to Scabbacombe and run the 5 miles of Coast Path back 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.”

 Photo copyright Richard Taylor (All rights reserved)

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!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630

For more chances to win, get creative by posting a short video of your pledge on Youtube, Twitter or Facebook and nominate three of your friends to step up to the challenge. To see what other challenges people have pledged and find out more about how to enter the competition, visit the Challenge event registrationpage.

Click here to check out Monty's video pledge on Youtube 

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For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm