The South West Coast Path Challenge in October 2015 is a new fundraising event, which aims to set a new record for the number of times people can walk or run the Coast Path in one month. Participants can create their own challenge or join one of four organised 10 mile challenge walks – every miles counts!
On Saturday 3rd October, the first 10 mile Challenge kicks off on the Exmoor coast – the official start of the South West Coast Path. Setting off from the start marker in Minehead, the route takes in the rugged moorland countryside and the highest coastline in England. Highlights include the stunning Exmoor scenery and a chance to spot rare plants and animals, including red deer. Hear the call of the stag during the mating season and see the evidence of coastal erosion, where the 6000 year old shingle ridge across Porlock Bay was breached, resulting in dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide to form Porlock Weir, where the walk ends.
Hayley Partridge, South West Coast Path Events Officer says;
“I am really looking forward to what is gearing up to be an exciting month-long event full of inspirational challenges that people have pledged to help protect the Coast Path. The Minehead to Porlock Weir stretch is a great way to kick start the challenge month, taking in the highest point on the Coast Path at Great Hangman.”
Money raised will go towards Path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just 1 mile of Coast Path and it needs help. The South West Coast Path Challenge is organised by the South West Coast Path Association, with the National Trust as a charity partner as part of its coastal celebrations in 2015.
Subsequent 10 mile Challenges take place on the 10th October along the south Cornwall coast, from Gunwalloe to Lizard Point; on the 17th October, a Barefoot run will take place in South Devon; on the 24th in Plymouth from Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre and on 31st October from Durlston Head to South Haven Point.
“I am really looking forward to what is gearing up to be an exciting month-long event full of inspirational challenges that people have pledged to help protect the Coast Path. The Minehead to Porlock Weir stretch is a great way to kick start the challenge month, taking in the highest point on the Coast Path at Great Hangman.”
Money raised will go towards Path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just 1 mile of Coast Path and it needs help. The South West Coast Path Challenge is organised by the South West Coast Path Association, with the National Trust as a charity partner as part of its coastal celebrations in 2015.
Subsequent 10 mile Challenges take place on the 10th October along the south Cornwall coast, from Gunwalloe to Lizard Point; on the 17th October, a Barefoot run will take place in South Devon; on the 24th in Plymouth from Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre and on 31st October from Durlston Head to South Haven Point.
All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. It costs £20 to register for the organised walks and £10 for an individual challenge. Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/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 Find out more via the event registration page.
For inspiration about how to create your own Challenge, visit the event registration page as above. It can be anything from 1 mile to 100 miles or the entire 630 mile route if you see fit. Here’s a couple of short walks on the Coast Path in Somerset:
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 Find out more via the event registration page.
For inspiration about how to create your own Challenge, visit the event registration page as above. It can be anything from 1 mile to 100 miles or the entire 630 mile route if you see fit. Here’s a couple of short walks on the Coast Path in Somerset:
- The Hangmen Hills, Exmoor (4.7 miles) A challenging but inspiring walk on the highest point on the Exmoor coast that amply rewards the effort involved, with far-reaching views over coast and hills, through an area rich in history.·
- Heddon's Mouth, Somerset (2.1 miles) A challenge for those with limited mobility – made easier with a Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter which can be hired from the National Trust at Heddon Valley and used to explore many of the paths in the area.
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
Autumn on North Hill Photo copyright Bob Small (All rights reserved)
