The South West Coast Path Challenge

Grab your walking boots and head to the coast this October to take part in the South West Coast Path Challenge. Winding its way through Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, there are 630 miles of superb coast path to explore, and the opportunity for adventure is boundless.

The South West Coast Path Association has set up the challenge in partnership with the National Trust. The aim is to set a new world record for the number of times the coast path can be covered in one month – and raise funds to protect our coastline for generations to come.

Every mile counts, and you don’t need to be super fit to join in. You can take part as a family, with a group of friends, or as a couple, and you can choose which stretch of the coastline you’d like to walk. It could be an opportunity to discover an area of Cornwall you’ve never been to before, or a chance to revisit a favourite stomping ground. How far you walk is up to you – whether you opt to walk one mile, one hundred miles, or anything in between!

October is a fantastic month for walking, particularly as the leaves start to change colour and the sunlight filters through the trees – take a look at these suggestions for wonderful autumn walks along the coast path in South East Cornwall. You can also use the interactive map on the South West Coast Path website to plan a route.

Fundraising to support the South West Coast Path
Every pound raised in sponsorship will make a difference. You can download sponsorship forms from the website, request a fundraising pack or set up an online fundraising page so family, friends and colleagues can sponsor your walk. And you’ll also find lots of fundraising ideas and suggestions online, along with posters you can print out to promote the event.

Everyone who takes part can enter a special competition to win a Go Pro Hero camera. All you need to do is pledge your support by posting a picture or short video on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630 (you can email your entry in if you’re not on social media). You’ll find full details about the competition here.

How to take part
Online registation is quick and easy – just go to www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge. It costs £10 per person to register your own Challenge, £20 for a family (up to 4 people) and £50 for a group (5 or more). Once you’ve registered, your pledge will be added to the online mileometer.

Happy walking!

Which is your favourite stretch of the South West Coast Path in Cornwall? Leave a comment below, post on our Facebook page or tweet @bosinver and share your walking stories. And if you decide to take up the South West Coast Path Challenge, do let us know!