Rachel Smith

I am delighted to have joined the SWCPA team as a co-opted Trustee. I am honoured to be part of helping to promote and protect the path. I grew up in north Devon, lived overseas and currently reside in Kent. I’ve completed most sections of the path. One day I’ll walk the SWCP in 52 days!

My professional training is in geography and adult education. I’m an Associate Director in the global consultancy Jacobs, based in London. I’ve spent the last 25 years working as an urban/transport planner in the public and private sectors in the UK, Australia and New Zealand specialising in the planning, design, and delivery of major walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure projects and supporting behaviour change. I have expertise across programme and contract management, governance, strategic direction, assurance, and risk mitigation.

I co-founded Lazy Sunday Cycle in Brisbane which enabled normal people in normal clothes on normal bikes to cycle. Since returning to the UK, I’ve walked the Kent and Isle of Wight coast paths.

I am passionate about the mental health and wellbeing benefits of coastal walking, the availability of affordable accommodation options for through-hikers, access to the path for all ages and physical abilities, and access to coastal areas by sustainable transport.