Latest News

Malcolm Whales Foundation Celebrates 18th Dorset Walk and Continued Support for the South West Coast Path

Published on: 17th August 2026

The Malcolm Whales Foundation (TMWF) has once again taken to the South West Coast Path, completing its 18th Dorset Walk in July 2026 and raising funds for the Foundation's charitable work, alongside supporting a range of good causes, including the South West Coast Path Association.

Transport Funding Opens Up North Devon's Coast to More People Through Guided Wellbeing Walks

Published on: 28th July 2026

We are really pleased to announce that we have secured funding from the North Devon National Landscape Community Fund to help more people experience the health and wellbeing benefits of North Devon's spectacular coastline.

From Coast to Capital: SWCP Photography Exhibition Opens at Paddington

Published on: 16th July 2026

The South West Coast Path Photography Exhibition has arrived at London’s Paddington Station, bringing breathtaking images of England’s original Coast Path and most-loved National Trail to the heart of the capital.

Walking the Path for the SWCPA and the National Coastwatch Institution

Published on: 30th June 2026

Kathy Parker tackled this personal challenge in sequence, making several visits each year since August 2022 and finishing on her 78th birthday 10 April 2026, in a total of 78 days.  Kathy walked the entire 630 miles of Path and decided to support the South West Coast Path Association and the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI). 

Coast Path Centre Opens in Plymouth

Published on: 20th May 2026

From L to R: Jackie Gillespie (Gillespie Yunnie Architects); Hilary Dinsdale (Chair, SWCPA); Julian Gray (Director, SWCPA); Sarah O'Brien (National Trust)

On 13 May, we were delighted to welcome stakeholders, partners, supporters, neighbours, and volunteers to the new Coast Path Centre at Royal William Yard in Plymouth.

Boardwalk at Royal William Yard Reopens

Published on: 1st April 2026

Renewed and reopened: Royal William Yard's Boardwalk returns to the South West Coast Path 

Images by H Hawke Creative

A striking stretch of the South West Coast Path at Plymouth’s Royal William Yard has reopened following the successful completion of a one-of-a-kind repair project. The boardwalk – also known as ‘Admiral’s Walkway’ – is a suspended pathway that runs from the main entrance to Royal William Yard and wraps around part of the perimeter of the historic Grade I listed site, and it has now reopened to the public. 

Photographer of the Year 2025 Revealed

Published on: 1st April 2026

An atmospheric image of mist rolling over the high cliffs at West Bay wins the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year 2025

Neil Barnes, a photographer from Dorset, has been selected as the 2025 South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year for his image, Falling Fog. Neil’s photograph, captured on a winter’s morning, shows the usually imposing cliffs at West Bay softened by a delicate veil of mist as it rolls across this iconic landscape. At second glance, a small rockfall is noticeable at the point where land meets sea on this dynamic coastline that is often witness to cliff falls and coastal erosion. 

South West Coast Path makes up a quarter of King Charles III England Coast Path as the world’s longest coastal trail is officially inaugurated

Published on: 19th March 2026

Image credit: Marsland Mouth, North Cornwall. Photo by Chris Bull

The South West Coast Path Association today welcomes the official inauguration of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP), becoming the longest managed coastal trail in the world at 2,689 miles. Stretching for over 630 miles, the South West Coast Path makes up around a quarter of the KCIIIECP and accounts for two-thirds of its total elevation, placing it firmly at the heart of this landmark national route.

Rising Costs to Protect and Maintain the South West Coast Path Reach Over £1 Million Annually

Published on: 17th February 2026

Image: Stonebarrow Landslip Credit: Dorset Council

The South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), the charity that cares for the Path, today highlights that the cost of protecting, maintaining and caring for England’s original Coast Path has risen from an average of £1,500 per mile to £1,700 per mile, taking the annual total cost to over £1 million for the 630-mile Path.

Arc of Attrition 2026

Published on: 5th February 2026

Assessing the impact of the UTMB Arc of Attrition 2026 event

We are calling upon our supporters who live in the region where the Arc was held (100 miles from Coverack to Porthtowan in West Cornwall) and participants of the Arc of Attrition to provide feedback on the event.