Latest News

Last month members of the Dawlish Walking for Health group called Walk This Way, completed a major challenge by walking 1,260 miles between them, the equivalent of twice the length of the South West Coast Path.  

It was part of the South West Coast Path Challenge, a charity event to raise funds for improving the route, which is led by the South West Coast Path Association in partnership with the National Trust.  

“The South West Coast Path is so fantastic for us in Dawlish”, explained Nigel Rhys, one of the walk leaders.  “Whether you want a short stroll along the sea front or a big circular hike into the hills, the path along the coast makes it all possible. Dawlish is a brilliant destination for walking because of it.” 

“We were very pleased to join in the South West Coast Path Challenge and give something back for the path maintenance.” 

The group completed the route from Dawlish to Teignmouth and in addition, 40 members of the group went on to walk parts of the Dorset coastline.  

Naomi Wright, Sustrans Dawlish project worker, who has been working with the Walking for Health group said: 

“The coast route from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth is varied and beautiful.  It takes you past the Exe estuary to the red rocks and cliffs, small coves and beaches, then over hills to the Teign estuary.   

Naomi also organises the Destination Dawlish walking festival, beginning on April 21st 2017 to showcase more of the areas stunning walking routes. 

Walk this Way group leaders, Nigel, Judith, Margaret, Megan and Anne, all lead walks twice a week around the town or up into the hills depending on the needs of the group. They all love walking by the sea. 

The group has more than 50 people who regularly turn up on a Monday or a Wednesday at 10.20 by the viaduct in front of Dawlish beach. 

Naomi added: 

“The Walk This Way group is made up of people of all different abilities who have become friends through walking. It’s brilliant how they managed to find coastal walks to suit, and have such a sociable time too.  1260 miles achieved between them is amazing… and they managed to raise funds while doing it too”. 

The group raised £130 during the walks, which they donated to the South West Coast Path Association to help fund Coast Path repairs.

Picture caption: The Walk This Way group on a walk from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth. 

More information about the South West Coast Path Association and how you can get involved and support the charity is available at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk  

Destination Dawlish – see http://www.lovedawlish.co.uk/ 

Destination Dawlish is a partnership project aiming to increase walking and cycling opportunities in and around Dawlish.  The Exe Estuary Trail is being improved and extended into Dawlish town centre.  The funds come from the Coastal Communities Fund.  Partners include Devon, Teignbridge and Dawlish Town Councils, Dawlish and Teignmouth CIC, Sustrans and community groups.