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Trailblazers get set to walk a 630 Mile epic relay
630-mile Trailblazer Walk celebrates the 50th anniversary of the South West Coast Path Association
Calling all trailblazers and lovers of the South West Coast Path – get involved in an epic relay walk along the 630 miles of Britain’s longest National Trail and help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the charity that protects and champions this incredible world trail.
Anyone and everyone can take part! The Trailblazer Walk, supported by headline sponsor Cotswold Outdoor, will start in Minehead on 12 May and South Haven Point on 27 May with a finish point at Royal William Yard, Plymouth on 15 June where the journey will be celebrated as well as the association’s golden milestone!
Some well-known faces will be taking part as trailblazers from all walks of life join in support of the association and help celebrate its anniversary. Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and be part of this amazing 55-day relay walk. Join a walk near your section of the path, or maybe this is the time to walk a section of the path you’ve always wanted to, but not had the opportunity – this is your time to do it!
Walkers will be encouraged to purchase a commemorative limited edition of the South West Coast Path Passport, sponsored by Luxury Coastal. Launched last year, the Coast Path Passport is a unique memento and supports the businesses along the route that help enhance the path experience.
The Trailblazer Walk provides a variety of options to suit all abilities and offers full-day walks or a choice of morning and afternoon walks. There are some challenging days such as Hartland Quay to Bude (21 May) which is 15 miles and graded as severe - an ideal walk for those that are partial to some serious hill climbing! If you prefer a long but steady walk, join the Portreath to St Ives (30 May) stretch clocking in at 17.5 miles. There are also plenty of gentler options such as Penzance to Marazion (3 June) which is a stunning and fully accessible walk along a 3-mile section with fantastic views of Mount’s Bay or join the penultimate day from Wembury to Mount Batten (14 June), where the path starts to wind its way through the ocean city of Plymouth.
There will be an afternoon of celebrating on the final day in Plymouth on June 15. Beach of Dreams flags will accompany walkers as they enter Royal William Yard to make a spectacular display of 500 flags symbolising the incredible 630-mile journey and 50 years of the association!
This is also the launch date of the inaugural South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year exhibition in Ocean Studios, sponsored by St Austell Brewery. Expect to see beautiful images of the coast path that explore personal connections, nature, urban and industrial heritage, and climate change; and images by the first Young Photographer of the Year.
The Trailblazer Walk is FREE to take part but there are limited spaces per walk and booking is essential.
Joining headline sponsor Cotswold Outdoor in support of the Trailblazer Walk are: Devonia Water, Ultra Challenge, Great Western Railway, and Hattiers Rum.
Grab your ticket on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/swcpa-50th-anniversary-trailblazer-walk-1670699
Trailblazer Walk Schedule can be viewed HERE
More details about the 50th anniversary at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/50/
Published on: March 13, 2023
