News

A popular section of the South West Coast Path, between Lulworth and Kimmeridge in Dorset, has been improved thanks to funding from Sykes Cottages and the Great South West Walk.

The Great South West Walk, which took place earlier this year to celebrate the South West Coast Path Association’s 40^th anniversary, raised over £500,000 and identified 90 much needed improvement projects around the entire 630 mile South West Coast Path.

The event and the improvements it supports are all part of the South West Coast Path Team’s ‘Unlocking our Coastal Heritage’ project, which received funding from the Rural Development Project for England (RDPE) to conserve, enhance and interpret the Coast Path.

This section of the Coast Path runs through the Ministry of Defence’s Lulworth firing ranges and is accessible on weekends and school holidays.

The Dorset County Council Ranger service has led the work which includes replacing six stiles with gates, making the route easier to access.

Jenny Penney, Coastal Ranger for the Dorset County Council, is pleased with the result saying:

“As this is such a popular stretch of the South West Coast Path, it has been frequented by many – some who find climbing stiles difficult. For this reason, it is fantastic that we have been able to help make this section an easier and more accessible route.”

Clive Sykes, founder of Sykes Cottages, is delighted to be supporting the project:

“The South West Coast Path is such a great asset to Dorset – we are thrilled that we have had the chance to support the improvement of such an important part of the Path.”

Steve Church from the South West Coast Path Association commented:

“With 630 miles of coastal access with stunning landscapes, the South West Coast Path is an important aspect of the South West’s heritage and identity. This work has meant a part of this has been made more accessible to all and we are grateful to Sykes Cottages, Dorset County Council and the RDPE for their support.”

For further information on this section of the South West Coast Path, or any other improvement project being funded by the Great South West Walk and its partners, please visit www.GreatSouthWestWalk.co.uk