News

Gara Rock, a new holiday complex of apartments, cottages, spa and restaurant near East Portlemouth, has funded improvements to a popular stretch of the South West Coast Path this summer, making access to Seacombe Sands safer for everyone to enjoy.

The National Trust proposed the project as part of the South West Coast Path teams ‘Unlocking our Coastal Heritage’ campaign.  The funding allowed improvements to be completed by local contractor Gary Pilbeam, which has greatly enhanced the paths safety.  This included cutting new steps into the rock, installation of handrails, replacement of existing damaged steps and installing revetments to hold the path in place.

The funding was generously donated jointly by the owners of the new Gara Rock complex and the sites restaurant. Commenting on the paths upgrade, the restaurant’s proprietor Ian Dent said: “The beach at Seacombe Sands is really popular throughout the year.  Enabling visitor’s safe and secure access is therefore the least we could do to enhance their enjoyment.” While Aminghurst Ltd Complex Director Simon Baldwin commented ‘as owner of Gara Rock we are very pleased to be involved in the improvements made to the beach access, not only for clients staying on-site at Gara Rock or visiting the restaurant, but for everyone using the Coast Path.  Gara Rock is a prominent part of the area and sponsoring a scheme for local improvements reflects the ethos of the company about being very much involved with the area."

The National Trust Ranger Marc Hoskins said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to improve this pathway. Many of our paths have suffered severe damage and erosion in the winter flooding.  We originally proposed this work as a project to the South West Coast Path Association who have been very supportive in securing funding as part of their 40^th Anniversary year.”  Marc continued: “We really appreciate the support of Gara Rock Complex and Restaurant in making this project possible, this is a stunning cove that is enjoyed by many people throughout the year, I am sure they will appreciate the improvements and enjoy easier access to the beach.”

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

John Slater a member of the South West Coast Path team responsible for coordinating the funding for the project, further added: “It’s really heartening the way in which some of the region’s tourism businesses are getting behind the Coast Path and improving the route on their patch. In this case our particular thanks go to Gara Rock for their support towards this project, which has enabled us to make real improvements to the path that their customers and all those that walk this stretch in future, will truly benefit from.”

Pictured above from left to right:

Rosemary Lethbridge (Gara Rock Restaurant Manager), Emma Reece (National Trust Community Ranger), John Slater (SWCP team), Bridget Jones (Gara Rock Complex On Site Manager)