News

Enjoying the National Trail:

*However, please note* there are many businesses in the South West who have their own restrictions in place, for the safety of their staff and customers - so please respect the local practices in place when visiting the South West Coast Path and surrounding areas. We do ask that you still ‘tread carefully’.

Pub garden, Bowgie Inn, Hoxton Watersports Cafe, Housel Bay Hotel. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the South West Coast Path?

• Yes. The South West Coast Path is open and you can meet indoors or outdoors with no limits on the number of people in your group size.

• You do not have to stay 2m apart from people, but please be considerate that others using the Coast Path may still want to social distance to protect themselves and/or loved ones who may be more vulnerable. Please continue to carefully consider the risks to you and the people around you when enjoying the Trail.

Can I travel to visit the South West Coast Path?

• Yes. There is no restriction on the number of people you can holiday with.
• Car parks are open, but some may be closed or operating at lower capacity. If driving to access the Coast Path, please check car parking before you go. Do not park anywhere that could cause an obstruction for residents or for emergency services requiring access.

Are businesses and facilities open?

• Yes. Hospitality businesses such as pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes are open. However, many businesses in the South West continue to take a more considered approach to easing the restrictions they have in place, for the safety of their staff and customers. Please take note of individual business practices and adhere to any restrictions in place (this may include for example still wearing face masks, limiting the number of people in a group or still operating table service only).
• All holiday accommodation is open, including hotels, hostels, B&Bs and campsites. For your own safety and the safety of others, again please follow any Coronavirus measures businesses still have in place.
• Entertainment and visitor attractions such as cinemas, zoos and theme parks are open. Many have introduced online booking systems, so it is advised that you look at the attractions website prior to visiting to avoid disappointment.
• Public toilets are open, however you may find some have been closed, so please take this in consideration when planning your visit.

PHOTO: Sally Pickles, welcoming visitors to The Bowgie Inn, Crantock, Cornwall.

Can I come on holiday to the South West?

Yes. Domestic and international stays are permitted. If however, you are travelling to the Coast Path from abroad, please check the Government website for more guidance on entering England. 

How should I behave whilst enjoying the Coast Path?

When visiting the South West Coast Path it is more important than ever to respect other people and protect the natural environment. Please always follow the Countryside Code:

Respect Everyone

• Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
• Leave gates and property as you find them
• do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
• Be nice, say hello, share the space
• Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Protect the environment

• Take your little home - leave no trace of your visit
• Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
• Always keep dogs under control iand n sight
• Dog poo - bag it and bin it - any public waste bin will do
• Care for nature - do not cause damage or disturbance

Enjoy the Outdoors

• Check your route and local conditions
• Plan your adventure - know what to expect and what you can do
• Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Official Government guidance

How to reduce the risk of catching and passing on Covid-19

• Get vaccinated;

• Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meeting outside;
• Wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet, when rates of transmission are high;
• Try to stay at home if you are unwell;
• Take a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if you test positive;
• Wash your hands and following advice to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’.

Supporting business and the local economy - Introducing Way Makers

We are delighted that all businesses along the Coast Path are open and returning to ‘business as usual’. It makes us even happier that during this challenging period, we have connected the Coast Path to more than 350 businesses via our Way Maker programme. Way Maker businesses are now helping us to look after the Coast Path, whilst promoting their services to the 9 million walkers that visit the National Trail.

PHOTO: Way Maker George at Biffen's Kitchen in North Devon. 

As the charity that champions, protects and cares for the Coast Path, we have created the Way Makers program with the aim of supporting local businesses in their recovery from the pandemic. It has been designed to enable businesses such as cafes, campsites, B&Bs, hotels, pubs, restaurants, attractions and activity providers to promote their offering on Coast Path walks within a five-mile radius of their location. The cost-effective scheme, connects walkers to businesses that will help them plan a trip to the Coast Path, giving businesses and walkers an opportunity to support the Coast Path, which is facing increasing challenges due to coastal erosion, climate change and increased footfall. Please use our accommodation, food and drink and experience finder in the EXPLORE section of our website to find supporting businesses.

For local businesses wanting to find out more about joining the South West Coast Path Association as a Way Maker,  visit  https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/support-us/waymaker/

Stay connected to the Path

To keep up to date with the South West Coast Path please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also share your stories about being reunited outdoors with friends and family using the hashtag #southwestcoastpath

Update for Members of the SWCPA

All charity staff are combining working from home with office time. The majority of our activities and meetings are continuing to take place virtually or outside until further notice. We apologise for any disruptions to servicing memberships, donations, fundraising requests or responding to general enquiries during this time.