News

The South West Coast Path Association has joined with South West self-catering specialist, Luxury Coastal, to produce a special anniversary edition of the South West Coast Path Passport, commemorating 50 years of the charity’s role in helping to create, protect and care for the UK’s longest National Trail. 

Available just in time for National Walking Month in May – the Coast Path Passport is going to be a great companion to everyone walking the South West Coast Path this year. 

Inspired by the world-famous ‘Camino de Santiago’ walking route, the Coast Path Passport was launched last year to give the millions of people who use the 630 mile trail each year a chance to create a lasting record of their journey by collecting ‘stamps’ along the way.  This year it will be used by hundreds of Coast Path lovers taking part in the 50^thAnniversary Trailblazer Walk starting in May in Somerset and Dorset and finishing in Plymouth on 15^th June. 

Each of the passport stamps reflects the unique nature of the seven different sections of the Path which span the four counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset.  The stamps have been created by local craftsman Marc Hoskin of Wild Work.  Over 100 local coastal businesses, including pubs, cafes, shops, museums, ferries, and visitor centres are acting as SWCPA Way Maker Stamping Points, with more being added this year to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary. 

The new edition of the Coast Path Passport includes a dark blue and gold cover, information about what to look out for along the way and is sponsored by award-winning lettings holiday company, Luxury Coastal, which offers places to stay all along the Coast Path in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.  

Sales of the Passport will help raise funds for the charity’s work in caring for the Coast Path which, as one of the region’s greatest environmental and tourism assets, is under increasing threat from extreme weather conditions.  It costs £1,500 each year to look after each mile which the charity does in partnership with the landowners along the way.  The charity also works to encourage people from all walks of life to sample the proven health and well-being benefits of walking the Path and connecting with nature. 

Phil Beattie, Managing Director of Luxury Coastal explains, “As an intrinsic part of our local communities, the South West Coast Path plays a huge role in both the physical and mental well-being of hundreds of thousands of people each year, so for us to be involved in the 50^th anniversary celebrations is something we value immensely. We’re proud to sponsor the limited edition passport and we can’t wait to head out onto the path to collect our stamps.”  

New unusual stamping points which have joined up recently to support the charity include Trev’s Taxis in Bude which is the first ‘mobile’ stamping point, the new eco-friendly water taxi ferrying walkers from Wembury to Noss Mayo in South Devon, and a unique riverside kayaking café, Koru Café, along the banks of the River Helford.

Hetty Wildblood of Koru Café comments, “The South West Coast Path is such an important part of our tourism and wildlife offering here so it feels good to be part of giving back to it and helping more people to discover and enjoy it. We’re really excited about being a passport stamping point and to meet people enjoying the Path in this 50^thanniversary year.”

The 50^th  Anniversary limited edition Coast Path Passport is £7.00 and can be purchased HERE.