Podcast

630 Miles - An Audio Journey

630 Miles - An Audio Journey is a monthly podcast created as part of our 50th-anniversary celebrations!

Rachel Hadley-Leonard, a 2022 South West Coast Path completer and fundraiser is hosting 630 Miles.

Each month we interview the amazing people that help to make the South West Coast Path one of the world's greatest Trails. We meet the volunteers that help to protect this incredible natural resource, the artists that take inspiration from the coastal landscape, the organisations that work tirelessly to protect the heritage and wildlife along the coastline, the businesses who depend on the Path, plus we delve into some of the research that we have undertaken to highlight the health and wellbeing benefits of walking the Path.

Tune in and listen!

Listen to our inaugural episode of 630 Miles – An Audio Journey and find out more about the charity that has been championing Britain’s longest National Trail for 50 years!

Our host, Rachel, talks with Ken Carter, SWCPA Trustee; and Julian Gray, SWCPA Director; who provide an insight into the history of the South West Coast Path Association. They explore some of the main challenges and issues that the charity faces in its 50th year, plus take a look forward at what the next 50 years might hold for the National Trail and the charity. Aletha Mays, SWCPA Head of Comms discusses some of the exciting events and activities planned to celebrate the charity’s 50th trailblazing year!

Listen: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/0kGicVmyQzb

Our second episode focuses on the people at the heart of the charity – the volunteers. 

Rachel meets members of the SWCPA team, Lorna Sherriff and Alex Turner, who work closely with the volunteers, and also chats with SWCPA volunteers Helen Marshall and Steve Church, about why and how they volunteer and what it means to them.

We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of our volunteers who come from many different walks of life and bring with them a host of immeasurable skills, knowledge and enthusiasm plus a shared passion for the South West Coast Path and the outdoors. Whether it's being a path rep and helping with our annual path survey, or volunteering on our community walks to help support other people who want to experience the path, we simply couldn't do what we do without them. Listen and find out more.

Listen: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/XcAVyXWDbyb

This episode focuses on the nature and wildlife that you may encounter as you walk along the Path, how nature can adapt to changing landscapes caused by climate change, and highlights the beauty and ruggedness of the coastal environment that the South West Coast Path traverses. We speak with 3 guests: 

Sue Sayer MBE, Founder and Director of the Seal Research Trust
Tom Munro, Manager, Dorset AONB
Charlotte Wray, Ranger, Exmoor National Park

Listen: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/x6OTtX2Zmzb

Episode 4 explores how the environment on and around the Coast Path inspires artists and creatives. We had the absolute privilege of chatting with renowned contemporary artist Kurt Jackson; celebrated musician Peter Knight; and artist, writer, and fundraiser Emma Scattergood.

Each artist discussed their very personal relationship with the coastal landscape and how immersing oneself in its awe-inspiring beauty, provokes and inspires their artwork and music. 

Listen: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xTJhNLV3mzb

As a Mile Maker fundraiser, Rachel is keen to continue giving back to the Association in any way she can, and volunteering her time to host the podcast, is one small way. We are very grateful to Rachel for the time and thought she has committed to helping the charity produce this podcast to help celebrate our 50th anniversary. 

LEFT: Rachel with SWCPA area rep Tino braving the storms in Dawlish
RIGHT: Rachel on the Path during her through hike in 2022