The South West Coast Path provides health-giving happiness to millions of people every year, it connects hundreds of coastal communities, helps the region’s economy thrive and is one of our most precious wildlife corridors. It is a vehicle for change, that if supported, could help us repair the growing disconnect between us and our environment. Yet less than 1% of people who use the Path give back to it regularly and its long-term future is under threat.

The damaging effects of climate change

Increasingly severe storms, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and increased footfall are just some of the challenges we’re facing when it comes to looking after the Path. And the costs of doing so continue to soar. Over the past five years, we’ve had to invest an extra £2 million to keep the Path in good condition, and yet the Path remains vulnerable. Climate change is already having visible effects on the world and if we don’t act now untold damage to our region’s coastline is a future we’re all walking towards.

Why Every Mile Matters

2024 has seen the wettest February on record in the UK and the impact to the Path has been devastating. We’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of cliff-falls and landslips that has meant Path closures and diversions and a yet to be estimated cost for repair and maintenance work to be undertaken.

Our climate is in crisis and the consequences of this can already be seen all along the South West Coast, driving up the costs of keeping our National Trail open. We’ve supported the Coast Path for over 50 years and the costs to maintain, improve and protect the Trail have now risen to £1,500 per mile each year. If we can’t continue to meet this level of investment, the Coast Path will cease to exist in the same way it does now – and the people who rely on access to it and businesses whose livelihoods depend on it will also be under threat.

Ready to make a difference?

Put your best foot forward and join our #CoastPathChallenge fundraising initiative. We want to inspire you to fundraise for the South West Coast Path and help make a difference and get involved! Be part of our community and give back to the Path you treasure. The Trail can’t survive on love alone.

Get started by creating your own fundraising page through our JustGiving platform. Share your page with family, friends, and colleagues. Every contribution – no matter how big or small – helps us to raise vital funds to protect the South West Coast Path for now and for future generations.

Are you in? Together, we’ll make sure #EveryMileMatters for path, people, and planet!