Durdle Door, Dorset. Stock image.
Published: January 15, 2024 | Updated: 15th January 2024
The South West Coast Path – the UK’s longest and most popular national trail which runs from Minehead to Poole Harbour – has a new partner for its coast path passport.
The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has become an official stamping point partner.
The South West Coast Path Association created the coast path passport 18 months ago.
Its aim was to help the nine million visitors who use the path each year to create a lasting memory of their journey.
It is also designed to encourage walkers to stop off at local coastal businesses and communities along the way.
The trail is estimated to bring £520 million into the economies of Somerset, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset each year.
Stamps representing the unique nature of each section of the path can now be collected from over 135 stamping points.
The 24 National Coastwatch stations along the South West Coast Path are the latest additions.
Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, said: “We’re really excited to be working in partnership with the National Coastwatch Institution.
“The stations are ideally positioned along the path and hark back to the original use of the coast path by the coastguard and customs and excise to look out for smugglers.”
Sarah Gunn, Business Engagement at the charity added: “The fact that the majority of the NCI stations are open 365 days a year is an added bonus.
“We’re sure that walkers will enjoy finding out more about the NCI’s work from its volunteers, as well being able to pick up their passport stamp and some more information about the work we do as a charity to care for, champion and connect people and local communities to the amazing health and wellbeing benefits of the iconic South West Coast Path.”
Stephen Hand, Chair of the National Coastwatch Institution said: “We’re delighted to partner with the South West Coast Path Association as we share the same broad aims of wanting people to share our love of the coast, enjoy themselves and take home happy memories.
“For us that means staying safe and all our stations along the trail are now looking forward to giving a warm welcome to even more walkers, whether they are stopping for a passport stamp, a brief rest, or to check information about the local conditions.”
To get the best of Dorset Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!
