A 5-part series about the South West Coast Path is to be broadcast nationwide from next Friday 18th November, with a primetime slot on BBC2 at 8.30pm.
In this new series titled ‘Coastal Path’, explorer Paul Rose tells the story of the South West Coast Path, which at 630 miles, is England’s Longest National Trail and one of the world’s best loved walks. It’s also considered to be one of the biggest challenges yet for Paul Rose whose adventures have taken him all over the world.
As he makes his way from Minehead in the first episode, all the way to Poole harbour at the end of his journey, Paul will be learning all about the path’s history, industry, wildlife and traditions as well as meeting the people who live and work along the way including David Kennard, a National Trust tenant farmer in North Devon. He’ll also be trying out at least one adrenaline fuelled activity every episode, from hang gliding to coasteering and discovering that the South West Coast Path, which carves a route where land and sea collide – really is the walk of a lifetime.
Director of the South West Coast Path Association, Esther Pearson, says;
“The Coast Path is a great asset for the region’s tourism economy, bringing more than 8 million visitors each year who spend around £486m in local businesses. But what many people don’t realise is that while it’s free to access it’s not free to maintain and this is where the charity steps in.”
In episode 4, she highlights a series of projects on the south Devon coastline where the Association has repaired sections of the path that were severed by the winter storms. Thanks to its work in partnership with the local authorities and private landowners, many similar projects have been completed at various locations along the route.
The National Trust owns 185 miles of the South West Coast Path, almost a third of the entire trail. Paul meets some of the conservation charity’s rangers that help to maintain the stunning coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors to its coastal properties every year.
Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust says;
“With over 300 miles of coastline in the South West owned and cared for by the National Trust, the South West Coast Path is the golden thread that joins many of our coastal outdoors sites together. I’m delighted so many of our places, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to care for these places are featured in this fascinating series”
TV viewers in the South West region may have already caught a glimpse of ‘Coastal Path’ when it was shown during the popular Inside Out slot on BBC1 in September. Its progression from a regional to a national TV audience is testament to the popularity of the region’s coastline and the nation’s fascination with its stunning seascapes.
More information about the first episode is now live on the BBC online.
For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
For more information about the National Trust in the South West please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southwest
To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm