Trailblazers complete an epic 630-mile relay with a spectacular finale

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the South West Coast Path Association, the Trailblazer Walk covered 630 miles and took 35 days of continuous walking by hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and partners, to reach the finish line at Royal William Yard on 15th June.
Walking 630 miles of the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest National Trail, in a daily relay, was no easy feat, and completing the walk was an unexpectedly emotional moment. As the two walk teams who had started their trailblazing journey from Minehead on 12th May, and South Haven Point on 27th May, respectively, approached Royal William Yard, two tribes came together to the beat of drums led by Louise Parker and singing from Halfway Harmony in a display of unity and love for the South West Coast Path and the charity that has championed and protected this world-class trail for 50 years.
South West Coast Path National Trail was originally a means for the coastguard to track and pursue smugglers and continues to provide access to 630 miles of stunning coastal scenery from Minehead to Poole. As a designated National Trail, which represents the finest walking routes in Britain, it is the longest and most popular walk in the country and is considered among the World’s Great Hikes. With two World Heritage Sites, Five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one National Park, it’s a journey along one of the most diverse coastal landscapes in the world where no two days walking it are ever the same.
Walkers paraded into the green with 100 silk flags to complete an incredible display of 500 ‘Beach of Dreams’ silk pennants by internationally-renowned arts organisation Kinetika. The experience for everyone involved was one of overwhelming triumph and happiness at what had been achieved and celebrated. It was a truly fitting and spectacular finale to commemorate the golden milestone of the South West Coast Path Association.
Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, said: “The 1,000km Trailblazer Walk reinforces how much the South West Coast Path is a true partnership in action with Local Authorities, National Trust, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Exmoor National Park and many other stakeholders joining us and sharing their vision for the future of this world-class trail.
“We had so many people from all walks of life joining us over the 35 days, including local MP’s Anthony Magnall and Kevin Foster, in Torbay.”
MP Anthony Magnall said of his walk: “I joined The South West Coast Path Association in a walk from Brixham to Dartmouth to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Association. It was great to meet so many people who support the coast path, and I encourage all local residents to get out and explore our stunning coastline!”
MP Kevin Foster said: “Getting people out on this wonderful local asset, so close to Torbay is a great way to stay fit and active”.
Following the finale of the walk the inaugural South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year exhibition opened at Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard. On display from 15th June – 27th July, the photographs have been selected from the annual photography competition organised by the Association. 22 images are on display which showcase the diversity and beauty of the South West Coast Path as well as how climate change is impacting the path.
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity that works to ensure the Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity and adding a voice as a member helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places. For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk   
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