630 Miles - An Audio Journey

We are delighted to share our final podcast in our series that was created in 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South West Coast Path. In this episode our podcast host, Rachel Hadley-Leonard chats with Bob Mark, a trustee at the Association, and previous Chair, about the fascinating history and heritage that can be discovered along the Path, and some of the incredible events that have...

Celebrated author, Raynor Winn, joins Rachel to talk about the upcoming screen adaptation of her Sunday Times best-seller, The Salt Path , and the evocative and beautiful collaboration with The Gigpsanner Big Band that has created 'Saltlines', a project that combines prose and folk music with a focus on the coastline of the south west. About Raynor Winn Since travelling the South West Coas...

"discovering the south west coast path was like finding a gateway to another world" Critically acclaimed author, Katherine May, joins Rachel to chat about her journey along the South West Coast Path and the healing power of the path. Chatting through her transformative time on the Path, Katherine also talks about winter and suggests tools we can all use to help us through the darker mont...

In this episode Rachel chats with Lorna Sherriff, National Trails Officer, about the work she does improving, caring for and protecting the Path. Lorna discusses the importance of the Trails Partnership in ensuring the South West Coast Path meets the National Trail set of standards as well as introducing the Coast Path Connectors Project which is connecting new audiences to the health and wellbein...

In this #makingadifference episode we invite the inspiring Jo Earlam to talk with us about her love for the coast path, and her enduring passion for fundraising. Jo is a long-term member of the Association, champion fundraiser, hiker, trail runner, and SWCP completer, who has been raising money for charities close to her heart for 50 years! Jo finds solace and respite on the coast path whether she...

In this episode, Rachel talks to four 'SWCP completers' - people who have completed the 630 miles of Britain's first coast path and longest National Trail. Many completers can take years to complete the Trail, but our four guests have each undertaken the journey in a thru-hike (or run in one case!) ranging from 56 days, 45 days and a record-breaking 18 days, 14 hours, 46 minutes, and 4...

The South West Coast Path draws over 9 million visitors to the South West each year and is one of the region's most valuable environmental and economic assets, bringing £500 million into the local economy. Our Way Maker businesses and supporters understand the importance of walkers to their business, as well as understanding the need to help protect the path their business relies upon. This ep...

In this ‘live from the path’ episode Rachel returns to her podcast roots and chats with people as she takes part in the Trailblazer Walk over several days in Dorset and Cornwall. Over 20 interviews were captured as people joined us to walk, meet other path lovers, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Association. This latest instalment of 630 Miles is a great soundbite into the 35-day relay h...

This episode was recorded during Mental Health Awareness Week and delves into the increasing body of research, both quantitative and qualitative, that shows how people's mental and physical wellbeing is enhanced when spending time outside in nature, most specifically, when walking the South West Coast Path - a coastal wild belt providing a valuable space between land and sea. Rachel talks with...

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 discusses their very personal relationship with the coastal landscape and how immersing themselves in its awe-i...

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 Sue is an internationally r...

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...

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...