The National Trust owns over a quarter of the land that the Coast Path travels through. Some of the funds that the Association raises every year for improvement and access projects, is given to the Trust to help them carry out this work.
The South West Coast Path is on the front line when it comes to changing weather patterns, as you will know from walking the Trail in all seasons. Coastal erosion, increasingly severe weather events, and increasing footfall on the Path, all lead to more frequent works being needed to keep the Path open and robust. Particularly through the winter months, walking some of our favourite sections of Coast Path become more difficult.
A change to the route of the Path itself, maybe necessary, to retreat from cliff falls. Diversions are put in place after storm events happen unexpectedly, cutting off the way, until repairs can be funded and carried out. And ongoing works are needed to make the Trail more resilient to increasing rainfall and longer periods of warmer weather. For all of these reasons and more we’re working with the National Trust to make changes in this year and into 2020 that will not only improve year-round accessibility, but also help make the Path more resilient.
Work is already underway across a number of National Trust locations along the Path, mainly funded by a Rural Development Programme England (RDPE) grant which we helped them to secure earlier this year, through our teams working together and by the Association giving the Trust funding towards the projects.
There are multiple projects planned and in 
different stages of progress along the Trail in Devon and Cornwall. As a snapshot, these projects include improving drainage and surface improvements, installing bridges, installing easy access gates, making better links for circular walking opportunities and improving access to the Path from car parks and inland paths as well as replacing way markers and stepping stones. Places where these improvements will take place include many familiar parts of the Path…
In Somerset
Bossington – Porlock
In Devon
Ilfracombe – Woolacombe – Bucks Mills – Brownsham – Hartland – Revelstoke Drive (near Noss Mayo) – Bolberry – East Soar- Mansands – Salcombe Regis – Branscombe
In Cornwall
North of Bude – Delabole – Bedruthan Steps – Kenidjack – Penberth – Boscregan – Hendersick Looe – Lanteglos – Polperro – Whitsand Bay – Fowey
For a fuller list of the projects that are happening please read more HERE
There are many ways you can help to support our work with the National Trust. Supporting the South West Coast Path Association as a member enables us to put £10 from each membership each year, directly towards projects on the Path, some of which funds projects carried out by the Trust.
By renewing with us each year, especially by Direct Debit, this enables us to plan more consistently with our partners. If you’d like to become a member and pay by Direct Debit, please choose this option online.
Funding from membership helps us work with partners to lever in significant grants. For example, we have recently been able to allocate £100,000 towards improvements estimated to total £750,000.
Other ways you can support this work includes getting out on the Path and fundraising for it. People have been doing amazing things to help fund improvements on the Path through the South West Coast Path Challenge. Take a look at our Fundraising Guide for inspiration and advice on how to set up your own fundraising page. Every pound you raise will help the South West Coast Path Association and the National Trust to look after this amazing coastal landscape.
The Find Your Way appeal is also open to fund way markers like the wooden fingerposts needed this year.
The National Trust also have a number of historic buildings you can visit that will make a day’s walking even more memorable. Below are some of our favourite National Trust sites on or very near to the Coast Path that have historic buildings to explore.
Tintagel Post Office One of the Trust’s most delightful medieval buildings, enhanced by a cottage garden
Godolphin An ancient and atmospheric estate with a medieval garden and historic house
Trelissick A welcoming country house and garden set in an estate with stunning maritime views and lovely woodland walks
Antony 18th-Century house set within a magnificent landscape garden, still home to the Carew Pole family
Saltram A house full of treasures, stories & intrigue. A secret garden to lose yourself in, plus a park that cyclists, walkers, & our four legged friends love.
Overbeck’s A hidden paradise of subtropical gardens and historic house used as a war-time hospital
Coleton Fishacre A 1920s country retreat complete with luxuriant garden by the sea
Greenway House Greenway house and garden: ‘the loveliest place in the world’
Bradley Delightful medieval manor house, set in woodland and meadows
A la Ronde Quirky 18th-century, 16 sided house with fascinating interior decoration and collections
To find even more amazing places to visit, check out the National Trust’s South West website and for walks nearby, use the Walk Finder tool on our website at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
The South West Coast Path 