| 25th
birthday for South West Coast Path |
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| The
spectacular cliffs near Branscombe in East Devon |
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The
South West Coast Path is a favourite for walkers and sightseers -
and it's easy to see why.
With stunning views and lovely towns and villages en route, it's one
of the region's best attractions, and 2003 marks the 25th anniversary
of its completion. |
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The South
West Coast Path attracts
thousands and thousands of people every year...some of the very fittest
even walk the entire path - while others settle for a leisurely stroll
at their favourite spot.
At 630 miles, it's the longest national trail in Britain - and this
year, it's the 25th anniversary of its completion.
Starting at Minehead in Somerset on the region's north coast, and
ending at Poole in Dorset on the south coast, it takes in the entire
north and south coastlines of Devon and Cornwall.
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| The
view from the coast path near Hartland Quay in North Devon |
From
rugged, rocky scenery, to glorious beaches, the coast path has some
of the best views in Britain - and Europe.
The origins of the path are unique and historic.
Bits of the clifftops were used down the centuries by coastguards
and anti-smuggling authorities.
Increasingly, the stretches of path joined up - until, in 1978, the
entire path became one and the South West Coast Path was completed.
As well as the views, the path also boasts some fantastic flowers
and wildlife - May is a good time to see the coastal flowers at their
best. Seabirds are also highly visible, as well as other bird life.
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| The
coast path near Noss Mayo in South Devon |
The
geology of the coast is equally fascinating - from granite, to limestone
and chalk - the coastline's variety is amazing.
In East Devon and Dorset, there is the so-called Jurassic Coast, where
fossils can be found dating back to prehistoric times.
This stretch of the coastline has been awarded World Heritage status
by the United Nations' education and science body, UNESCO.
All in all then, it's no wonder the path is one of the South West's
biggest attractions for both visitors and locals alike.
But a word of warning for those who are contemplating walking the
entire coast path...you'll need to allow yourself 6-8 weeks!
Article
first published: 25th June 2003
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