Walking Exe and Axe along the South West Coast Path

The East Devon District Council Countryside team and friends will be walking 22 miles along the South West Coast Path from Exe to Axe as part of South West Coast Path Challenge month.

The South West Coast Path covers 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The East Devon section of the coast path spans 26 miles from Exmouth to Lyme Regis and forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. This section of the path is managed by the National Trust and the East Devon Countryside team, on behalf of Devon County Council. On Sunday 30 September members of the Countryside team will be walking from Exmouth to Axmouth.

The 22 mile Exe to Axe route includes some steep climbs and challenging terrain. The team will be setting off at 9am from Exmouth and aim to finish by 6pm in Axmouth.

Some of the team will be walking the whole route, with supportive friends, family and volunteers joining the team to walk sections or to provide snacks and drink at planned rest points. The walkers are raising funds to support the South West Coast Path Association, the charity that works to protect and champion the National Trail.

Cllr Tom Wright, East Devon District Council's Environment Portfolio Holder, said:

Nine million people use the South West Coast Path every year. The path provides outstanding opportunities to experience nature, adventure and supports positive health and wellbeing. Parts of the East Devon section of the South West Coast Path are managed by the East Devon District Council Countryside team who work throughout the year to keep the path accessible.

It is fantastic that the Countryside team along with their friends and families will be using their weekend to walk a beautiful but challenging section of the path in support of the South West Coast Path Association who oversee the iconic 630 mile route.

Countryside team leader (Sites), James Chubb said:

Every year, work must be undertaken to maintain viewpoints, steps, gates and signage. East Devon sections of the South West Coast Path are some of the most iconic and include the Underhooken between Beer and Branscombe. By taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge and supporting the Association we will be helping to contribute towards the paths future so it can be enjoyed by people for years to come.

Genevieve Hinchliff, Fundraising Manager for the South West Coast Path Association, said: 

We are delighted to have the East Devon District Council Countryside Team joining us for the Challenge in this momentous year - when we are celebrating the Path's 40th birthday by raising £40,000 for its future. Since 2010, government funding of the trail has declined by around 30%, so support to bridge the gap in caring for the 630-miles, especially from the EDDC who understand how vulnerable the Path can be, is really important. 22 miles along the Coast Path in one day is no mean feat and we would like to wish the team the best luck for their fundraiser!

If you'd like to sponsor the Countryside team as they fundraise for the South West Coast Path Association visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ExetoAxe For more information on the Countryside team and the sites they manage visit wildeastdevon.co.uk. The Countryside team can be contacted by email: [email protected] or by calling 01395 517557.