| 25th birthday for South West Coast Path | |
|  | | The spectacular cliffs near Branscombe in East Devon |
| | 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. |
| | | 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.
 | | 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.
 | | 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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