The 10-mile challenges

These two organised walks at Minehead and Swanage (the end-points of the trail) are the backbone of the challenge.

Last year’s youngest ten-miler was eight-year-old Alfie Holmwood, who played a vital role in keeping up morale when the going got tough on the Minehead walk. The oldest was Christine Hammond, who walked the entire 630mile route in 2016 to mark her 70th birthday, before joining the Swanage walk to celebrate her achievement with family and friends. Here’s more information on each of the two walks…

Minehead to Porlock Weir

The first ten-mile challenge kicks off at Minehead on the Exmoor coast – the official start of the South West Coast Path – on Saturday October 7th.

Setting off from the sculpture that marks the official start of the South West Coast Path in Minehead, the route takes in the rugged moorland countryside and the highest coastline in England. Highlights along the way include the stunning Exmoor scenery and a chance to spot rare plants and animals, including red deer. You’ll hear the call of the stag during the mating season and see how coastal erosion has shaped the magnificent inlet of Porlock Weir, where the walk ends.

Keith Bailey walked with his wife Wendy and two friends last year. He said: “The Minehead challenge was part of my own South West Coast Path journey, which I started at the other end, walking from South Haven Point in Dorset, so we’re now filling in the gaps in between.

“Raising money to enable the volunteers and teams to continue their amazing work is essential. We were so pleased to have contributed, in a small way, to the continued funding needs, whilst enjoying a great day together on the Somerset coastline.”

Durlston Castle to South Haven Point

On Saturday 28th October, the second ten-mile challenge walks kicks off on the beautiful Dorset coast – the official end of the South West Coast Path.

Setting off from Durlston Castle, the route takes in high-level cliff walking between St Aldhelm’s Head and Durlston Head, and is followed by easy walking along the promenade of the seaside town of Swanage.

As you walk through open grassland and woodland around Studland, keep a look out for bottlenose dolphins and take time to enjoy the beautiful seasonal wildflowers and butterflies and the spectacular views of the chalk stacks of Old Harry. Three miles of sandy beaches running all the way to South Haven Point offer plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the views across Poole Bay to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight.