Opening of West Somerset Coast Path

• | Back |
• Home |

May 2006

Tuesday 9 May heralds two milestones for Somerset’s countryside.  The Quantock Hills will celebrate its golden jubilee as the first area in England to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  As a further triumph for the region, Somerset County Council will open the West Somerset Coast Path.

A day of activities is planned.  In the morning speakers from local and regional organisations will be looking at the past fifty years and the opportunities and challenges for the future. In the afternoon Colonel Sir Walter Luttrell, former High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, will officially open the West Somerset Coast Path and Lord Cameron of Dillington, Chairman of the Somerset Strategic Partnership will be a guest speaker.

Sarah Littler, Manager of the Rights of Way Maintenance and Development team responsible for the creation of the path, said:

“The spectacular and diverse nature of the Somerset Coastline has long been an asset for tourism and the development of the coast path will provide benefits for walkers and local businesses alike.” 

The West Somerset Coast Path links the River Parrett Trail at Steart in Bridgwater Bay to the South West Coast Path National Trail in Minehead, making the south west peninsula available as a circular walk.  For brave and seasoned walkers it is possible to link the West Somerset Coast Path to the South West Coast from Minehead, all the way round the coast in Dorset, continuing on to West Bay, through the Brit Valley Way to Cheddington and finally on the River Parrett Trail back to Steart.  This covers a distance of 640 miles - over twice the distance of the Pennine Way.

Hazel Prior-Sankey, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Transport and Waste, added:

“Conserving and protecting Somerset’s unique environment whilst regenerating the rural economy is a key priority of the County Council. The West Somerset Coast Path was created as a result of the County Council’s Foot and Mouth Recovery Strategy to regenerate the rural economy through improving access to our natural heritage.  I am delighted that it is now complete, enabling people to enjoy more of our beautiful landscape.”

To conclude the celebratory day, Quantock Hills AONB Service Rangers will be leading a walk starting at 7pm from Triscombe Stone car park that will take in the highest point on the Quantock’s, Wills Neck.

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Chairman of the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee and Somerset County Councillor for Watchet and the Quantocks, said:

“As chairman of the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee I take great pride in all that has been achieved over the last fifty years. Through the AONB Service and partners, we have worked hard to conserve and enhance this nationally protected landscape. The local authorities, the Countryside Agency and the communities who call the Quantock Hills home will continue to work jointly to ensure the outstanding natural beauty of the hills long into the future."

For more information about the Quantock Hills and the fifty events please contact the Quantock Office on 01278 732845 or to learn more about the West Somerset Coast Path please contact Somerset County Council Rights of Way Section on 01823 355 604.

| Back |