Great South West Walks special offers

The South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) is announcing some special offers this month which will give walkers another reason to take part in their 2014 charity event.

The Great South West Walks event is this year's initiative to raise funds to carry out improvements to the Coast Path alongside raising money for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

This event, running between the 20th and 28th September, offers a chance for everyone to take part in one of 100 specially selected coastal walks, across Dorset, Exmoor, Devon and Cornwall.

The Early Bird Offer means that anyone booking on to one of the 100 walks will be able to purchase the Great South West Walks T-shirt, sold with a free water bottle, for £5 until the end of the month.

Also if walkers book on to selected walks which are supported by South West businesses, they can take advantage of exclusive special offers including Spa Breaks and Winter and Early Spring offers at the fabulous Carbis Bay Hotel, Cornwall, and a free walking book and 10% off holiday cottages voucher from cottages4you.

Whether walkers want to take advantage of the promotions on offer or if they want to show their love for the Coast Path, the SWCPA are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up in order to raise funds for such important causes.

The money will be split 50:50 between the two charities, meaning the SWCPA can make vital improvements to the Path and CHSW will be able to continue to provide the best possible hospice care for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families from the South West.

Last year's GSWW event ensured that over 100 projects, large and small, were completed around the Coast Path and organisers are hoping to help fund a similar number of improvements again in the coming year.

Ken Carter, Chairman for the Great South West Walks is thrilled to see people signing up to support the Coast Path and CHSW, saying: "It is fantastic to see support for the event already; only weeks after the walks went live on the website. We expect to see many more signing up over the next few weeks and are looking forward to a successful nine days in September."

Jon Brookes, West Cornwall Countryside Manager for the National Trust, is leading a Habitats, Archaeology & Wildlife walk at Lands End in Cornwall and is delighted to be involved, saying: "Walking the South West Coast Path is a particularly special experience. It is the best way to enjoy the spectacular views that the coastline offers as well as experiencing a part of the South West's heritage.

"I am thrilled to be involved in the Great South West Walks as it means I can help support a fantastic event which gives participants the chance to put something back into the Coast Path. Not only that, they will be helping an amazing charity, Children's Hospice South West, who do wonderful things for children with life limiting illnesses."

To take part in the event, participants can visit the Great South West Walks website and choose one, or several, of the 100 walks that they would like to participate in at www.greatsouthwestwalks.co.uk

Alternatively, registration can be made via telephone by calling the South West Coast Path Association on 01752 896237.

Ken added: "With many already registering, we are urging people to book now, as places are limited… so don't delay!"

Further information about the organisations and the walks can be found on the website, or on Twitter @LoveSWCoastPath or Facebook /SWCPA