Wales Coast Path, Going All the Way

© Steve Webb

The 870-mile Wales Coast Path has only been open a few weeks and already several keen long distance walkers and runners have got stuck in. Steve Webb and Zoe Wathen will be attempting the full distance this summer.

At the opening of the Wales Coast Path 5 May. Left to right: Steve Webb, Arry Beresford-Webb, Dave Quarrell and Zoe Wathen  © Steve Webb
At the opening of the Wales Coast Path 5 May. Left to right: Steve Webb, Arry Beresford-Webb, Dave Quarrell and Zoe Wathen
© Steve Webb

'The original idea was just to walk it for myself' says UKH-user Steve, who has worked in outdoor education for 18 years. 'But then I had the bright idea to raise money towards my school, St.David's College in Llandudno, who want funds to help build a new classroom for the Outdoor Education department.'

Meanwhile Poole-based Design and Technology teacher Zoe will be fundraising for new equipment for her department at Parkstone Grammar School.

'The Outdoor Education department provides a huge range of activities to all the pupils in the school from Year 6 to upper 6th form, and many of our pupils that don't do well in the classroom excel in outdoor education' says Steve. 'I love to see my pupils getting enthused about being outdoors and seeing not only their personal skills improve, but also their team working ability. It's great helping them to discover new and challenging adventures that will give them memories to last a lifetime. That in itself is motivation to do this walk.'

Steve reckons his 'Dragonwalk' will take about 55 days, and having completed 365 miles of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) last year he's now busy training on the Anglesey coast. Zoe, who walked the full 630 miles of the SWCP last summer, is planning on a time of 43 days.

'I have spent a lot of time looking at kit to make my rucksack as light as possible but still maintaining some level of comfort' says Steve. 'I've been lucky enough to have had a lot of kit and other support from companies including Osprey, Rab, Viewranger, Thermarest, Ribzwear, Targetdry, Planet Fear, Joe Browns, Cotswold Outdoors, Arriva Trains Wales, Sawyer Water Filters and Sea To Summit.'

Steve is setting off on 10 July, and you'll be able to follow his progress on his blog or make donations via Justgiving. Also see Zoe's blog here.

Other recent long distance Welsh feats include Anne-Marie 'Arry' Beresford-Webb's Dragon Run 1027, completed 5 May, which saw her become the first person to run the entire 1027-mile perimeter of Wales, and Dave Quarrell's Walk Wales 1027, a walking attempt at the same route - currently underway.



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