Path's £300m boost for region

Whitsand Bay: The coastal path stretches over 630 miles

New figures show walkers on the South West Coast Path bring more than £300m into the region's economy.

The path, which stretches over 630 miles, runs from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset and takes in the Cornwall and Devon coastlines.

Research from the Countryside Agency shows it generates nearly £124m for Devon alone, while Cornwall benefits to the tune of almost £100,000.

But the agency says it is such an important asset that it deserves more investment.

Spokeswoman Anne Cameron said: "I would like to think that when people see that the coast path is not just a lovely place to enjoy, when they can see that it is a wealth generator as well it might unlock more funds.

'Unique benefits'

"We do feel that the really big players such as the Regional Development Agency (RDA) might take more interest in helping."

John Taynton, of the RDA, said: "That's fine. The Countryside Agency should come to us with a proposal.

"There are many aspects of the region and the environment which bring unique benefits.

"We did a recent report which showed that the woodlands of Devon generated a huge amount of income, as do Dartmoor, Bodmin and Exmoor."

The South West Coast Path is the longest in a series of National Trails created and funded by the Countryside Agency.

It was created in section, with its final element in Somerset and North Devon opening in 1978.