Way Makers of the Path - Supporting the SWCP journey and enhancing the experience

The South West Coast Path draws over 9 million visitors to the South West each year and is one of the region's most valuable environmental and economic assets, bringing £500 million into the local economy. Our Way Maker businesses and supporters understand the importance of walkers to their business, as well as understanding the need to help protect the path their business relies upon. This episode we talk with two of our Way Makers, Vanessa at Hartland Point Kiosk, and James at Mariners Guest House, Plymouth. We also chat with Mike of Luggage Transfers, a business that transfers walkers bags between accommodation as they hike the trail. It's a great behind the scenes look at how and why businesses located along the path welcome walkers, and also why they support the Association.

The South West Coast Path is more than a trail, it's a community, and listening to the chats in this episode it is apparent that the relationship between walker, business and the Association is symbiotic. Each is driven by a passion for the Path and a desire to enhance the experience of walking the path, and to protect it now and for future generations. As Rachel concludes, it's a three-way relationship and one that we are proud to be part of.

Mike Kearon, Luggage Transfers

Mike lives in Porthleven, and runs Luggage Transfers providing a bag courier service for the entire South West Coast Path and all routes in between. Mike set up Luggage Transfers in 2009, providing transfers for walkers, and in June 2023, had their busiest ever month completing over 4100 transfers moving almost 9000 bags!

www.luggagetransfers.co.uk

James Kay, Mariners Guest House, Plymouth

James and his wife Marie manage a 4 star 8 bedroom guest house just off the South West Coast Path. All rooms are ensuite with free wifi and an award winning breakfast served each morning. James and Marie moved to Plymouth in 2004 from the Midlands. They have had the Mariners for over 7 years now and have built it up from a run-down state, to a now successful guest house. They love living in Plymouth due to its proximity to the sea, Dartmoor, and the easy access to Cornwall.

www.marinersguesthouse.co.uk

Vanessa Ludwell, Hartland Point Kiosk

Vanessa grew up at Hartland Point on the farm and had a fabulous time being so close to the coast. Vanessa's grandparents started the Kiosk in the late 60s early 70s and ran it for several years followed by various other local people before being taken over by Vanessa in 2019. Vanessa says, "I feel so lucky to be able to carry on what my grandparents started - it’s very special. This stretch of coastline is awesome - it’s constantly changing - the wildlife - the dramatic landscape - the colours - the smell - just being there in its presence is something else."

https://hartlandpointrefreshments.co.uk