…in a 10th anniversary challenge completed by hikers, cyclists, scouts and even sausage dogs!
Wales Coast Path has announced that 3,452 miles were walked along the Path this summer — as part of its 10th anniversary walking challenge, The Big 870.
That’s the equivalent of walking the Path four times over — or from Wales to the FA World Cup’s host city, Qatar.
The challenge encouraged the people of Wales and beyond to collectively walk the length of the 870-mile Path during the summer months — including everyone from leisurely strollers, hikers and dog-walkers, to cyclists, wheelchair users and community groups.
More than 50 Dachshunds got involved in the Big 870 – with their owners, of course!
The Swansea Bay Sausage Stroll — a dog walking group of over 50 Dachshunds and their owners — was just one community group that took part in the challenge, coming together to walk, play and enjoy the Path along Swansea Bay in September. The group was established in 2015, and raises money through its walking for charity, Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD.
Some familiar faces joined in the challenge, too, including the likes of BBC Wales and Radio Cymru presenters, Sian Lloyd and Shân Cothi.
Sioned Humphreys, Marketing Officer for the Wales Coast Path, said: “We’re thrilled to have had so many miles pledged to our challenge this summer — almost 4-times our target! And it’s been even better to have seen so many people who wouldn’t usually venture out along the Path, enjoying it during our special anniversary year.
“It might also be a sign of good luck ahead of the World Cup that the number of miles pledged is the equivalent of walking from Wales to Qatar!”
Pictures by Molly Lewis, The Dyfi Valley Explorer scouts
The Dyfi Valley Explorer Scouts are another group who pledged their miles, completing both their qualifying and practice Duke of Edinburgh expeditions along the Path.
Seren Overton from the Dyfi Valley Explorer scouts said: “We chose the Path as the location of our Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition because of its beautiful views — but also the Big 870 challenge, which we wanted to get involved in.
“As a group, we had a range of hiking abilities, and the 23-mile stretch of the Path we selected suited everyone. Our favourite part was reaching the top of the treacherous climbs at Llanrhystud and then over to Aberystwyth, basking in the glorious views along the way!”
Meanwhile, Ben Bevan, a member of Brooks Running Club UK and Ireland also joined the challenge — running 50 miles along the north Wales coast in-between races. Inspired by The Big 870 challenge, Ben hopes to complete more miles next summer — with his sights set on completing the entire Wales Coast Path.
Ben Bevan – Image by Ben Bevan
To find out more about the Wales Coast Path’s 10th anniversary celebrations, please visit the Wales Coast Path website or follow @WalesCoastPath on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.