Now everyone can enjoy the South West Coast Path!

Improvement works to the South West Coast Path between Gyllyngvase beach and Swanpool, in Falmouth, are now complete. The works have opened up the coast path to allow better access for users with mobility issues. A new section of path has been built to avoid existing steps; the whole path has been widened and resurfaced; new wheelchair parking areas have been added next to all the benches; and there is also a new viewing area above Swanpool beach.

The project was a fantastic example of partnership working between a number of local organisations. Cormac Solutions managed the development and oversaw the project, Cormac Contracting delivered the works on the ground, Natural England and Cornwall Council provided funding through the England Coast Path Project, Falmouth Town Council and Councillors offered their support, Cornwall Rolling Ramblers provided their advice and support, Boscawen Fields Volunteer Group assisted with planting and managing vegetation, Matt Stannard and the Cormac Garden Team donated the native tree whips for planting, Ron and Adrian Scamp at Quality Daffodils donated many bulbs, and South West Coast Path Team supported.

Penny Hodgson, Cormac Countryside Officer, said “I am absolutely delighted this project has been a success and it is wonderful to see so many people using and enjoying the path who have not previously been able to.”

A spokesperson for Natural England said: “This work has been a co-ordinated effort between Natural England, Cornwall Council and Cormac. It is fantastic that the works on the coast path between Gyllyngvase and Swanpool are already being used and have opened up the coast to those people who previously may have struggled to use the path along this stretch of the Cornish coast.”

The Coast Path project funding has opened up access to the coast path for so many more people in Cornwall, and there has already been many positive comments made about the improvements. Now the barriers have been removed, some people are using the route for the first time ever. Families are now able to enjoy being out on the path together and friends can meet and share the views together.

These works are part of an ongoing programme of work to improve access around the coast of Cornwall, focusing on the existing South West Coast Path and as part of the Coast Path programme to create a coastal trail around the whole country.