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The Path, an instrumental journey around the West Country Coastline, played by the great English duo
of Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, Show Of Hands. It's been some years, now, since the complete opening of the South West Coast Path. The full 630 mile adventure around the coastline of the southwest peninsula has now become the region's most popular attraction.
From the Exmoor National Park to Poole harbour there is no better way to enjoy oour dramatic coastline, its wildlife, history
and culture. We hope this music will inspire you to discover - or rediscover its endless fascination.
The South West Coast Path is easily the longest and, in places, the most arduous, of England's National Trails. The path
is actually the amalgamation of 4 paths; the Somerset & North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon, and Dorset Coastal paths.
The route is very popular, and it can be crowded in the summer months, though there are always long stretches where your
only company will be a chorus of sea birds.
The trail can be windy - the prevailing wind is from the southwest, and numerous river estuaries along the way require
ferry crossings. This means that a good guidebook with tide and ferry timetables is essential equipment for walkers.
The path has an interesting history; it is based on a footpath established by Coastguards who patrolled the entire length
of the South West Peninsula - on foot, every day - watching for smugglers. This sentry activity was carried on right up until
1856, and the length of the path is dotted with coastguard cottages at convenient intervals.
Because the coastguards needed to be able to investigate every cove and inlet along the way, the path hugs the coast closely.
This allows today's walkers superb views, but it also means that there are frequent changes in elevation.
The path is best enjoyed in May, for then the wildflowers are in full bloom. In full summer it may be difficult to find
accommodation, so from that perspective the spring and autumn months are preferable. If you are willing to put up with the
crowds, walking in the summer allows you to go swimming in the warmed water of the sea!
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![The Path 2003 [click for larger image]](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/showofhandsthepath2003.jpg.w300h271.jpg)
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| HMCD 18 2003 |
(Steve Knightley)
(Paul Downes)
(Clifford)
(Knightley)
(Phil Beer)
(Steve Knightley)
(Paul Downes)
(Phil Beer)
(Clifford)
(Steve Knightley)
(Clifford)
(Steve Knightley)
(Steve Knightley)
(Phil Beer)
(Knightley/Beer)
(Steve Knightley)
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![The Path 2003 [click for larger image]](/imagelib/sitebuilder/misc/show_image.html?linkedwidth=actual&linkpath=https://southwest-coast-path.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/showofhandsthepath2003.jpg&target=tlx_new)
