Great South West Walks 2014 open for bookings

With 100 stunning coastal walks to choose from, the Great South West Walks 2014 is now open for bookings.

These specially selected circular walks by the South West Coast Path Association, will take place across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset from 20-28 September.

Walkers can look forward to taking part in easy and family friendly strolls as well as challenging and rough terrain treks; many of the walks have themes such as history and wildlife, mining heritage, foraging, Jurassic geology and even a barefoot hike - each guided by an expert walk leader.

The event will raise vital funds for the South West Coast Path Association and Children's Hospice South West, through these sponsored walks, which will go towards the improvement of the South West Coast Path and supporting children with life limiting illnesses.

Ken Carter chairman of the Great South West Walks project team, is delighted to be able to announce the walks saying:

"This year's event is gearing up to be fantastic, with a real variety of themes and types of walks in place. These celebrate the South West's strong heritage and history, which walkers will be able to experience alongside helping to support the Coast Path and CHSW."

One of the walks chosen for Devon is a Jurassic Coast Geology walk at Beer in South Devon.

This moderate walk of 5.3 miles will showcase a stretch of the breathtaking Jurassic Coast with walk leader Mike Green explaining some of the points of interest at this World Heritage Site.

The Jurassic Coast's entire length can be walked on the South West Coast Path and has been named as one of the wonders of the South West.

The cliffs document 180 million years of geological history, including Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock formations.

Mike Green, Jurassic Coast Ambassador, is delighted to be able to lead a walk as part of the event saying: "The Jurassic Coast is a fantastic part of the South West's heritage and I am honoured to be able to share some of its wonders as part of the Great South West Walks. Many people admire the coast without understanding how it was formed and its story, so it is fantastic that they will have the opportunity to learn about its history alongside supporting the Coast Path and CHSW."

For anyone who just can't wait until September, they can get an early chance to take part in this and four other Great South West Walks with BBC Radio Devon as part of their Walk Devon series - contact the South West Coast Path Association at info@swcp.org.uk for more details.

To take part in the September event, participants can visit the Great South West Walks website and choose one or several of the 100 walks that they would like to participate in at www.greatsouthwestwalks.co.uk

Alternatively, registration can be made via telephone by calling the South West Coast Path Association on 01752 896237.

Further information about the organisations and the walks can be found on the website, or on Twitter @LoveSWCoastPath or Facebook/SWCPA