South West Outdoor Festival 2018 celebrates 40th anniversary of UK’s longest national trail

The annual South West Outdoor Festival (SWOF) will have a distinctly salty taste this year as it heads to a site in South Devon overlooking one of the most scenic sections of the South West Coast Path.

On the weekend of 5–7 October, festival organisers will welcome both campers and day visitors to East Soar on the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary for three days of outdoor activities, inspirational talks, live music and locally sourced food and drink.

SWOF is organised by the National Trust in partnership with Cotswold Outdoor and supported by the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), Ordnance Survey, the South Devon AONB and Devon Wildlife Trust. Its aim is to shine a light on the many adventure pursuits that can be explored along the South Hams coastline.

The event will also coincide with the launch of the SWCPA’s Challenge Month, during which thousands of people will be encouraged to explore the coastline and cliff-top trails that combine to form Britain’s biggest long-distance path.

The craggy coastline will form a beautiful backdrop to all the activities, from trail-running events and guided walks along the cliffs to rock climbing and coasteering sessions above the waves; as well as sea kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and wild-swimming experiences that will plunge adventurers into the briney waves.   

On site, festival goers can meet and mingle with Ordnance Survey’s current crop of #GetOutside Champions (such as international adventure athlete Laura Kennington and walking celebs the Two Blondes) and enjoy talks by outdoor legends including Damian Hall, who in 2016 set an astonishing record by running the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path in just 10 days 15 hours (running an average of 60 miles per day).

‘The South West Coast Path has so many beautiful sections, but the stretch around Salcombe is one of the very finest,’ says Damian. ‘In the South West, we're so lucky to have such sublime scenery and world class trails right on our doorstep. A weekend at SWOF is the perfect way to truly experience this area.’

Visitors don’t need to be a record-setting runner to enjoy the weekend. Alongside the more challenging experiences on offer, there will be plenty of family-friendly adventures and intro-level activities to enjoy, such as climbing, kayaking, archery, axe throwing, wild-food foraging, campfire cooking, bush craft sessions, orienteering, geo caching, star gazing and much more. Experts from the South Devon AONB and Devon Wildlife Trust will be joining walks and giving talks about local flora and fauna (including some super-rare birds and bugs), and the pop-up festival village will feature fine food and drink from the local area.

Julian Gray, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: ‘It’s great to see the South West Outdoor Festival back on the Path again, especially as it’s such an important year. We’re celebrating 40 years since the final section of the South West Coast Path was opened to make it a complete long-distance trail. The festival is a great chance to mark this anniversary alongside our friends at the National Trust and inspire more people to get outdoors and enjoy the unique natural environment around us.’

Genevieve Hinchliff, Fundraising Manager at the South West Coast Path Association, said: ‘During October we’re celebrating the annual South West Coast Path Challenge. This year the focus is on getting people out on the Trail to raise funds for its future protection. The South West Outdoor Festival at East Soar is the perfect way to kick things off, by all coming together to show our appreciation and passion for the great outdoors.’

Nick Giles, Managing Director at Ordnance Survey Leisure Ltd, said: ‘Ordnance Survey is excited to be working with the National Trust on the 2018 South West Outdoor Festival in South Devon. At OS we’re passionate about helping more people to GetOutside more often and discover what’s on their doorsteps. SWOF provides the perfect opportunity for people to experience a range of outdoor adventures, plus meet our OS GetOutside Champions. Come along and be inspired to GetOutside.’

Nicky Bailey, South Devon AONB Unit Communities Officer, said: ‘We are delighted to be a partner in the South West Outdoors Festival. It presents a fabulous opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy our protected landscape from an iconic coastal location. The range of activities will appeal to all ages and will be perfect for families to enjoy an action packed weekend.’

The event welcomes everyone from accomplished outdoor experts through to adventure-curious beginners and active families. There will be a range of pursuits to suit every age group and level of fitness. Earlybird tickets are now on sale via the website at a specially discounted rate until 14 May – book now to save 20% on a weekend of adventure that will live long in the memory. Located within an hour’s drive from both Plymouth and Exeter, access to the site is easy from the A38 / Devon Expressway. Parking is available on-site for day visitors and campers.

Follow @NTSWOF on Facebook and Twitter for updates and watch this space for details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/SWOF