I walked the South West Coast Path solo…AMA

[SeaSwimsEveryDay]

It’s a 630 mile hiking trail around the coast of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. I carried my own camping equipment with me the whole way, and it was one of the best experiences of my life!

I thought I’d do an AMA in case anyone else is planning their own Salt Path/ Cheryl Strayed experience and is looking for inspiration or tips.

@HippyChickMama oooh I found a second hand copy of that book and read it at the start of the path! You should definitely do it - you could always do it in smaller sections and stay at B&Bs instead of camping. Or just try it camping and see if your partner adapts…!

@IncognitoMam that’s an amazing selection of LDWs. I’d love to do the Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast especially. Totally agree about the experience of meeting people etc - something I find is much easier to do when you’re solo.

And thank you! Writing a book would be the dream 🤩

This is such an inspiring thread. Thank you.

I think you're a geography or science teacher!?!

My proper question is what age do you think children could do it from?

@SeaSwimsEveryDay have you read 'Boogie Up the Pennine Way'?

@SeaSwimsEveryDay all my walks together probably don't add up to the SWCP 😂

@Thestartofsomethinggood that's also on my to-do list!

@SeaSwimsEveryDay honestly you should think about doing the Camino. It would be hot but the timing would work for your school holidays. No/little camping en-route but the albergue hostels are cheap and plentiful and an experience in and of themselves!

@TheLongpigs Oh I’m pleased - thank you! I’m actually a primary teacher, so I do teach some Geography and Science - so half right?!

In terms of ages, I think it depends completely on the child. I’ve heard a rule of thumb that children should be able to walk their age in miles plus one, so a 5 year old should be able to walk 6 miles, for example. When I think about some of the 5 year olds I’ve taught, some would be more than capable of doing this, and some would really struggle. It depends on the child’s size, strength, experience and attitude, basically.

I’ve gone on hikes with 7 year olds happily romping 10 miles or more, but these were kids with loads of walking experience who were used to going on family hikes.

If you have kids you’re hoping to do it with, I would use the age plus one mile rule as a starting point, and then make sure you’ve done practice hikes with them in advance, have got them used to reading a map so they can see how far they’ve gone and what the places look like on a map, maybe get a spotter’s guide type list so they can look out for particular clouds/ plants/ people/ types of dogs even to keep them interested, and get them involved with planning out the snacks! Kids can also carry some of their own gear, and I’ve seen them feel proud of packing and having their own little backpack with water, snacks, rainjacket etc.

I hope that helps! It’s a great trail for children - in part due to the multiple swimming and ice cream opportunities available!

@HippyChickMama ooh no I haven’t - adding that book to the list! The Pennine Way is another trail I’d love to do.

@IncognitoMam a seriously impressive variety, though!

@Atreus yes, I will definitely consider it. I like the sound of the albergue hostels a lot, and everyone who does it seems to love it. Thank you for the inspiration!

Ooooh DH and I did Penzance to Botallack over 6 days a few years back. Loved it but the stretch from Lamorna to Treen nearly killed me!

@LadyFlumpalot a really gorgeous stretch! I loved the old tin mines in Botallack. 🤩

We've ended up staying in a few of the cliff hugging cottages along the Cape Cornwall stretch as a result of our walk. Botallack is definitely my happy place 🥰

Thank you to everyone on this thread, especially OP. Coming out of some tough months work-wise I have found it very motivating and inspiring.
OP, early on I think you gave the advice to make sure you do your walk, not someone else’s. I have used this as a mantra for finally getting a wetsuit and in to the sea. Next spring I am hoping to try camper-vanning and some walking with camping thrown in. For the first time in what feels like decades I actually feel alive 🥲

@Sheisready that’s lovely to hear. I’m so pleased you’ve found it inspiring and that you’re feeling good! Amazing news about getting into the sea. Keep up the adventures and enjoy the campervanning, walking and camping - fantastic things in store for you!