BOLBERRY Down coast path is now accessible to all, thanks to the South West Coast Path Association and the National Trust.

After two years of fundraising, the Bolberry Down access path, which is part of the South West Coast Path national trail, has now been resurfaced and made wider to enable visitors with reduced mobility to more easily enjoy the 1.2km of coastal views.

The route is from the Bolberry car park, which includes disabled parking bays, to the end of Bolberry Down where there are spectacular views of Hope Cove and, on a clear day, as far as Lizard Point.

Matt Walker, a regular visitor and mobility scooter user, said: ‘I use the access path on Bolberry Down on an almost daily basis, and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline never disappoint. The going is easy enough on the access pathway for most forms of mobility transport.’

The first 400m of the path was funded through the SWCPA. From there, the path project gained momentum with further donations from the SWCPA and Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust.

Ken Carter, Chairman of the SWCPA said: ‘Bolberry Down is a beautiful, wild piece of coastline, but is very unusual in being relatively flat; and so when the National Trust approached us to help meet the cost of making it more accessible, we were delighted to help.

‘It is thanks to the generosity of our members and funds raised through our South Hams Appeal, that we have been able to fund the repairs and improvements.’

The National Trust will be regularly maintaining the path to ensure it stays accessible. The borders will be cut back as part of the Trust’s annual footpath maintenance programme, and the path will be regularly cleared of gravel and debris.

All of the work is completed with careful consideration of the wildlife in the area, so that the natural environment flourishes for everyone to enjoy.

To find Bolberry Down take the A381 towards Salcombe and turn right at Malborough. Go through the village and look out for a right-hand turn signposted Bolberry. Sat Nav: use TQ7 3DY.

You can find out more about the National Trust on their website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk and on the South West Coast Path Association: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk