Plymouth’s Mount Batten Centre has signed up to be part of the newly-launched South West Coast Path Passport scheme.
Millions of visitors who walk the 630-mile path will now be able to keep a unique record of their journey by collecting ‘stamps’ along the way reflecting the unique nature of each street of the trail.
The Mount Batten Centre is one of over 100 ‘Way Makers’ – business supporters of the South West Coast Path Association – which have already signed up as a passport stamping point. Others include museums information centres, cafes, shops and pubs.
The Passport will encourage walkers to stop on their journey for refreshments and supplies, helping local businesses get their share of the £520 million that visitors to the Path bring into the local economy each year.
Mount Batten Centre
Alex King, chief executive of the Mount Batten Centre Charity Trust said:
“We’re excited that the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre will be one of the first stamping points for the South West Coast Path Passport as the National Trail runs right past our door as well as across the whole of Plymouth’s National Marine Park, connecting people to the coast.
“This is a great initiative by the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) to support local businesses and charities along the Path like us, as well as raise awareness of this amazing environmental and tourism asset, which the SWCPA charity work so hard to protect, care for and share.”
Each of the unique ‘stamps’ has been hand carved by local craftsman, Marc Hoskin of Wild Work with a different design for each of the seven sections of the Path, including a moorland pony for Exmoor, a wave for North Cornwall, a lighthouse for South Devon, an anchor for South Cornwall, a seal for North Devon, an ammonite for the Jurassic Coast, and a tin mine for West Cornwall.
For more information about the South West Coast Path Passport and to buy a passport visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/passport/
