The art of walking

Perhaps more associated with photography, the South West Coast Path offers unique artistic inspiration to poets, painters, potters and more

Poets, painters, potters and other independent artists are sharing their work and creating new original pieces to get behind a campaign which aims to raise much needed funds to support Britain’s longest National Trail. The Every Mile Matters campaign highlights the coast path’s vital role in supporting people’s health & wellbeing, the local economy and the amazing environment along the coast of the South West.

The idea came out of restrictions in place during the lockdown which halted any plans for an exhibition. As well as promoting the work of the charity which looks after the coast path, the project promotes independent artists who facing uncertain times ahead.

Film artist Merlyn Chesterman, based in Hartland, says: “The sea is of daily interest to me, whether I am in it or on it or watching it. To be in it marks the moment, now, between the past and the future. Nothing else matters. I swim most days. To be on it is a journey. And when I am looking, it is to try to begin to understand. And then I do what I do, make woodblock prints.”