ENTHUSIASTIC walkers are being asked if they could run or walk 5,000 miles in 31 days, with the South West Coast Path Challenge approaching for October, of which 300 people have already pledged their time to, including a man from Delabole.

The event, organised by the South West Coast Path Association in partnership with the National Trust, is aiming to set a new world record for the number of times the coast path can be covered in a month, while raising funds to protect the coastline.

So far, these pledges have clocked up nearly eight times the length of the 630 mile coast path, but the team is looking for more people to join in to reach its target of 10,000 miles.

It costs at least £1,000 to look after just one mile of coast path and it needs all the help it can get, so people can continue to enjoy this access to the coast.

Rob Parsons, from Delabole, has been a member of the South West Coast Path Association for 25 years and often goes walking along the coastline and in his local area. He will be completing his challenge either at the beginning or in the middle of October, tackling a 40 mile walk from Bude to Rock.

Rob said: “I’m doing this because I thought it would be a good way of raising some money for the South West Coast Path Association, which I’ve been a member of for 25 years. I’m really looking forward to it; I walk miles and miles all the time.”

Hoping to raise between £100 and £200, Rob is also selling calendars featuring pictures of the South West, with 50p from each sale going to his fundraising total for the South West Coast Path Association.

The challenge is a way for businesses to get staff together to show their support for this much loved walking route.

Those interested in starting the challenge will be able to join the 10-mile walk from Minehead on Saturday, October 1, take part in a tin mining heritage walk or follow in the footsteps of Poldark in Cornwall with National Trust Rangers.

People can also organise their own events, a great excuse to get family and friends together to enjoy an afternoon beside the sea.

Choose a date in October, a location on the path and the number of miles, then register the challenge via the event website at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/challenge or by calling 01752 896 237.

To follow Rob on his challenge, visit his Facebook page, named Just a Walker With a Camera, which includes details of his Just Giving page.