Launch of Ceredigion Coastal Path Challenge

To celebrate Wales’ Year of Adventure 2016 the Ceredigion Coast Path Challenge was officially launched this week (Tuesday 19 January) by Wayne Russell.

Wayne is running unsupported around the coast of the British mainland to raise money for The Superhero Foundation. His journey has taken him along the entire Ceredigion Coast Path and in recognition of this, he was awarded the first challenge completion certificate.

The Ceredigion Coast Path Challenge is a Ceredigion County Council initiative funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. This two year initiative aims to raise the profile of the Ceredigion coastline as a place to visit throughout the year.

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes and the purpose of the Ceredigion Coastal Path challenge is to encourage individuals to step outside their normal lives and do something amazing. As Rhian Jones, Coastal Business Development Officer explains: “Walking the 60 miles from Cardigan to Ynyslas is a challenge in itself, but we are also asking people to answer six questions along the way to receive a free personalised certificate. This would definitely be in my list of the top 5 ‘must dos’ for visitors to Ceredigion and Wales and, of course, for locals.”

Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Development Service, Councillor Gareth Lloyd, said: “We are pleased and privileged that Wayne has managed to find time on his own epic journey to launch the Ceredigion Coast Path Challenge, and that he is the first to complete it. I walked the length of the Wales Coastal Path a few years ago, and found it to be a wonderful experience and one I would definitely recommend to others.”

Highlights along the coastal path challenge include award winning family beaches and secluded coves, marine wildlife including Europe’s largest population of bottlenose dolphins, and heritage towns and villages and picturesque sites like the 14th century church in Mwnt.

Much of the Ceredigion coastline is designated Heritage Coast and the Special Areas of Conservation are havens for wildlife. Walkers will be able to see wildlife at all times of the year from rare chough along the coastal cliffs and seabirds like guillemots during the spring and summer, as well as the spectacular starling murmuration around Aberystwyth Pier in the autumn.

Further details on the challenge can be found at Ceredigion Tourist Information Centres and on www.discoverceredigion or contact Rhian Jones by email on Rhian.jones2@ceredigion.gov.uk or call 01545 572459.

More details of his journey and story can be found at www.waynerussell.org.