Visitors Should Still Flood to Cornwall!

The recent spell of persistent rain and flooding in the South West has caused some challenges for walkers of the region's stunning coastline, but one Cornish business is urging visitors not to be put off.

Paul Simmons from walkitcornwall, a leading walking holiday provider in Cornwall, is concerned that much publicised 'cliff collapses', landslips and erosion will needlessly put walkers off visiting the South West.

Paul explains:

"There have been a number of incidents reported in the media where areas of footpaths have had to be closed due to the effects of the bad weather, but in the big scheme of things, these are only tiny sections of what is still open.  There are over 300 miles of walkable coast path in Cornwall and another 2,700 miles of footpath taking in the countryside, woodlands and estuaries."

Head of Visit Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, also fears the bad weather and its effects on the Cornish coast paths could have the potential to put people off booking their walking holidays in Cornwall, but is clear that people should not be worried by a few isolated incidents.

Mr Bell comments:

"Cornwall is renowned for having a rich and varied landscape which is fantastic for walking and as a result, walking is hugely popular amongst our visitors with 81% exploring at least a small part of Cornwall on foot and 35% enjoying the South West Coast Path. We therefore don't want to see the effects of the bad weather putting people off visiting. They should still book their holidays here and be confident in knowing that they will still have a fantastic experience. The best advice is to check the path conditions before setting off on a walk and to consider alternative routes if required."

Walkitcornwall's Paul Simmons is keen to herald what is still widely available to walkers in the county; he is not perturbed by the stories reaching the news and enthusiastically encourages people to keep coming to Cornwall for walking holidays.

With over 20 years experience of walking the Cornish coastline, Paul recognises that erosion and landslips are part of nature's natural process and is something that has always happened.

However, he is quick to observe that there are ways around the problems, with a range of alternative routes, and he is happy to advise people with safety tips and suggested 're-tours'.

Paul continued: "Cornwall's uniqueness, indeed its DNA involves so many aspects of Cornwall's landscape of which the coast path is one part. walkitcornwall explores all these layers and knows the footpaths to explore"

There are plenty of breathtaking coastal routes, particularly around the Lizard and Roseland peninsulas, that have been unaffected by the weather.

The message from Paul is undoubtedly one of perseverance, exploration and endeavour, something that should resonate with the adventurous spirit of his fellow walkers.

Paul concluded: "If you are diverted from the path you originally set out on, follow this new and unknown route, it could lead to you somewhere equally wondrous."

For more information on walking in Cornwall or for advice please visit http://www.walkitcornwall.co.uk