The heart of the South West Coast Path is revealed in a series of four walking guides that take in short circular routes between Plymouth and Padstow.  From the secret coves and tiny fishing villages of the gentle South Coast, to the powerful Atlantic coast’s spectacular stacks and arches, islands, caves and chasms wrought from the landscape, each guide reveals the best short walks in the area to explore the beauty, history, wildlife and nature of this impressive and much-loved coastline.

TV chef Rick Stein says of the walks in these new books: “How lucky we are in these crowded islands to have such an unspoilt coastline.  In Cornwall it’s our glory.  I’ve so many favourite walks but, of course, I love leaving the quay in Padstow and walking the high cliffs to Treyarnon Bay, with maybe a stop off at my pub, The Cornish Arms in St Merryn on the way back.  Zennor to St Ives by the Tinners Way past all those tiny, thought provoking prehistoric fields hedged with granite is completely memorable.  Lastly it makes me proud to take friends who love Daphne du Maurier for a walk from The Rashleigh Arms at Polkerris across lovely rolling dairy country past Manderlay (actually Menabilly) to Fowey and then Readymoney Cove and the coastal path back to the steep valleyed fishing village where you started.”

The four books uncover the rich stories and legends handed down from generation to generation. Mermaid curses, mythical drowned worlds and piracy abound along a coastline which offers so much to the walking explorer.  People of all ages and abilities can walk in the footsteps of the coastguards, who once used these footpaths to keep watch against smugglers, with Walks Along the South West Coast Path written by Ruth Luckhurst.

Each walk includes simple step-by-step instructions accompanied by unique aerial routes to help guide the way. To help the reader get the most from their walks each book highlights historical information, areas of interest to explore further and local myths and legends.Walks Along the South West Coast Path, written by Ruth Luckhurst and published by Coastal Publishing Ltd, include Plymouth to Falmouth, Falmouth to Penzance, Penzance to St Ives and St Ives to Padstow, and are available in paperback priced £4.95 at bookshops, Tourist Information Centres, gift shops, online retailers and through the South West Coast Path Association’s online shop.

The money raised helps to support improvements to the Coast Path.

For more information on the South West Coast Path visit www.southwestcoastpath.com