19/11/2009

THE South West Coast Path National Trail website finished runner-up in the Best Travel website section of the 2009 Oldie Travel Awards.

The awards, organised by The Oldie magazine, recognised the online guide for the coast path which is funded by Natural England and is managed by a partnership that includes Devon County Council.

Celebrated journalist Rosie Boycott, who is The Oldie travel editor, presented the awards at a ceremony in London. She praised the Coast Path website for its ease of use, inspiring images and having all the information needed to plan either a short walk or a long trip along the path.

Mark Owen, the South West Coast Path National Trail Officer who attended the ceremony, said: “The South West Coast Path Team has made a number of changes to the website in recent years and we are constantly striving to improve its quality. It was great to hear that the site provides a good user friendly experience as the gateway to the UK’s longest and most popular National Trail.”

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, said: “Whilst www.southwestcoastpath.com didn’t win, with thousands of different travel websites available on the internet, it was praise indeed for the team and the site to make the short list and finish runner-up. The South West Coast Path is a great asset for Devon and it is of great benefit to local businesses and local tourism, so it’s reassuring to see that its promotion to a worldwide audience has been recognised.”

There were 11 categories in total at the awards ceremony, ranging from Best Hostel to Best Travel Gadget in a celebration of individualism and excellence.