Tracey Warren
So, in just a few days, we’ll be setting off to walk the entire South West Coast Path — and lately, we’ve been getting one question more than any other: Why?
My usual answer is, “Why not?” But while that’s still true, it probably doesn’t quite do it justice. So here are a few better reasons — the deeper whys behind this crazy, beautiful challenge…
1. The Salt Path
A good friend recommended The Salt Path by Raynor Winn — and honestly, I dare anyone to read it and not be moved. Raynor’s story planted a seed in my mind, one that grew and quietly took root. The path she described wasn’t just a physical journey, but an emotional and spiritual one too. I knew then: one day, I had to walk it. There’s also a film about the book due out in cinemas on the 30th May… We’re hoping we can catch it somewhere during the walk!
2. I Love Walking
The peace, the views, the freedom, the simpleness of putting one step in front of the other, the animals, the trees, the birds, the flowers, the fauna, the snacks, the coffee stops, the cake, the beer & chips at the end of a long day, the sense of accomplishment, the time to think, talk, not think, not talk… all the things!
3. The Anglesey Coast Path
I walked this path (130 miles in 6 days) with my best friend a couple of years ago to raise money for a lovely lady called Lisa who has diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was one of the of the most wonderful weeks of my life. We walked on average, 20 miles a day in a heatwave and I absolutely loved every single second – blisters and all. The walking bubble was like nothing I’ve ever experienced! And so obviously I wanted more…
4. Cancer
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene — a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It was a life-changing moment. One of those times that stops you in your tracks and shifts your entire perspective.
Since then, I’ve carried a deeper awareness that nothing in life is guaranteed — and that time is far more precious than we often realise. It lit a fire in me to stop waiting for the “right time” and to start truly living. To say yes more often, chase the adventures I’ve dreamed about, and squeeze every last drop of joy, meaning, and experience out of life while I can.
5. St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice
Thirteen years ago, I watched my mum fight (and thankfully win) her battle with breast cancer. More recently, my cousin Emma — who also carries the BRCA2 gene — fought her own battle. Both times, St Luke’s Hospice was there, offering support, care and strength when it was most needed. To walk this path and raise money for them feels like the most perfect way to give something back.
6. Because I Can!
And how lucky does that make me. I have the health – the legs, the lungs, the capacity (hopefully) to get up every day and take a walk.
I also have the time – my husband and I have worked hard to put ourselves in a position where we have the freedom to take 2 months out of our lives to do this.
I can also afford to do it – in the most part thanks to the most generous gift left in a will of my two friends and neighbours, Jack and Sheila. That’s a whole other story, but they absolutely loved walking in their younger days and I think they would love this adventure and so it feels like the perfect tribute to them.
Honestly, I could come up with reasons to do this all day. And if there’s a dream you’ve been putting off — my advice is to stop focusing on all the reasons why you can’t, and start gathering all the reasons why you should.
Give it a go. You never know where it might lead.
Tracey x
