Walk Devon 2027: The Devon Coast-to-Coast Challenge

Why we’re walking

We’re raising funds for The Devon Clinic, a charity providing affordable counselling and mental-health support for local people. Your steps (or your sponsorship) help us deliver more sessions to those who need them most.

Two ways to get involved

1) Take on the walking challenge

Take on the full 110km in 24 hours, or commit to a section and support the team through the night across Dartmoor.

By registering, you agree to raise a minimum of £250 for The Devon Clinic. We will help you set up your JustGiving page and support you with your fundraising.

2) Sponsor the walk.

Your sponsorship helps The Devon Clinic provide affordable mental health support for people who need it most but can afford it least — and as a valued sponsor, your business will also be promoted across our event materials, website, and social media.

Event snapshot

• Distance: 112km (approx. 70 miles)
• Start: Between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm on Friday 18 June
• Finish: By 8.00 pm on Saturday 19 June
• Route: Westward Ho! → Dartmoor → Paignton (final route posted closer to the day)
• Start/finish: Westward Ho! / Paignton
• Support: Checkpoints, basic refreshments, medical cover, and a night section support crew

Want to join the walk? — here’s what to expect

Pace
This is an endurance challenge. You’ll need to be comfortable walking 5 – 6 km (3.4miles) per hour for long periods.

Kit

• Sturdy footwear
• layers
• waterproofs
• headtorch
• small first-aid kit
• and water capacity (min. 2L)

Training
Build to 30–40km long walks, back-to-backs at weekends, and night walking practice.

Team
You won’t be alone. We’ll have group leaders and checkpoint volunteers throughout. 

Where your money goes

Low-cost and funded counselling for people on waiting lists or low incomes

Specialist trauma support (including DASV referrals)

Community wellbeing projects run by The Devon Clinic charity

FAQs

How hard is it?
Tough. It’s achievable with training. We’ll share a simple 12–16 week plan and kit list.

Do you have the route set out yet?
Yes, but we won’t be publishing it just yet, until the event organisers have fully risk-assessed it.walk devon 2027

Will there be First aid stations/checkpoints?
Yes, we are estimating these to be every ten miles. We will publish the exact points once the event organisers have agreed on the best points.

What about transport to/from the start/finish?
You can arrange to be dropped off at Westward Ho! and picked up at Paignton, or we would ask you to leave your car in Paignton, and we can provide bus transport to the start point. There will be a small charge for the bus fare.

Do I have to do the full walk?
No. We will have start points along the way for shorter (but still challenging) routes.

Can friends and family support me along the way?
Yes. That’s absolutely fine as long as you arrange safe meeting points.

Can I bring my dog?
This is a very long-distance summer challenge involving overnight walking, which would not be suitable for most dogs

What about safety? I’m worried that I might get lost.
We risk-assess the route, use checkpoints and tracking, and have first-aid trained volunteers. We will provide you with a GPX file and detailed instructions on how to download it to the device of your choice. If you’re not familiar with GPX files – think Google Maps or Waze, etc. They use satellite links, so you won’t be reliant on phone signals either.

What equipment will I need?
You will need, amongst others:

• Reflective clothing for the night section of the walk e.g. high viz vest
• A good headtorch with spare batteries, suitable for navigating in open countryside.
• Waterproofs*
• A spare top as it will be cooler at night
• Sun cream*
• Sun Hat*
• Broken-in walking boots/trail shoes
• First aid kit
• Water – recommended at least 2 litres
• Snacks to keep you going between checkpoints
• Blister plasters
• Phone
• Power bank for recharging a phone
• GPX file downloaded to a suitable device (Route markings do get interfered with).

*subject to weather forecasts

Can under-18s take part?
Yes, for shorter legs with a parent/guardian, at the organiser’s discretion.