AN attempt is being made to set a new record for the number of times people can walk or run the South West Coast Path in one month – October.

The South West Coast Path Challenge is a new fundraising event in which participants can create their own targets or join one of four organised ten-mile challenge walks.

The first challenge walk is on Saturday (October 3) and covers the stretch between Minehead and Porlock Weir.

It sets off from the marker of the path’s official start point in Minehead and the route takes in the rugged moorland countryside and the highest coastline in England.

Highlights include a chance to spot rare plants and animals, including red deer, and hear the call of the stag during the mating season.

Walkers will also be able to see the evidence of coastal erosion, where the 6000-year-old shingle ridge across Porlock Bay was breached, resulting in dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide to form Porlock Weir, where the walk ends.

Hayley Partridge, South West Coast Path events officer said: “I am really looking forward to what is gearing up to be an exciting month-long event full of inspirational challenges that people have pledged to help protect the Coast Path.

“The Minehead to Porlock Weir stretch is a great way to kick-start the challenge month, taking in the highest point on the Coast Path at Great Hangman.”

Money raised will go towards coast path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just one mile of the path.

The challenge is organised by the South West Coast Path Association, with the National Trust as a charity partner as part of its coastal celebrations in 2015.

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. It costs £20 to register for the organised walks and £10 for an individual challenge, which can be anything from one mile to 100 miles.

To register to take part go to the website www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk.