THE Quantock Hills marked a double milestone in its history this week. The opening of the new West Somerset Coast Path coincided with celebrations to mark its golden jubilee as the first area in England to win designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). A day of activities included speakers from local and regional organisations looking at the past 50 years and the opportunities and challenges for the future. And Colonel Walter Luttrell, former High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, cut the ribbon to herald the official opening of the new path, which links the River Parrett Trail at Steart in Bridgwater Bay to the South West Coast Path national trail in Minehead. The development makes the South West peninsula available as a circular walk and for brave and seasoned walkers it is now possible to link the new path to the South West Coast trail in Minehead, round to West Bay in Dorset, along the Brit Valley Way to Cheddington and finally back to Steart on the River Parrett Trail - a distance of 640 miles. Sarah Littler, Somerset County Council's rights of way maintenance and development manager said: "The spectacular and diverse nature of the Somerset coastline has long been an asset for tourism and the development of this new path will provide benefits for walkers and local businesses alike." The path was created as a result of county council efforts to regenerate the rural economy following the foot and mouth outbreak. The authority's portfolio holder for planning, transport and waste Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey said conserving and protecting Somerset's unique environment whilst regenerating the rural economy was a key priority. "I am delighted the path is now complete, enabling people to enjoy more of our beautiful landscape." And Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, who represents Watchet and the Quantocks and also chairs the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee, said he took great pride in all that had been achieved over the past 50 years. "Through the AONB Service and partners we have worked hard to conserve and enhance this nationally protected landscape. "The local authorities, the Countryside Agency and the communities who call the Quantock Hills home will continue to work jointly to ensure the outstanding natural beauty of the hills long into the future." Pictured at the opening of the path in Kilve are, from left, Quantock Hills rangers Peter Day, Guy Manning and Sam Jones with Sarah Littler. Photo: Norman Hawkes.
