Businesses invited to the reap the benefits of the Two Moors Way

Last year the Two Moors Way – Devon’s Coast to Coast walking route - celebrated its 40th anniversary. A series of improvement works were undertaken and the 115+ mile route, linking two coasts and the South West’s two National Parks, re-launched to celebrate this milestone. Local businesses are now invited to join free workshops to discover how they can benefit from the work as the industry gears up for the new visitor season.

Three workshops will take place along the route at the Simonsbath House Hotel on Exmoor (27 March), The Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton (25 April) and the Watermark Centre at Ivybridge (8 May). Each session will provide local businesses with an overview of the route’s history, a virtual tour of the trail and the points of interest along the way, a guide to the new website, films and other resources for businesses as well as top tips on attracting business from walkers. The workshops will be delivered by speakers from the National Park Authorities, the Two Moors Way Association and Encounter Walking Holidays.

“The aim of these workshops is to let businesses know what’s been happening along the Two Moors Way and to share some opportunities in helping a growing number of hungry, thirsty and tired walkers and their baggage along the route,” said Colin Piper of the Two Moors Way Association.

“As a result of our work with partners and better publicity, we can expect many more walkers to use the route, resulting in a greater need and use of a wide range of local services. We want all those who provide these services to be fully aware of these new opportunities, and how sharing ideas can be beneficial.”

Each workshop runs from 11am to 2pm and businesses can attend whichever is most convenient for them free of charge (including lunch and refreshments). Places must be booked in advance by emailing the name of your business and those attending with your choice of location and any dietary requirements to ColinJPiper@aol.com.

To celebrate the Ruby Anniversary of the route Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities, together with Devon County Council helped to re-establish the Two Moors Way Association. In addition to a series of trail improvements the partners worked together to launch a new website (www.twomoorsway.org) providing inspiration and information regarding the route, in addition to a new pocket guide.

More recently additional funding has been secured for the Association from the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme allowing these workshops to be run, and the production of two stunning films showcasing the route to the world. A new visitor passport scheme is being developed to help walkers record their route and the Association is also being helped to develop its volunteer opportunities and support to help look after and promote the route into the future.

Press and journalists are also invited to attend the workshops to discover more about one of the South West’s most popular walking routes. Please book in advance by emailing ColinJpiper@aol.com with your choice of workshop.