THE South West Coast Path National Trail has been awarded a prestigious title at the South West Tourism Awards 2013-2014.

Following the coastline of England’s South West peninsular from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour, the path is the longest of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, at 630 miles.

It received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism accolade, being recognised as the region’s best asset and an integral part of the visitor economies of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Mark Owen, the national trail officer for the South West Coast Path Team, said: “It’s a real honour to accept this award on behalf of the South West Coast Path team and our partners at the South West Coast Path Association.”