Economic assessment of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of walking on the South West Coast Path: methodology and scoping study

Abstract

This report sets out the findings of research that aimed to assess the economic mental health and wellbeing benefits of the SWCP and investigate how these can be maximised. It examines various valuation methods and their suitability for assessing benefits from walking on the SWCP. Based on this, it also offers recommendations that relate to the policy and practice that are concerned with realising the potential of engaging with the path for creating positive mental health and wellbeing impacts, with reference to under-represented groups and qualitative as well as quantitative benefits. The research was commissioned by the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), and funded by Natural England (Jan- Mar 2022).