Walking and cycling are 'feel good' ways to see the region and discover those places you don't find by car. The South West has some of the country's best walking and cycling for all ages and abilities. Check out local footpaths or ask about local cycle hire facilities. If there is somewhere you want to visit, leave the car behind and try going by bus, ferry or train, it's a great way to see the region.

Research shows that over 80% of visitors come to the South West by car (SWARMMS - South West Area Multi-Modal Study Report 2002).

The SWARMMS Report also found hiking and rambling were undertaken by 21% of visitors, and 5% of visitors enjoyed cycling.

According to a recent report by the National Trust (Policy from Practice the National Trust 2005) rural leisure trips are one of the fastest growing sources of traffic growth. This represents a huge challenge to the region. As visitor numbers are projected to grow significantly, this growth will increase car trips to and within the region. Further market research by the National Trust into visitor dissatisfaction found congestion cited as a primary reason for declining visitor numbers at some National Trust Properties in the South. Clearly growing car use and congestion is not only an issue in terms of increasing carbon emissions and pollution in the region but also impacts on the visitor experience.