EMROIDERY fans can take a trip along the South West Coast Path – without leaving an exhibition in Dorset.

To mark its 50th anniversary, members of the West Country Embroiderers (WCE) group have created 166 panels taking viewers on a trip through Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

The panels capture landmarks along the coast path, from Dorset through Devon and Cornwall – all three counties that make up the WCE.

Founded in 1973, the not-for-profit group was established to promote the skills and knowledge of all forms of textile work.

Autonomous groups operate independently under the WCE umbrella and welcome members of all ages, abilities and interests.

“Members from across the organisation have embroidered 166 panels to illustrate landmarks along the path, using any stitching technique they wish,” a spokesperson said.

“The A5-sized, vertically worked embroideries are unframed, but displayed consecutively so that the viewer ‘walks’ the coast path.

Paignton Pier

“A stitched map of the coastline is included and panels marking the county borders have also been inserted.”

The South West Coast Path embroideries are being exhibited at various venues in each of the three counties during the anniversary year.

The exhibition launched at Stitching4All, Westpoint, Exeter, in March, has been displayed in Truro Cathedral, at the Dorset Arts and Crafts Association Showcase in August and The Gallery Upstairs in Poole in October.

Now, it is set to make its way to Upton Country Park, near Poole, where it will go on show in The Gallery Upstairs between October 5 and 9.

The gallery will be open from 10am to 4.30pm and admission is free.

The Pinnacles

Westward Ho!