MONMOUTHSHIRE residents are being encouraged to enjoy the sea air and the health benefits of walking, as they take advantage of the Wales Coast Path this year.

A new report by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) found that an average of more than 23,000 walkers use the path every week.

The health benefits from this physical activity have been valued at £18.3million per year, so walking the coast path is not just good for you, it's good for Wales as a whole.

 The report uses the "Health Economic Assessment Tool for walking" (HEAT) method to calculate the value of health benefits of a project.

HEAT is traditionally used by transport planners to measure the economic value of the health benefits of walking and cycling for commuting, but has been adapted for walking for recreation.

Cabinet member for the countryside, councillor Giles Howard, said: "The Wales Coast Path offers wonderful leisure opportunities and is easily accessible to cyclists and walkers. 

"It's really good to see that so many people are benefitting from a great Welsh project, which is unique in scale and has received international recognition.

"Walking is one of the simplest ways to exercise and stay fit and healthy. The path offers a scenic and accessible way of enjoying gentle exercise near to people's homes.

The Wales Coast Path has been developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with NRW, sixteen local authorities and two National Parks.