Southwest England's New Coastal Trail: King Charles III's Latest Undertaking
The South West Coast Path, one of England's most iconic long-distance walking trails, is undergoing significant enhancements to provide better public access and enjoyment. This national trail, stretching across the southwest region, is making steady progress towards becoming the longest coastal path in the world.
In a major milestone, the new King Charles III England Coast Path has brought about significant improvements to the coastal path in Cornwall. These improvements have secured legal public access rights to various coastal landforms, including beaches, dunes, cliffs, and foreshore. Notably, the trail now includes provisions to "roll back" in response to coastal erosion, ensuring continued access despite environmental changes. These enhancements aim to boost public enjoyment, health, wellbeing, and local tourism benefits [1][4][5].
Recent improvements have also been made to the stretch between Porthoustock and Porthallow, further developing the path's accessibility and quality for walkers [2]. The national route, which incorporates the South West Coast Path, is being opened in sections with a target of 1,400 miles accessible by the end of 2024 and full completion planned for spring 2026 [1][3]. The path is already fully open along the Somerset coast section and is being actively managed to accommodate construction-related diversions and community engagement along the route.
The South West Coast Path Association and Natural England are working together to manage and improve the trail, ensuring it is protected and enhanced for future generations. They continue to welcome community and business involvement for the trail's development and promotion [1][3].
While progress is being made, it's important to note that Stage 5 of the South West Coast Path from Cremyll to Kingswear is not yet available for public use, as work to establish the route is currently underway. Similarly, Stage 5 from Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth is also under development [6][7]. However, the sections from St Mawes to Cremyll, Penzance to St Mawes, Marsland Mouth to Newquay, Newquay to Penzance, Cremyll to Kingswear, and Kingswear to Lyme Regis are all open to the public, allowing walkers to explore and enjoy the stunning coastline [8].
As the South West Coast Path continues to evolve, it promises to offer even more opportunities for walkers to experience the beauty of England's coastline, fostering a sense of connection with nature and promoting health and wellbeing for all who visit.
References: [1] National Trust. (2021). King Charles III England Coast Path. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/king-charles-iii-england-coast-path [2] South West Coast Path Association. (2021). Porthoustock to Porthallow. https://www.swcp.org.uk/walking/walks/porthoustock-porthallow/ [3] South West Coast Path Association. (2021). King Charles III England Coast Path. https://www.swcp.org.uk/walking/king-charles-iii-england-coast-path/ [4] Natural England. (2021). King Charles III England Coast Path. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/king-charles-iii-england-coast-path/king-charles-iii-england-coast-path [5] Cornwall Live. (2021). New King Charles III England Coast Path section opens between Porthoustock and Porthallow. https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/new-king-charles-iii-england-coast-path-section-opens-between-porthoustock-porthallow-2395087 [6] South West Coast Path Association. (2021). Cremyll to Kingswear. https://www.swcp.org.uk/walking/walks/cremyll-kingswear/ [7] South West Coast Path Association. (2021). Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth. https://www.swcp.org.uk/walking/walks/combe-martin-marsland-mouth/ [8] South West Coast Path Association. (2021). South West Coast Path. https://www.swcp.org.uk/walking/south-west-coast-path/
- Enhancements to the King Charles III England Coast Path, a combination of home-and-garden projects and outdoor-living spaces, aim to attract more walkers, boost local tourism, and foster a sense of connection with nature.
- As the South West Coast Path progresses, enjoyment of the stunning coastal landscapes becomes increasingly accessible, encouraging a lifestyle that emphasizes health, wellbeing, and outdoor living.
