Two new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP), together covering more than 150 miles along the north and south coasts of Devon, opened on 17 December.
The works form part of a national programme to create a continuous coastal footpath around England and establish coastal access rights between the trail and mean low water.
Once completed, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the United Kingdom’s longest National Trail. In Devon, the route adopts and, in places, improves the existing South West Coast Path.
On the north coast, the newly opened section runs from Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth on the Devon Cornwall border. On the south coast, the new section extends from Cremyll at the Tamar estuary to Kingswear.
Together, these sections link with other open routes around the south west peninsula to create around 600 miles of continuous open trail. The route provides an accessible coastal margin to the water’s edge, taking in cliffs, dunes, beaches and foreshore from Brean Down to Lyme Regis. The opening also brings the total length of the King Charles III England Coast Path nationally to more than 2,000 miles and significantly improves the existing South West Coast Path.
The 75 mile north coast section runs from Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth, with views across to Lundy Island. The route passes through the Taw Torridge estuaries, an important habitat for wildfowl, waders and gulls, and Braunton Burrows, which is home to more than 470 species of plants and wildflowers and was used as a training beach for the D Day landings in 1944. It continues across the Hartland Peninsula. A section between Hartland Point and Marsland Mouth, around 10 miles long, is regarded as one of the most challenging walks in the south west. The trail passes through Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton Sands, Appledore and Westward Ho!.
Access to saltmarsh within the coastal margin of the Taw Torridge estuary is excluded year round, as it is unsuitable for public access.
As the South West Coast Path becomes part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, improvement works have included restoring a concrete causeway across the southern part of Croyde beach. At Watertown in Appledore, a new short section of off road, traffic free path above the high tide line has improved connectivity between Appledore and Northam Burrows.
The 78 mile south coast section runs along the clifftops between the historic ports of Plymouth and Dartmouth and Kingswear. The route crosses seven estuaries, six by ferry and one that can only be crossed on foot at low tide. It includes Slapton Sands between Torcross and Strete Gate, which also has links to preparations for the Normandy landings in 1944. Other historic sites along the route include the Iron Age promontory fort at Bolt Tail Camp, Fort Charles, Salcombe, the village of Hallsands and Dartmouth Castle.
Wildlife viewing opportunities are a feature of the south coast route, with several protected sites including the intertidal habitats of the Erme and Kingsbridge estuaries and Slapton Ley, where cirl bunting and shore dock can be found.
Improvements to both sections were completed by Devon County Council with support from the South West Coast Path Association. These include a new short section of path above an existing coastal defence to improve access at high tide at Mothecombe beach, reinstating a section of path lost to erosion at Blackpool Sands, and constructing a new off road, traffic free path east of Stoke Fleming with views over Blackpool Sands.
Andrea Ayres of Natural England said:
“Natural England wants to make it easier for everyone to connect with nature, and the new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people the chance to explore amazing landscapes on both the north and south coasts of Devon.
“By joining up the places where people live, work and enjoy, the improved coast path will benefit the local economy and local communities and makes it easier for everyone to enjoy.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said:
“The King Charles III England Coast Path is a wonderful addition to the National Trails family.
“In addition to the significant contribution to health and wellbeing, the Coast Path provides for and supports green infrastructure within and between Devon’s Protected Landscapes, enabling our communities and visitors to sensitively enjoy our amazing coastline.”
Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer at the South West Coast Path Association, said:
“It’s wonderful to see the investment along the Coast Path around Devon.
“These works have enhanced the trail, and the new crossing of the B3231 at Down End near Croyde is an improvement, which the charity has been championing to ensure the safety of walkers in this area.
“It’s great to have this opened before the Christmas period so people can get out, connect with nature, and enjoy the improved Coast Path route.”
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long distance walking trail around the open coast of England, alongside public access rights to a wider area of coastal land. Natural England said more than 2,000 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path are now open, with completion expected by spring 2026, subject to resources.
To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions at http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk and can check for any restrictions to access at Natural England – Open Access maps.
The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.
Petition on gov.uk- Rename ‘BBC licence fee ‘ to ‘BBC subscription ‘