King Charles III England Coast Path

There was much media coverage recently when King Charles officially opened his eponymous England Coast Path at an event at Seven Sisters. Linking existing paths with 1,000 miles of new access and improved infrastructure, the 2,700 mile-long trail is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, giving unprecedented access to coastline.

(Photo by David Pearce: The Iconic Seven Sisters)

This launch was the culmination of more than sixteen years of work from Natural England and over 50 coastal local authorities, landowners and others across the country, including Wildlife Trusts, the National Trust and access organisations such as the Ramblers Association, Disabled Ramblers and British Mountaineering Council.

One of the key features of the King Charles III England Coast Path is its ability to ‘rollback’ with coastal erosion. This means that the path can be easily moved inland to adapt to the changing shape of the coast and ensure access rights remain in place for the future.  

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds

The Isle of Wight Coast Path forms part of the King Charles III England Coast Path; there have been some improvements carried out already, and more are planned. However, contending with coastal erosion is going to be a major issue, and the rollback facility will be vital. Significant stretches of the path between Freshwater Bay and Brook Bay have already been closed and diverted inland. There is a short section behind Brook Bay where the cliff edge is only about three metres from the road, so that too is in imminent danger. David, a geographer, will be sharing his thoughts on coastal erosion in the near future, there's something to look forward to!

In his experience the management of temporary closures and diversions leaves a lot to be desired. Both on the Isle of Wight Coast Path and previously along the Norfolk Coast Path he wasn't alone in being confused by inadequate signage which on occasions led to frustration and running further than was planned, often on roads. This aspect of coastal path management needs serious consideration.

The official opening of the King Charles III England Coast Path is splendid news, but it will be an ongoing challenge, requiring significant commitment and investment to make all 2,700 miles truly coastal and sustainably accessible.

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Posted by Nobby