England's Coast

England's beaches are perfect for long, lazy summertime sunning, swimming… and strolling! Soon, the latter will be made even easier, thanks to the England Coast Path. When completed it will be, at 2,795 miles, the longest coastal walking route on the planet, wiggling its way around the country’s entire coastline.

As a nation, we are already blessed with many rights-ofway. A huge network of public footpaths plus some 15 longdistance UK National Trails existed well before this initiative.

The current coastal trails are essentially being improved, adapted and extended to form one very long continuous route. Of course, you don’t have to do it all (but wow, wouldn’t that be amazing?). Dip in and out, starting and finishing where you please and getting some seriously healthy sea air into your lungs in between. Walk for an afternoon, a day, a weekend or more.

The idea is to open up the entire coastline to the public, to boost our health and our connection with nature. It’s also about connecting communities and energising coastal businesses. It’s a monumental task, and hasn’t been without its headaches – having to gain agreements from landowners and users, highway authorities and others to allow free access is not easy, not to mention the red tape involved in such a huge project… It was originally slated to finish this year - delays have meant that hasn’t happened but areas of the path are underway everywhere and coming to a coast near you!

The signposted (look out for the acorn waymarkers) route hugs the coastline as much as possible, but in sections has to snake slightly inland to avoid obstructions, both natural and manmade. Walkers can enjoy vast sandy beaches, pebbly coves, soaring clifftops, woodland, moorland, saltmarshes and mud flats. Seaside villages will provide welcome rest stops for food and overnight stays. More industrial landscapes and towns and cities are not excluded either.

It’s not just a footpath, however. New rights of way will mean walkers can access land between the path and the sea in many places. The England Coast Path is designed to outlast all of us – if any areas of the path are affected by coastal erosion in the future, then the path will be permitted to move further inland.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England who are overseeing and implementing the project says ‘“England’s wonderful coastline is a national treasure. Our flagship England Coast Path is taking people through some of the finest and most important landscapes in England, opening up access to historic landmarks, natural wonders and breath-taking scenery, enabling more visitors to experience, recognise and value the benefits of our environment.”

A VERY ENGLISH ADVENTURE

Open right now and ready to explore, here are some of England's Coast Path trails worth walking for…

Portland to Lulworth

This was the first section of the England Coast Path to open, in time for our 2012 Olympics so that spectators could have great viewing areas to watch the sailing events. The 20 mile trail starts on the isle of Portland. It then passes the ‘barrier’ beach of Chesil Beach – with its unique geology it’s a popular spot for twitchers, with nearly 300 bird species, as well as many types of butterfly and moth. Weymouth Beach is a good stop for sandcastle building before coming to Nothe Fort, with its dazzling views over the Jurassic Coast. The trail passes the natural rock sea arch of Durdle Door, the star of many a postcard, before finishing up in the perfect cove at Lulworth – treat yourself to a cream tea at the Boat Shed Café, right on the beach.

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Filey Brigg to Middlesborough

The longest section of the England Coast Path to open so far. At 68 miles long, it skirts the edge of the North York Moors National Park (look out for minke and humpback whales and dolphins). Carry on to the jolly seaside resort of Scarborough and the old smuggling village of Robin Hood’s Bay, its labyrinthine streets full of cosy cottages, pubs and shops. Whitby is next, where the ruined Gothic abbey provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Staithes is another gorgeous fishing village on the Path and the route travels up to clifftops nearby for sublime views over the little red roofed houses and 18th century harbour. The walk finishes at the starkly beautiful Tees Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough.

Skegness to Mablethorpe

The big open skies and vast beaches of the Lincolnshire coastline have always been a draw for walkers and artists. Now there’s improved access along this 16 mile stretch, particularly with the new boardwalks near the North Sea Observatory with its natural history displays, art space and café. Anderby Creek Cloud Bar (no, you can’t buy booze there) is the world’s first dedicated cloud observation platform where you can lie back and sort our your cirrus from your cumulus. A submarine forest dating from the Neolithic period is sometimes on view near Mablethorpe! The remains of this ancient woodland, which once stretched all the way from Lincolnshire to the mainland of Europe, can be seen poking up near the shoreline, especially in winter.

Folkestone to Ramsgate

Kent’s coast is one of the most varied and historic in the UK, so this 37 mile stretch is a great addition to the England Coast Path. It kicks off in artsy Folkestone (worth a browse around the creative corner especially). The rest of the route combines sweeping beaches, Martello towers and castles, gentrified Deal, with its interesting historic quarter, ancient Sandwich, and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover (views right over to France on a clear day). Those wanting to stretch their legs further could start their walk at Camber, just over the border in East Sussex and walk the whole 66 miles now open between there and Ramsgate. Plus an extension from Ramsgate to Whitstable is coming soon.

South Bents & Amble

A 44 mile tramp through Tyneside and Northumberland gives a good variety of coastline views, from the riverside area where the Tyne meets the sea to wild beaches and dunes and seaside resorts. Fans of the TV series, Vera, will recognise Whitley Bay, Cresswell and St Mary’s Island as regular filming locations. Also along the route are the Arbeia Roman Fort, which once guarded the main sea route to Hadrian’s Wall, at South Shields, Tynemouth Castle and Priory and Souter Lighthouse – the world’s first to run on electricity. Blyth Beach is big and sandy and recognisable for its brightly painted beach huts.