The world's longest coastal path opens today stretching 2,689 miles across England's entire shoreline

Sarra Gray
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:56:28 +0000

The King Charles III England Coast Path opens today, stretching an impressive 2,689 miles around England's entire shoreline.

It is now the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, according to Natural England.

For the first time, walkers can follow a continuous trail along the country's coastline, making it a great option for Britons looking for a scenic staycation.

Whether you want a weekend stroll or something more ambitious, this path lets you explore England's shores step by step.

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The route has stunning and varied scenery. Walkers will find themselves passing through salt marshes, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes and charming historic coastal towns.

One highlight of the route is the iconic chalk downland at the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, which Natural England has just designated as a new National Nature Reserve.

The diverse landscape is great for Britons looking to explore the beauty on their own doorstep.

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From rugged clifftops to peaceful stretches of sand, there is something for everyone along the trail.

This path has taken 18 years to complete, beginning during Gordon Brown's time in office and reaching the finish line now.

Currently, around 80 per cent of the route is open to walkers, with the remaining sections expected to be finished by the end of this year.

More than 1,000 miles of brand-new paths have been created, while existing sections have been upgraded with resurfaced trails, new boardwalks and bridges.

The path has been cleverly designed with climate change in mind, featuring a first-of-its-kind legal provision allowing the route to be "rolled back" inland if coastlines erode or shift.

Natural England has also improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility, opening up previously off-limits beaches, dunes and clifftops to the public.

It comes with some challenges along the way. At the River Erme in south Devon, there's no bridge or ferry, so walkers must wade across within an hour of low tide. However, with different starting points available, there is something for all abilities.