Ever dreamed of walking the entire English coastline? Now, you can—well, almost.
The King Charles III England Coast Path has officially opened, stretching an eye-watering 2,689 miles.
That’s officially the world’s longest managed coastal walking route, according to Natural England.
For the first time, walkers can follow a continuous path from salt marshes to sandy beaches, cliffs to historic towns.
Highlights include the chalky Seven Sisters in East Sussex, now part of a brand-new National Nature Reserve.
“It’s brilliant—the best thing I’ll do in my working life,” says Neil Constable, who led the project.
And he’s not talking about the miles; he’s talking about freedom. Turn left or right, and the sea is yours to explore.
It hasn’t been easy. The project spans 18 years, seven prime ministers, and more than 1,000 miles of new paths.
Path Upgrades Completed
Bridges, boardwalks, and stiles have been upgraded, gaps filled, and tricky spots navigated—like wading across the River Erme at low tide.
Climate change was also factored in. The path can now “roll back” inland if erosion or landslips occur, keeping it safe and continuous.
Lorna Sherriff from the South West Coast Path team recalls how a recent cliff fall was handled within weeks thanks to this flexibility.
For decades, groups like the Ramblers campaigned for public access to England’s coasts.
Jack Cornish calls the trail “transformational,” allowing picnics, beach rambles, and—finally—a real connection to the shoreline.
So, fancy walking almost 2,700 miles? Might be worth lacing up those boots. Two years, no rest days—who’s in?
