Path improvements along 228 miles of Cornwall’s stunning coastline from St Agnes Head along the south coast to the Tamar at Cremyll have finished
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.
Earlier this year the 75-mile stretch from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay was completed. This follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail. Now the remaining 228 miles of path are completed: heading west from Newquay, down to Land’s End and back along the south coast to Cremyll on the banks of the Tamar.
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Plenty to See Along the Path
For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Falmouth, Penzance and Polperro, along with popular spots such as Land’s End and The Lizard.
For those interested in the county’s heritage, there are castles in abundance, like St Mawes and St Michael’s Mount, alongside remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past at Botallack engine houses and the Levant mine and beam engine – to say nothing of the famous cliffside Minack Theatre.
There’s also plenty for lovers of wildlife to spot, including choughs, grey seals and peregrine falcons. And, of course, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off at throughout the route.
Lining up the Path with the Coast
In establishing the new trail, Natural England sought to improve the alignment of the coast path where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, a new route has been created on the western side of the Lizard at Porthkerris instead of the old inland route along country roads. And at Millendreath the new path has been moved away from the road to allow for more scenic views and a safer walking route. Other changes include Downderry where the main route is impassable during high tides, so an alternative follows the coastal road.
While walkers will still encounter steep climbs and descents - as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops – there are now more accessible areas. This includes the path between Swanpool and Gyllanvase Beach and the path around Tregantle Fort. Another change is a new legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.
‘Wowing visitors for years’
Andrea Ayres, deputy area director for Natural England, said:
‘Great to see sections of the King’s coast path open in Cornwall’
While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac, together with the National Trust, have worked to deliver the improvements around the county.
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Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:
Local Locations used in The Salt Path
The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, was released last week and partly filmed in Newquay, as well as Whitsand Bay and Rame Head on the south east coast of Cornwall. Based on the memoir written by Raynor Winn, the story is about one couple’s walk around the South West Coast Path and could lead to the area attracting a whole new wave of visitors.
The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails will retain their branding and alongside other promoted routes form part of the KCIIIECP.
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You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Newquay and Cremyll, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.
Background
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, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.
Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
King Charles III England Coast Path:
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
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.
For Landowners:
Landowners who have KCIIIECP coastal access rights on their land enjoy the lowest liabilities in England.
About Natural England
Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
For more information, visit King Charles III England Coast Path: improving public access to the coast .
About the South West Coast Path Association
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.
For more information visit the South West Coast Path Association.