The UK just got the world’s longest coastal path stretching 2,700 miles along England
There’s nothing like blowing off the cobwebs with a long walk, and now, a new path that weaves along the entire English coast has opened.
The rather inelegantly named King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail – now the world’s longest coastal path – passes iconic landmarks, including the Seven Sisters and Chesil Beach.
The brainchild of Gordon Brown’s government, it’s been in the works for almost 20 years.
The path has been inaugurated by the King himself, but only around 80% of it is open to the public.
The project is set to create 25 new national nature reserves by 2028, of which 13 have been opened, including the 65-square-mile Seven Sisters section, which the King walked 2km of as part of the opening.
Natural England’s chairman, Tony Juniper, said of the East Sussex stretch: ‘This remarkable nature-rich landscape formed over millions of years and today is home to a vast array of wildlife, including special plants, insects and birds.
‘The Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve creates a bigger, better and more joined-up space for nature and paves the way for nature’s protection and recovery across more than 1,500 hectares in this iconic part of England.’
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While many of the walks are in themselves, national treasures, more than 1,000 miles of fresh path have been installed, plus several upgrades, including extra stiles and bridges to make it more accessible.
Parts of the path also stretch through London, as the South East section starts in Woolwich, along the Thames Estuary, and moves down to Brighton.
Along the way, expect to see Roman sites, the famous White Cliffs of Dover, and the old lighthouse in Shoreham Harbour.
Down in the South West, the route is open between Penzance and Cremyll, and stretches through Nare Head, Looe, and Seaton.
This follows the unveiling of the eight-mile Birkenhead stretch last year, which winds all the way to the Welsh border, crossing through the North Wirral Coastal Park, Liverpool’s iconic docks, and New Brighton.
At the time, Gerry Rusbridge, senior advisor for Natural England in the North West, noted that the path has made it easier for locals and visitors alike to witness the North West and Welsh coastlines.
He added: ‘The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.’
London’s best ‘mega walks’
Want to stretch your legs but don’t want to go that far?
Our Travel team recently rounded up the best ‘mega walks’ across the capital.
Whether you’re after canal-side coffee shops, sprawling parks or a route that ends at the pub, they’re perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
For something scenic but not too taxing, the Wandle Trail is a great choice. Stretching for around 12.5 miles, it follows the River Wandle from Waddon in Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth, passing through peaceful parks and interesting historic spots along the way.
Along the way, you’ll pass Morden Hall Park, a National Trust site with ornamental gardens, historic buildings and a riverside path. The trail also takes you through Merton Abbey Mills, once a textile factory, now filled with independent shops and markets.
Equally, if you’re stuck for inspiration, you could also just follow the London Underground.
One popular walk that’s been doing the rounds on TikTok is the Victoria Line challenge, where people walk the entire route of the Tube line above ground, stopping at every station along the way.
Elsewhere, for a mix of riverside views and green space, the Wandsworth Bridge, Putney and Barnes Circular is a top pick. The route is between five and six miles and is mostly flat, making it accessible for most walkers.
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