We've updated the statistics in the table as 2 further sections of the Isle of Wight stretch are now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the White Bridge, Cattawade to Shotley Gate section of the Harwich to Shotley Gate stretch is now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Green Road railway station to Greenodd footbridge section of the Silecroft to Silverdale stretch is now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table as further sections of the Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea stretch, and the whole of the Bawdsey to Aldeburgh stretch are now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table following the approval of the last section of the Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe stretch (Southbourne to Mudeford Quay).
Removed the link to the variation report for Titchwell, Norfolk (WBH-VR32) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has ended.
We've removed the link to the variation report for Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex (SHE-VR29) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has ended.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Wallasea Island to Burnham-on-Crouch stretch is now open to the public.
We've added a link to the variation report for Titchwell, Norfolk (WBH-VR32) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the South Hayling to East Head stretch is now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Mersea Island stretch is now open to the public. We've also added a link to the variation report for Bosham, Chichester, West Sussex (SHE-VR29) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
We've removed the link to the variation report for Douglas Boatyard, Hesketh Bank, Lancashire (CPH-VR31) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has now ended.
We've updated the statistics in the table following the approvals of Silecroft to Silverdale length 5, and Highcliffe to Calshot lengths 2 and 5.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Culver Down to Binnel Bay (IOW3) section of the Isle of Wight stretch is now open to the public.
We've corrected the statistics in the table to remove the approvals for HCS2 and HCS5, and SCS5 which were published in error.
We've updated the statistics in the table following the approvals of Silecroft to Silverdale length 5, and Highcliffe to Calshot lengths 2 and 5.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth and Cremyll to Kingswear stretches are now open to the public.
We've added a link to the variation report for Douglas Boatyard, Hesketh Bank, Lancashire (CPH-VR31) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Portsmouth to South Hayling stretch is now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey stretch is now open to the public.
We've removed the links to the report for Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge Bay as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has ended. We've updated the statistics in the table following the approvals of Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea length 4; Harwich to Shotley Gate lengths 2, 3, 5 and 6; Lyme Regis to Rufus Castle lengths 1 to 4.
We've updated the statistics in the table as 2 sections of the Isle of Wight stretch are now open to the public.
Page has been updated with a link to the report IOW 1: East Cowes Ferry to Wootton Bridge as the opportunity to comment is now open. We've updated the statistics in the table.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the whole of the Easington to Filey Brigg stretch is now open to the public.
We've added a link to the report for Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge Bay, and updated the statistics in the table.
We've removed the links to the variation reports for Sutton Hoo and Methersgate (FFB-VR23) and Ken Hill Estate, Snettisham Beach (HSB-VR26) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has ended.
We've updated the statistics table following the approval of the proposals for the Weybridge to Hunstanton stretch.
We've updated the statistics in the table as part of the Isle of Sheppey stretch is now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics table - the Newquay to Penzance, Penzance to St Mawes and St Mawes to Cremyll stretches, and part of the Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe stretch, are now open to the public.
We've removed the links to the Abbot Hall, Kents Bank modification report (SCS-MR1) and the Carnforth variation report (SDC-VR27) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has closed.
We've updated the statistics in the table as the Mablethorpe to the Humber Bridge stretch is now open to the public. Removed the link to the Hens Brook, Eastchurch modification report (IOS-MR1) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals has closed.
We've added links to the variation reports for Sutton Hoo and Methersgate (FFB-VR23) and Ken Hill Estate, Snettisham Beach (HSB-VR26) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
Updated the statistics in the table following the approval of Bawdsey to Aldeburgh lengths 1, 2, 4 and 5; Gretna to Allonby lengths 2 (partial), 4, MR1 and MR2; Isle of Wight lengths 2, 7 and 10.
We've added links to the Abbot Hall, Kents Bank modification report (SCS-MR1) and the Carnforth variation report (SDC-VR27) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open. We've also updated the statistics in the table as the Humber Bridge to Easington stretch is now open to the public.
We've added a link to the Hens Brook, Eastchurch modification report (IOS-MR1) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
We've updated the statistics in the table following the approval of Iwade to Grain sections IGR4 and IGR6.
We've updated the statistics in the table. The Birkenhead to the Welsh border and Marsland Mouth to Newquay stretches are now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table.
We've removed the link to the Corton and Dunwich Heath variation report (VR21) as the opportunity to comment has ended.
We've updated the statistics in the table, as part of the Eastbourne to Camber stretch is now open to the public.
Removed the link in the grey box to the Bonchurch modification report (IOW-MR3) as the opportunity to comment has ended.
We've updated the statistics in the table. Parts of the Marsland Mouth to Newquay and Newquay to Penzance stretches are now open to the public.
We've added a link to the Corton and Dunwich Heath variation report (VR21) in the grey box at the top of the page.
We've updated the statistics in the table. The Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry stretch is now open to the public. The Isle of Wight report IOW 3 has been approved.
Removed the link in the grey box to the modification report Longcroft and Whitrigg, Kirkbride, Cumbria (GAL-MR3) as the opportunity to comment has ended.
Removed the link to the Rye Harbour to Camber Sands (EBC 8) report as the consultation period has ended.
We've added a link to the Open Access maps website in the 'Coastal margin' paragraph so it's easy to search for sites that are subject to restrictions.
We've added a link to the Bonchurch modification report (IOW-MR3) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
Removed the link to the Dunnerholme, Askam-in-Furness, Cumbria (VR18) report as the consultation period has ended.
We've updated the statistics in the table. The Sutton Bridge to Skegness stretch is now open to the public.
We've updated the statistics in the table. Two sections of the Birkenhead to the Welsh border stretch have opened to the public.
We've added a link to the Longcroft and Whitrigg modification report (GAL-MR3) as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the proposals for Rye Harbour to Camber Sands (EBC 8) is now open. The statistics in the table have been updated.
Page updated with link to variation report VR18 as the opportunity to comment on these proposals is now open.
Updated the statistics table following another set of stretch approvals.
We've added a table of statistics that shows the progress of the project so far, by mileage. The table will be updated regularly.
Removed the link to the variation report VR19, East Hill and Cowden Parva, as the opportunity to comment has ended.
Added a link to the variation report VR19, East Hill and Cowden Parva.
Page updated with information about the opportunity to comment on the modification reports for Luccombe (MR1) and Shanklin Chine (MR2).
Opportunity to make representations on the objection to proposals for the Harwich to Shotley Gate stretch now open.
To commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III the England Coast Path is renamed the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Headon Warren, Isle of Wight (VR1) is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the modification report proposals for Rye and the Rother Estuary is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Silloth Docks, Silloth (VR13) and the modification report proposals for Raby Cote and Raby Grange, Cumbria (GAL-MR2) is now open. Both are part of the Gretna to Allonby stretch.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Canal Road, Strood (part of the Iwade to Grain stretch), Mill Creek, Newhaven (part of the Shoreham to Eastbourne stretch) and Ecclesbourne Glen, Hastings Country Park (part of the Eastbourne to Camber stretch) now open.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Mersea Outdoors to Coopers Beach Holiday Park, Mersea Island (MR1) now open. Part of the Mersea Island stretch.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Esk Boathouse, Castletown (VR10) and the modification report proposals for Burgh Marsh and Burgh-by-Sands, Cumbria (GAL-MR1) is now open. Both are part of the Gretna to Allonby stretch.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Saunton Down, Down End, Croyde (VR11) now open. Part of the Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth stretch.
Removed the link to the RDPE Establishment Fund as this grant has ended.
Opportunity to comment on the Mablethorpe to the Humber Bridge and Humber Bridge to Easington reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Sheepway Lane to Portbury Wharf (part of the Aust to Brean Down stretch) now open.
Opportunity now open to comment on the report that modifies the proposals for Eastney Peninsula and Kendalls Wharf (part of the Portsmouth to South Hayling stretch).
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals now open for Calder to Seascale, part of the Whitehaven to Silecroft stretch.
Opportunity to comment on the Bawdsey to Aldeburgh reports is now open.
Added Birkenhead to the Welsh border to the CTA box as opportunity to comment now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Hunstanton to Sutton Bridge reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Salcott to Jaywick reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Cleveleys to Pier Head, Liverpool reports is now open.
Opportunity now open to comment on the report that modifies the proposals for Hurlstone Point and Glenthorne, Exmoor, (part of the Minehead to Combe Martin stretch).
Deadline for submission of comments on published reports extended to 9 June 2020.
Added Covid-19 statement to page.
Added note advising that reports cannot now be viewed in public libraries and that objections and representations should be sent by email rather than post.
Opportunity to comment on the Isle of Wight reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Tilbury to Southend-on-Sea and Eastbourne to Camber reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Aldeburgh to Hopton-on-Sea and Wallasea Island to Burnham-on-Crouch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Isle of Sheppey and Harwich to Shotley Gate reports is now open.
The opportunity to comment on proposals is now open for the following stretches: Bamburgh to the Scottish Border (including Holy Island); Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth; Cremyll to Kingswear; Iwade to Grain and Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry.
Opportunity to comment on the Silecroft to Silverdale and Silverdale to Cleveleys reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Southend-on-Sea to Wallasea Island stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Marsland Mouth to Newquay stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the South Hayling to East Head stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Penzance to St Mawes stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Amble to Bamburgh stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Aust to Brean Down stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the Calshot to Gosport stretch reports is now open.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals for Nethertown and Sellafield, part of the Whitehaven to Silecroft stretch, now open.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Newquay to Portsmouth, St Mawes to Cremyll and Gosport to Portsmouth stretches.
Opportunity to comment on the Grain to Woolwich stretch reports is now open.
Statement added about how the recent European Court judgement has affected the completion date for this project.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne stretch.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals now open for Drigg, part of the Whitehaven to Silecroft stretch.
Opportunity to comment on the variation report proposals now open for Coulderton and Nethertown, part of the Whitehaven to Silecroft stretch.
Added a section about the new ECPEF grant for landowners/managers of approved stretches.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Weybourne to Hunstanton stretch.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Highcliffe to Calshot stretch.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Easington to Filey Brigg stretch.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Sutton Bridge to Skegness stretch.
Corrected consultation period closing date for East Head to Shoreham.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for East Head to Shoreham.
Updated page to show consultation for Jaywick to Harwich proposals has opened and consultation for Minehead to Combe Martin proposals has closed.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Burnham-on-Crouch to Maldon and Portsmouth to South Hayling stretches.
Mersea Island consultation is now open for comments.
Opportunity to comment on report proposals now open for Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe and Whitstable to Iwade stretches.
Minehead to Combe Martin consultation now open
Opportunity to comment has opened for 2 more stretches
Opportunity to comment has opened for 2 stretches.
Walney Island consultation is now open for comments.
Added link to Newport Bridge to North Gare proposals.
SoS announcement approves the route for 3 stretches of the England Coast Path.
Consultation opens on proposed changes to approved route at Dunball Wharf and St Audries Bay in Somerset.
Filey Brigg to Newport Bridge consultation opens
Ramsgate to Whitstable consultation opens
Folkestone to Ramsgate consultation outcome published
Outline of government's plan to complete the England Coast Path by 2020.
First published.
Overview of progress
To commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and in recognition of his regard for the natural world, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced on 1 May 2023 that the England Coast Path would be renamed the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Work is well underway on the King Charles III England Coast Path, a new 2,700 mile National Trail around all of England’s coast. Subject to the outcome of the current spending review, it is expected that the path will be completed by spring 2026 – connecting communities around the English coast from Northumberland to Cumbria.
Current progress by mileage
Natural England submits proposals to government for the King Charles III England Coast Path in stretches.
Once the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs approves a stretch proposal, works can begin on signage, groundworks and infrastructure. A date is then agreed for the stretch to legally open to the public.
Status of proposals
Number of miles
Total mileage submitted to government - complete and open for public use - approved by government and work to establish the route taking place, or awaited - awaiting government decision
The overview of progress map shows all the proposed stretches. Use this to identify the stretches that:
are open
are approved but not yet open
have proposals published but not yet approved
are in development
Coastal margin
As part of this work a ‘coastal margin’ is being identified. The margin includes all land between the trail and the sea. It may also extend inland from the trail if:
it’s a type of coastal land identified in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act), such as beach, dune or cliff
there are existing access rights under section 15 of the CROW Act
Natural England and the landowner agree to follow a clear physical feature landward of the trail
In the coastal margin, you’ll usually have new rights to enjoy areas like beaches, dunes and foreshore. Some areas will not have such rights because they’re:
excepted land, such as cropped land or buildings and their courtyards or gardens
subject to a restriction, for example for nature conservation reasons or because the land is not suitable for public access, such as a saltmarsh or mudflat
Other parts of the coastal margin may be steep, uneven or unstable. You must take care of your own safety and look out for local notices.