Guidance

Lincolnshire coast: King Charles III England Coast Path

Published 24 June 2026

Applies to England

The King Charles III England Coast Path is the longest National Trail in England. It goes all the way around the coast of England.

In Lincolnshire, the coast is one of contrasts. It’s well known for its beaches and seaside towns, including Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness. The trail also goes along the Humber estuary. 

The King Charles III England Coast Path has opened up access to more remote sections of the coast, with bird watching opportunities on the tidal marches.

About the trail  

In Lincolnshire, the Kings Charles III England Coast Path goes between:  

• Sutton Bridge, South Holland  
• the Humber Bridge, Barton-upon-Humber

You can choose to walk the entire trail, a specific section or two, or find local circular walks that follow some of the trail. 

You can find circular and linear walks on the National Trails website.

When to visit  

The trail is open all year. There may be seasonal changes to the route of the trail, such as:  

• ferries that only run during part of the year, or have a seasonal timetable  
• alternative routes designed to protect wildlife, ensure your safety or allow land management activities  

Areas on the coast can be very exposed to the weather, which can be changeable. Be aware of risks such as storms and strong winds, tides and waves. Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set off.

Signposts on the trail 

All National Trails are marked with an acorn symbol. You’ll see this and signs for the King Charles III England Coast Path along the trail, for example on gates and signposts. 

Some sections of the trail follow other National Trails or named trails. You may see signs with the names of these trails, or signs may say the trail is “part of the King Charles III England Coast Path”. Look out for where the trails join or separate.

Explore beyond the trail 

In most places you can explore the land between the trail and the sea, known as the ‘coastal margin’. This area is shown in pink on Ordnance Survey (OS) maps.  

Follow the rules on exploring land in the coastal margin to find out which areas you can access or not. For example, some areas of saltmarsh and mudflat are not suitable for public access.

Accessibility on the trail 

 The King Charles III England Coast Path is designed to be as accessible as possible, with minimal use of barriers such as stiles. However, most of the trail is on natural surfaces with varied natural terrain. 

On the coast, the trail may have steep climbs and descents, and long flights of steep steps in places.  

In some places, the trail goes on:  

• paved promenades, pavements and other surfaces - which are suitable for prams, wheelchairs and people with reduced mobility 
• bridleways – which are open to cyclists and horse riders

Between Sutton Bridge and Skegness 

Between Sutton Bridge and Gibraltar Point in Skegness, there are 45 miles of the trail that are accessible by all-terrain mobility scooter (such as a Tramper). Stretches of the sea bank here are grassed, but mown regularly.  

Wooden field gates have been replaced with metal gates that have a pedestrian gate incorporated. There are one or two kissing gates, but these are accessible with a Radar key.  

You can hire a mobility scooter for free hire at Frampton Marsh nature reserve. The sea bank here is also accessible.  

Between Skegness and Mablethorpe 

There are 13 miles of accessible promenade overall between Skegness and Mablethorpe, although it is not all joined together. There may be sand on the concrete surface, which may not be suitable for some users.  

All-terrain mobility scooters (Trampers) and beach wheelchairs are available at Ingoldmells, Chapel St Leonards and Sutton on Sea. 

Between Mablethorpe and the Humber Bridge 

North of Mablethorpe, much of the 12 miles from Salfleet to Tetney are flat, grassed sea banks. This section of the trail may be suitable for all-terrain mobility scooters.  

The concrete promenade begins again at Humberston, just south of Cleethorpes. It goes on for 11 miles until there is a gap at Immingham Docks. From Killingholme to the Humber Bridge there are 13 miles of concrete pathway.

What you can experience on the trail  

There are many things you can experience on the trail in Lincolnshire, including:   

• wildlife – such as bird watching on the shores of the Wash or at the North Sea Observatory, and observing Seals at Donna Nook   
• historic and heritage sites – such as a submerged Neolithic forest and the historic port of Grimsby 
• nature reserves – such as Gibraltar Point and the Lincolnshire Coronation Coast (which includes Donna Nook, Saltfleetby and Theddlethorpe) 
• local culture, food and entertainment

In Lincolnshire, the trail goes through: 

• Skegness 
• Mablethorpe 
• Cleesthorpe  
• Grimsby

Sections of the trail

Some sections of the trail are not yet fully open. Check the map on the National Trails website to plan your route.

Sutton Bridge to Skegness 

The trail from Sutton Bridge gives walkers access to the shores of The Wash, one of the largest natural bays in England. Several rivers enter The Wash, and trail follows the rivers to the first crossing point upstream. It follows the canalised banks inland and back out to the open coast.   

The coastline here is open, exposed with few villages and amenities, but has lots of birdlife. The trail passes Ministry of Defence (MoD) live firing ranges, where military activities may be taking place but the trail stays open to walkers. 

Between Sutton Bridge and Skegness, a section of the trail is closed due to an unsafe private bridge across the River Steeping. A new bridge will be constructed.  

South of Gibraltar Point, there is temporary access across private land to the village of Friskney Eaudyke to join the local public rights of way.  

The trail restarts at Gibraltar Point nature reserve, where there are facilities at the visitor centre. The trail then goes on to the seaside town of Skegness.

Skegness to Mablethorpe 

Leaving Skegness, the trail goes north past Ingoldmells and onto Chapel St Leonands. There’s a boardwalk that links 2 promenades by the North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point.  

Just north of Chapel Point, at Chapel Six Marshes and Wolla Bank, there’s a submerged Neolithic forest which is occasionally visible at very low tides. 

The trail continues to Anderby Creek in the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, where there are coastal birds and wildlife throughout the year.  

After passing Sutton on Sea, this section of the trail ends at Mablethorpe.

Mablethorpe to Cleethorpes 

Leaving Mablethorpe, the trail runs alongside Saltfeetby and Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve, part of the Lincolnshire Coronoation Coast National Nature Reserve. There are visiting birds, sand, mudflats and marsh.  

Further north is Donna Nook National Nature Reserve, known for its colony of grey seals. You should follow any signs to make sure the seals are not disturbed. 

The section ends at the seaside town of Cleethorpes.

Cleethorpes to the Humber Bridge 

There are many places for food, drink and accommodation in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, where there are also many local attractions. From here the trail heads north through the fishing town of Grimsby. 

You should follow diversions or use public transport to navigate around Immingham Dock, which is currently closed due to redevelopment of the port. 

From Immingham, the trail follows the bank of the Humber estuary past docks and remote saltmarshes to the Humber Bridge.

Maps for the trail 

You can find:    

• a map on the National Trails website - you can also download GPX data   
• other maps and guidebooks online and in print  
• circular and linear walks online and from the local council   

Seasonal changes, diversions or closures on the trail

You may find minor diversions, seasonal or tidal changes to the route. These will be clearly signposted and you should always follow the signposts on the trail.

Prepare for your visit 

 Read guidance on how to prepare for your visit for information on: 

• checking the route – including for diversions or closures 
• planning your trip 
• what to prepare before you set off 
• what to do on the trail

Contact 

Use the relevant National Trails online form to:   

• report a problem   
• ask a question about accessibility on the trail   
• find out about volunteering opportunities   

Contact the local council to report a problem on a public right of way, for example obstructions, poor maintenance or a misleading sign.