KCIII England Coast Path
What is the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP)?
The England Coast Path (ECP) was made possible by the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009, which tasked Natural England with creating a long-distance walking trail around the English coastline. The first section of the ECP to be officially opened was Rufus Castle to Lulworth in Dorset which opened in 2012 just before the London Olympics where Weymouth hosted the sailing element.
To celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the England Coast Path was renamed the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’. The KCIII ECP will link up and improve existing coastal paths and create new access where there was none before. People can arrive at the coast anywhere in England in the knowledge that there will be clear, well-signed and well-managed access around the coast in either direction.
Once complete the King Charles III England Coast Path will be England’s longest National Trail around 2,700 miles.
What is the relationship between the KCIII ECP and the SWCP?
In general when the KCIII ECP is established and opened, the SWCP will be identical to it as far as the route is concerned. However, in 2 places Barnstaple and the Plym Estuary the line of the SWCP will differ from the route of the KCIII ECP. The SWCP will continue to link into the local communities which provide important services like toilets, shops and cafes / pubs or areas of interesting heritage, which the KCIII ECP will miss out as it follows the most seaward route. The KCIII ECP will also establish alternative walking routes around certain estuaries such as the Yealm and the Avon.
Once the KCIII ECP is completed, will the SWCP still exist?
Yes, the SWCP will remain as a National trail and will become part of the KCIII ECP. The SWCP will continue to inspire journeys along its route for over 9 million people who use it every year, as it is in our opinion the best Coast Path Trail in the UK. It will continue to be supported by the South West Coast Path Association and its Trail Partners.
Once open, will the KCIII ECP become England’s longest National Trail?
Yes, once complete it will become the longest National Trail in the UK. The SWCP will be known as the second longest National Trail in the UK and will be celebrated as the original coast path trail in England.
What are the benefits of the KCIII ECP for the SWCP?
- Roll back
Uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIII ECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast. If sections of the trail is affected by erosion or other coastal change, it will be possible to roll back the line of the trail without Natural England having to go to the Secretary of State for approval. This means we can respond quickly to natural coastal changes along the Trail and minimise the need for any long-lasting diversions.
- Coastal Margin
The coastal margin includes all land seaward of the trail and may also extend inland if it's coastal land or if there are existing access rights. The Margin is land where the public has the right to walk, sightsee, bird-watch, climb or run. You can also ride a bike or horse on existing bridleways that overlap the KCIII ECP. Some land is excepted from the coastal margin where public access is not permitted, including buildings, gardens and land with crops as well as other land which is not suitable for access, such as mudflats and saltmarshes. Just because access is available it does not mean that it is safe to use as some land is steep, unstable, and not readily accessible. You must take note of local conditions and signage. If you are unsure it is best to stay on the line of the path. The coastal margin will be shaded / hatched pink on ordnance survey maps.
- Improvements
When the idea of the ECP was first proposed the SWCPA immediately joined in the discussions with Natural England to ensure that the best improvements for the SWCP would occur during the establishment phase of the KCIII ECP in the South West. This means we have a few route changes taking the SWCP onto a more improved seaward route, such as at Glenthorn in Exmoor or Porthoustock to Porthallow and where possible taking the trail off a road and into a neighbouring field or onto the verge. Walkers and users of the path will also see many other improvements to the existing trail making it more accessible or easier to walk and will also notice very little change to the signage, but you may spot some new ‘Part of the KCIII ECP’ roundels on waymarkers and fingerposts.
How can I find the KCIII ECP on maps?
On Ordnance Survey Explorer (1:25,000 scale) maps you will see the trail shown as green diamonds and the margin shaded pink. Regular diversions, such as a seasonal diversion to avoid disturbance to wildlife, are shown as hollow diamonds.
How can I find the KCIII ECP on the ground?
On the ground you will see way-marks with the National Trails acorn.
Where the trail uses an existing public right of way, these will be way-marked. You can find the different types of way-marks in the Countryside Code on the GOV.UK website.
In some places, an existing National Trail will become part of the KCIII ECP. For example, the South West Coast Path, Norfolk Coast Path and the coastal part of the Cleveland Way. You will see signs on the ground for the existing trail but also signs saying ‘part of the King Charles III England Coast Path’. Where you find the line of the existing trail is different to the line of the KCIII ECP, you can choose which one to take.
You will see signs on the ground for diversions and restrictions.
