Coastal Access is changing
22 March 2011

Work has started on the England Coast Path - a new National Trail around all of England's open coast. Follow the links below for information about our activity on the first six stretches of coast, or scroll down for a short introduction to the whole programme.

Latest update: Natural England have submitted a report to the Secretary of State setting out proposals for improved access to the coast at Weymouth Bay in Dorset.

Weymouth Bay

Durham

Norfolk

Kent

Somerset

Cumbria

Our coastal access programme

The England Coastal Path is possible because of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. For the first time people will have the right of access around all of England’s open coast, including – where appropriate – ‘spreading room’ along the way where they can rest, relax or admire the view.

Local people, including owners and occupiers of coastal land, local access forums and key interest groups, will be fully consulted about the new access arrangements.

Opening up in this way many miles of coastline for all to enjoy will help support local economies from increased visitor spending where additional visits are made.

The Marine and Coastal Act also means that for the first time, where existing paths erode into the sea, a replacement route can be quickly put in place – securing people’s right to walk around the coast forever.

The new rights are not yet in force and will be brought into effect at different times around the coast.

The first stretch of the new England Coastal Path, at Weymouth Bay in Dorset, will open in time for the Olympic and Paralympics sailing events which will take place there in July 2012.