Explore the sections of the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ that are officially open and are shown on the interactive map.
King Charles III England Coast Parth – north-east
Sections open to the public:
- Skegness to Mablethorpe
- Bridlington to Filey Brigg
- Filey Brigg to Newport Bridge
- Newport Bridge to North Gare
- North Gare to South Bents
- South Bents to Amble
- Amble to Bamburgh
- Bamburgh to the Scottish Border
Key highlights:
Robin Hood’s Bay, situated on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors, is a historic fishing village offering something for everyone. Its sandy beach, ideal for families and pets, boasts rock pools filled with marine life and ancient fossils waiting to be discovered. Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the village, one can easily imagine the bustling maritime life of centuries past. Today, the village is still buzzing, offering a number of charming cafes, pubs, restaurants and quaint shops, as well as picturesque coastal and countryside walks, cycle paths, and bridleways on its doorstep.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a coastal town in Redcar and Cleveland, is a haven for enthusiasts of old-world charm and seaside adventures. Home to the iconic water-balanced cliff lifts and the last remaining pier in Yorkshire, Saltburn promises visitors an authentic seaside experience. Saltburn’s Cliff Lift, a marvel of engineering, operates as the oldest of its kind still in use. Gravity-powered cars traverse parallel tracks, with water tanks beneath, providing a thrilling journey down the 71% incline. Controlled by a brake man from a cabin at the top, the lift offers a unique glimpse into the town’s rich maritime history.
Filey Brigg, a prominent headland extending into Filey Bay, is a haven for both geologists and birdwatchers alike. Its rocky terrain, capped with glacial clays, showcases fossil-rich limestone and grits, while providing a habitat for a diverse array of seabirds and waders. The sculpted stone marker at the Brigg’s tip signifies the terminus of two National Trails, the Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way. It features intricate carvings depicting the routes’ landmarks, including the iconic National Trail acorn symbol.
King Charles III England Coast Parth – north-west
Sections open to the public:
- Gretna to Kirkandrews-on-Eden
- Brownrigg to Allonby
- Allonby to Whitehaven
- Whitehaven to Silecroft
- Silecroft to Green Road
- Walney Island
- Tarleton Lock near Preston to Pier Head Ferry Terminal, Liverpool
Key Highlights:
The Rum Story, an award-winning immersive visitor attraction situated in the Georgian town of Whitehaven, offers an insight into the UK rum heritage, which historically revolved around the town’s port. Housed within the original premises of the Jefferson family business, visitors can explore the museum and its exhibits, learning about the town’s involvement in the slave trade and its connection to the production of cane sugar and Jefferson Rum. The experience culminates in a tasting of the renowned rum, providing a flavourful conclusion to the journey through history.
St Bees Head Nature Reserve offers invigorating cliff-top walks with breathtaking views across to the Isle of Man as well as Scotland on clear days. During spring and summer, visitors can view the region’s largest seabird colony from the RSPB’s three viewpoints. Spot guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and razorbills soaring overhead, accompanied by sightings of ravens and peregrines along the cliffs. Offshore, lucky observers may even catch a glimpse of dolphins and porpoises, adding to the reserve’s natural splendour.
Whitehaven Harbour’s development dates back to the beginning of the Irish coal trade. Constructed in 1634 by Sir Christopher Lowther, the stone jetty known as the Old Quay is one of Britain’s oldest remaining coal wharves. Over the centuries, the harbour expanded, with additions including the Sugar Tongue Quay, the Fish Quay and the Lime Tongue which facilitated the export of lime in the 19th century. Notable structures include the North Pier and West Pier, designed by renowned civil engineer John Rennie.
King Charles III England Coast Parth – south-east
Sections open to the public:
- Calshot to Gosport
- Gosport to Portsmouth
- East Head to Shoreham
- Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne
- Camber to Folkestone
- Folkestone to Ramsgate
- Ramsgate to Whitstable
- Whitstable to Iwade
- Stoke Marshes to Otterham Creek (Medway, Kent)
- Grain to Woolwich
Key highlights:
The White Cliffs of Dover stand as a testament to the natural beauty of Britain. Offering far-reaching views across the English Channel and the French coast, the high chalk cliffs have rightfully earned their status as one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can appreciate their splendour year-round by embarking on dramatic cliff-top walks that showcase their appeal throughout the seasons.
Samphire Hoe is a relatively new addition to the English landscape, created from 4.9 million cubic meters of chalk marl excavated during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. Owned by Eurotunnel and managed in collaboration with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Samphire Hoe is a man-made nature reserve that provides a tranquil environment for nature walks and far-reaching views over the cliffs.
Folkestone Harbour Arm stands as a vibrant hub of activity and a catalyst for regeneration in Folkestone. Originally serving as the railway terminal for the Folkestone to Boulogne ferry, and departure point for soldiers during World War I, the restored arm now overlooks the town’s fishing harbour. Featuring a picturesque promenade offering panoramic views of the English Channel, the harbour arm is home to a diverse array of independent food and drink businesses, including a bakery, brewery, coffee shop, tapas bar, and champagne lounge. Seasonal events, including an artisan market, drive-in cinema, Christmas market and live music performances make it a top destination for tourists.
King Charles III England Coast Parth – south-west
Sections open to the public:
- Old Passage, Aust to Wain’s Hill, Clevedon
- Sand Bay to Brean Down
- Brean Down to Minehead
- Rufus Castle on Portland to Lulworth Cove
Key highlights:
The Minack Theatre, perched at the top the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is a renowned open-air venue in Cornwall. Its history dates back to Rowena Cade’s times, who, residing in Minack House, wanted to establish a space for local drama enthusiasts to stage Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Today, visitors can watch a range of performances at the Minack – from Shakespearean plays, to musicals and opera – and experience the theatre in this breathtaking natural setting.
The Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing the Dorset and East Devon coastline, stands as England’s first natural World Heritage Site. Stretching 95 miles, this stunning coastline bears witness to 185 million years of Earth’s history, with its rocks preserving a captivating narrative of geological evolution. Today, the Jurassic Coast offers a variety of activities from boat trips, alpaca walking to coasteering and a walking challenge exploring the West Dorset Three Peaks.
Exmoor National Park offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes. From towering cliffs to woodlands and expansive moorlands, the park provides plenty of opportunities for scenic walks. Visitors can experience moments of peace amidst the rugged beauty, encountering wild red deer, marvelling at the star-filled night skies, and exploring charming villages steeped in character.
King Charles III England Coast Parth – east
Sections open to the public:
- Tilbury to Southend-on-Sea
- Southend-on-Sea to Wallasea Island
- Burnham-on-Crouch to Maldon
- Maldon to Salcott
- Hopton-on-Sea to Sea Palling
- Sea Palling to Weybourne
- Hunstanton to Sutton Bridge
Key highlights:
Hunstanton Cliffs, known for its famous red and white striped cliffs, are a captivating sight in Hunstanton. These colourful layers result from varying rock compositions, creating an ideal setting for fossil hunting, exploring rock pools and admiring historic cliff-top buildings. Visitors can experience a variety of activities suitable for all ages. From family-friendly attractions like Crazy Golf and Pitch-and-Putt, to the serene Esplanade Gardens, there’s something to delight every traveller. The town’s lush gardens bloom especially beautifully in the spring and summer months, with a self-guided Horticultural Trail allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the floral splendour.
The Mo, also known as the Sheringham Museum, is located along the scenic North Norfolk coast, boasting a rich history spanning over a millennium. Visitors can explore the museum’s unique collection of photographs, social history artifacts, and a fleet of historic lifeboats and fishing boats. With over 20 public events annually, including major exhibitions and cultural initiatives, The Mo offers a diverse range of activities, from family activities and local history talks, to craft demonstrations.
You can find out more about each of these sections on the Route Description page, and view a map of King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail Stretch Progress.
