New King Charles III England Coast Path opens in Lincolnshire
The route from Sutton Bridge to Skegness allows walkers to explore a large part of The Wash coastline. The King Charles III England Coast Path brings individuals closer to nature and offers various health and wellness advantages.
A newly opened section of the King Charles III England Coast Path now allows the public to legally access parts of Lincolnshire’s coastline for the first time.
The introduction of 57.3 miles (92.7 km) of walking trail from Sutton Bridge to Skegness means that most of The Wash coastline is now accessible to hikers. This new stretch connects with the established King Charles III England Coast Path along the Norfolk coast and links to the open National Trail in Lincolnshire that runs between Skegness and Mablethorpe.
Victoria Manton, the Deputy Director of Natural England for the East Midlands, stated:
The latest extension of the King Charles III England Coast Path will allow individuals from across the nation to explore our stunning local coastline. This initiative will enhance their connection to nature and offer various health and wellness advantages.
The path will boost the local economy by attracting hikers and tourists to nearby towns and villages, encouraging them to enjoy day trips, grab a bite to eat, and find accommodation.
The trail offers numerous chances to observe seabirds, wading birds, and other amazing wildlife, all while enjoying views of The Wash, a place of great national and international significance. You can also take in the lush agricultural scenery of Lincolnshire. The Wash is a magnet for many migratory and wintering birds, including knot, dunlin, and oystercatchers.
The path's route has been thoroughly evaluated to prevent any effects on endangered species. At Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, efforts have been made to establish a dry path that can be used year-round.
The path takes you through Boston, where you can see the memorial dedicated to the Pilgrim Fathers who journeyed to America on the Mayflower. North of Boston, the trail follows a recently established route along a new stretch of coastline. Since it can’t go on to Skegness until a new bridge is constructed, it ends at a suitable spot where hikers can either retrace their steps or venture inland to connect with other trails.
Some sections of the trail are quite isolated, with no public amenities or connecting paths for miles. Therefore, hikers should be prepared to rely on themselves. It's important to bring sufficient food and water for the trip, check the weather forecast, and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Natural England collaborated with Lincolnshire County Council on this part of the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Councillor Colin Davie, the executive member responsible for the environment at Lincolnshire County Council, stated:
The Lincolnshire coast has always drawn in both locals and tourists eager to discover its stunning landscapes. It’s truly exciting to see the new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path now available, providing even more opportunities for everyone to enjoy our pristine shoreline.
I had the opportunity to meet His Majesty at another location along the Lincolnshire coast during his inaugural visit to the county as King last July. He showed a strong interest in how we manage the coastal environment and promote access to nature. So, it feels appropriate to celebrate the expansion of public access to the coast with the launch of this new section of the path named in his honor.
Darren Braine, a senior official responsible for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England, mentioned:
After many years of collaboration with our partners and landowners, we are thrilled to introduce this new National Trail around The Wash, which serves as an important connection in the long-distance path network. However, our efforts are far from complete. The River Steeping has posed a unique challenge, and we are quickly working to design and build a new bridge over the estuary.
During this time, we must keep this section unavailable to the public since there is no safe way to navigate these hazardous tidal waters. Until the new bridge is built, approximately five miles of the trail will remain closed, but we have made progress in opening the other 52 miles for everyone to enjoy.
King Charles III And England's Coastal Path
The King Charles III England Coast Path, when finished, will stretch for 2,700 miles around the entire coastline of England. This National Trail will allow people to appreciate and connect with the natural surroundings. By the end of 2024, over 95% of the coastline is projected to be accessible for walking, with efforts to complete the entire path continuing shortly after.
The KCIIIECP will connect and enhance current coastal pathways and establish new access routes where none previously existed. Visitors will be able to reach the coast from any part of England with the assurance that there will be well-marked and well-maintained access points available both ways along the shoreline. The trail is designed to follow the coastline as closely as possible, which often means traversing right next to the sea, although in some areas it may head inland, but typically only for short stretches.
When finished, the King Charles III England Coast Path will become the longest National Trail in England. What sets it apart is the establishment of a 'coastal margin' along the route. This margin encompasses all the land that lies between the path and the sea, granting new opportunities for the public to explore spaces like beaches and dunes. However, there will be some restrictions, including private properties, gardens, buildings, and Ministry of Defence land. In certain areas, access to mudflats and salt marshes will be limited because they are not safe for public use.
Travelers can check out the National Trails website to organize their day and discover spots to explore, stay overnight, or grab a bite to eat. For maps and details on all the open sections, visit the King Charles III England Coast Path - National Trails.
The King Charles III England Coast Path - Explore Lincolnshire
