Created to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and his dedication to the natural world, the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path will connect the entire coastline of England for the first time.
Managed by Natural England, it links beaches, cliffs and estuaries into one continuous route. Now it has officially been open by the King himself, the King Charles III England Coast Path National Trail is the longest managed coastal path in the world.
What is the King Charles III England Coast Path (and where is it)?
The 2,700-mile-long King Charles III England Coast Path wraps around the entire coast of England. It will be an official National Trail, and opens up some parts of the English coast to walkers for the very first time.
What existing trails does the King Charles III England Coast Path link?
Some parts of the English coast had existing coastal paths, including the South West Coast Path, which was previously England’s longest National Trail, and the Norfolk Coast Path.
In August 2025, sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Yorkshire and the North East opened. The final completed stretch connects Easington and Bridlington, with industrial landscapes and natural beauty on either side.
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Why has the England Coast Path been named after King Charles III?
In May 2023, to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, it was announced that the England Coast Path would be renamed the King Charles III England Coast Path in recognition of his work supporting the natural world.
Who looks after the King Charles III England Coast Path?
The coast path is being created by Natural England in conjunction with local authorities and local highway authorities all around England.
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Will you be able to access all the beaches on the King Charles III England Coast Path?
As part of the launch of this coastal path, work is being done to identify a “coastal margin” – i.e. the land between trail and sea. This has been achieved thanks to the introduction of the Right of Coastal Access under Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which enables the establishment of the coast path and right of access over the associated coastal margin.
Depending on restrictions for nature conservation, safety, unsuitability for public access or around private houses, gardens or Ministry of Defence land, you’ll often have new rights to enjoy areas such as beaches, dunes and foreshore. Access the National Trails website for comprehensive maps and details on access.
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What happens to the existing coast paths in England?
The existing coast paths around England will continue to exist, but there will be uniform branding around the entire English coast that reflects the King Charles III England Coast Path. There are many existing coast paths around England, with the South West Coast Path the longest at 630 miles and Durham Coastal Path the shortest at just 11 miles.
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Top image credit: Getty Images
