King Charles III officially inaugurated the King Charles III England Coast Path on Thursday, 19 March 2026, marking a major milestone in one of the UK’s most ambitious public access projects.
The launch took place at the dramatic cliffs of Seven Sisters, where the King walked a two-kilometre stretch of the trail, taking in sweeping coastal views and the iconic white chalk cliffs that have long captured the imagination of visitors and filmmakers alike.
Stretching an impressive 2,700 miles, the newly named path—renamed in 2023 in honour of the monarch—has become the longest managed coastal walking route in the world. Designed to open up England’s coastline to the public, the project combines 1,000 miles of newly created paths with 1,700 miles of upgraded routes, all built to National Trail standards.
The initiative, led by Natural England, is expected to significantly boost tourism and support coastal economies. Already, England’s coastal paths generate around £350 million annually and sustain nearly 6,000 jobs, with further growth anticipated as more sections open.
Work on the route began in 2010, with the first stretch unveiled in Weymouth ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games sailing events. Since then, development has expanded nationwide—from Cumbria and Cornwall to Northumberland and Norfolk—connecting diverse coastal landscapes including the Jurassic Coast and the dunes of Formby.
One of the path’s most innovative features is its “rollback” capability, allowing sections to shift inland in response to coastal erosion, ensuring long-term accessibility.
The King was joined during the launch by Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, and Emma Reynolds. The event also coincided with the declaration of the Seven Sisters as a National Nature Reserve, further highlighting the UK’s commitment to conservation.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “The King Charles III England Coast Path is a testament to how access, conservation, and community can come together to make people’s lives better and is a fitting tribute to His Majesty and his lifelong passion for nature.
“With this national asset, people around the country alongside international visitors will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the English Coast and the feeling of wellbeing, both mental and physical, that it brings. This will reconnect people with the land, support nature recovery, and create a more inclusive, sustainable future.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We have one of the most stunning coastlines in the world and the King Charles III England Coast Path gives people a new way to explore it.
“This is the longest managed coast path in the world, creating amazing opportunities for people to visit spots of natural beauty in our coastal towns and villages.”
More than 16 years in the making, the project represents collaboration between over 50 local authorities, landowners, and organisations including the National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, and the Ramblers Association.
Currently, around 2,100 miles of the route are open, with approximately 90% of infrastructure works expected to be completed by summer. Once fully finished, the path will provide uninterrupted public access to England’s coastline—linking cliffs, beaches, dunes, and headlands like never before.
Two commemorative plaques were unveiled by the King to mark the occasion, symbolising both a royal legacy and a renewed national commitment to nature, accessibility, and sustainable tourism. Photo by StephenDawson at English Wikipedia.