NEW COASTAL PATH
Read about the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world, a 2,700-mile trail around the entire coastline of England, announced by the government with work earmarked at various areas.
WHAT IS IT?:
The longest continuous coastal walking route in the world, a 2,700-mile trail around the entire coastline of England.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT?:
England’s spectacular coastline already attracts 300 million visits a year; the Government says by offering new and approved access to some of the country’s best tourist hot spots, the England Coast Path will bring a huge boost to tourism – an industry already worth £106 billion.
WHAT’S THE LATEST?:
The Government announced last week that work is now officially underway on every stretch. As the map shows, different stretches are at different stages, so “work” ranges from preparation and consultation to the actual opening of parts of the route. It is hoped that every stretch will be open by 2020.
HOW ABOUT YORKSHIRE?:
There are three stretches that run through Yorkshire. Work is complete on a stretch running from Filey Brigg, through Scarborough and Whitby, to Newport Bridge in Teesside; it follows much of the Cleveland Way with improvements to the route. At 68 miles it is the longest stretch of the Path. Ramblers’ volunteers are working with Natural England to discuss the best routes between Humber Bridge and Kilnsea, Easington (near Spurn Point), and between Kilnsea and Filey Brigg.
IS IT A GOOD THING?:
Nicky Philpott, of The Ramblers (formerly The Ramblers Association), said: “Until recently, a third of England’s coastline was inaccessible. The Ramblers has long dreamed of a country where everyone can freely enjoy our beautiful coast, so we were pleased that after years of campaigning, in 2010 work started on the England Coast Path. Not only will this open up new paths, it will create new access so people can freely explore headlands, cliffs and beaches, right up to the water’s edge.”
ANY OPPONENTS?:
The CLA, which represents landowners who own the private land affected by the route, said: “The Government is spending so much time and public money unnecessarily on a project which largely replicates existing access to the coast – 84% was accessible before the project began.”