The latest stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) from Maplethorpe in Lincolnshire to the Humber Bridge has officially opened.
The new 47-mile (75km) coastal route takes walkers from traditional seaside towns through expansive dune systems and nature reserves to the industrial heritage of the Humber estuary.
The stretch creates an almost continuous 160-mile coastal route from Sutton Bridge to Easington, with just 2 small gaps at Gibraltar Point bridge and Immingham.
Natural England’s Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands Victoria Manton, said: “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.”
Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council said: “With these latest additions to the King Charles III England Coast Path coming to fruition we can now provide one of the most spectacular walks anywhere in the country.”
“This is the outcome of several agencies working together to give legal access to a unique part of the country for people to enjoy. There is a vast array of wildlife and topography that you only get on our coast and now anyone who wants to see it, can do so for free.”
The route showcases the diversity of Britain’s coastline. Visitors can experience the traditional seaside charm of Mablethorpe, before discovering the tranquillity of Saltfleetby and Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve.
Further north, the path passes Donna Nook bombing range, where around 2,000 grey seal pups are born each autumn. Then follows the beaches of Cleethorpes and the fishing town of Grimsby before passing the industrial and port developments around Immingham, ultimately reaching the iconic Humber Bridge.
When the final 41-mile link between Easington and Bridlington North Sands opens later this year, there will be more than 450 miles of continuous path from Sutton Bridge to the Scottish border.
The project now means more than half of the entire KCIIIECP is open for public use.
Research shows coastal paths provide significant health and wellbeing benefits while generating valuable tourism income for local businesses along the route.
The path aims to stay as close to the sea as possible. In many places, that means walking right where land meets sea, occasionally heading inland, though usually only for short distances.
