World's Longest Coastal Walking Route Opens: 2,700 Miles Around England

The King Charles III England Coast Path was officially inaugurated on March 19, 2026, becoming the longest managed coastal walking route in the world at an impressive 2,700 miles. King Charles III himself opened the path at the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs in Sussex, marking the culmination of nearly two decades of planning and construction.

The path is the result of the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009, which set in motion an ambitious plan to create continuous public access around the entire English coastline. What began as a legislative vision has now become a physical reality, with the route connecting headlands, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and historic harbors into one continuous trail.

“King Charles III himself opened the path at the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs in Sussex, marking the culmination of nearly two decades of planning and construction.”

The project created approximately 1,000 miles of entirely new path while improving and upgrading 1,700 miles of existing coastal routes. Around 2,100 miles are currently open with full access rights, with the remainder expected to be completed in the coming months. Walking the entire path is estimated to take about a year if done on weekends only.

Before this initiative, only about 8 percent of the English countryside was accessible to the public for walking. The Coast Path dramatically expands public access to the natural environment, giving communities and visitors alike the ability to explore stretches of coastline that were previously off-limits or lacked safe, maintained paths.

The route passes through some of England's most spectacular landscapes, from the white cliffs of Dover to the rugged shores of Cornwall, the sweeping beaches of Norfolk, and the wild headlands of Northumberland. Each section offers a distinct character, reflecting the remarkable diversity of England's 2,700-mile coastline.

The path is expected to bring significant economic benefits to coastal communities through increased tourism and visitor spending, while also promoting physical activity and mental well-being. Environmental organizations have welcomed the project as an opportunity to connect more people with the coastal environment and foster a deeper appreciation for marine conservation.