The Eastbourne to Rye Harbour section of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been completed, with walkers able to follow a route that stays as close to the shoreline as possible. It leaves the Rye Harbour to Camber section as one of the last to be completed in the south east.
When finished the path will link Chichester to Woolwich in south London along 240 miles on the Kent and East Sussex coast, part of a 2700 mile route around the UK.
Natural England has worked with East Sussex County Council, Wealden and Rother District Councils, Ramblers and Sussex Wildlife Trust to develop the new part of the trail.
Andy Le Gresley, team manager for rights of way and countryside at East Sussex County Council, said it was great news for walkers. “This new stretch running along the scenic East Sussex coast, links a wide variety of famed local attractions as well as several unique natural habitats. The King Charles III England Coast Path aims to stay as close to the sea as possible. In many place that means walking right where land meets sea, occasionally heading inland, though usually only for short distances.”
Exceptions include private property, gardens and buildings, as well as Ministry of Defence land and mudflats and saltmarsh which are unsuitable for walkers.
The new path, which is fully signed and more accessible, will also benefit local businesses said Jenny Bowen from Natural England. “It’s a chance to explore and to get out and about bringing people to the coast. Shops, cafes and B&Bs could all see the economic benefit.”
You can follow the Eastbourne to Rye Harbour section here.
Along with the section through the Medway towns, the Rye Harbour to Camber section is not finished. In the autumn Natural England consulted on the proposed path through Rye after concerns were raised that the route near Brede Sluice was not safe. The latest plans, which have been discussed with National Highways, suggest safety improvements could be made.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Natural England .