Improvements to 228 miles of coastal footpath along Cornwall’s dramatic southern and western seaboard have now been completed, marking a significant milestone in the creation of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) and reinforcing the region’s status as a premier destination for heritage tourism, nature exploration and outdoor wellbeing.
Stretching from St Agnes on the rugged north coast, wrapping around Land’s End, and finishing on the banks of the Tamar at Cremyll, this newly enhanced route threads its way through centuries of Cornwall’s maritime and industrial legacy. Following much of the South West Coast Path, it now also includes improved routes that bring walkers closer to the sea and unlock new access between the path and low water. The result is a clearer, more connected and accessible trail for the millions who come each year seeking to walk where the land meets the ocean.
Andrea Ayres, deputy area director for Natural England, said: “This huge stretch of path along two coasts takes in some of the best views in the South West. These much-loved places have been wowing visitors for many years, as well as being loved by local residents. We hope the improvements to the path, and the additional access rights, will mean even more people will get out and enjoy nature.”
Wherever possible, Natural England has rerouted sections of the path nearer to the coastline to improve the walking experience. At Porthkerris, for instance, the trail now hugs the cliffs instead of following inland roads, offering uninterrupted sea views. Similarly, Millendreath now enjoys a safer, more scenic route, and at Downderry, a new alignment ensures walkers are not stranded during high tides.
This is not merely about aesthetics; it is also about preserving heritage and ensuring longevity. The new legal provision allowing the path to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion protects the trail’s future and secures public rights in perpetuity.
The trail does more than offer sea views, it tells stories etched into the land. From the romantic towers of St Mawes Castle to the brooding beauty of the engine houses at Botallack and the Levant Mine’s mighty beam engine, Cornwall’s coastal path is steeped in historical depth. The famous open-air Minack Theatre, carved into the cliffs at Porthcurno, continues to inspire awe in visitors just as JMW Turner and Agatha Christie once drew inspiration from this rugged landscape.
Julian Gray, director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: “It’s great to see the final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path open in Cornwall, which creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature. The establishment of the KCIIIECP has brought significant investment and improvements to the route of the coast path and also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion.”
The route is rich in biodiversity, a haven for wildlife lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of choughs, peregrine falcons and grey seals along its length. With beaches, coves and hidden inlets scattered across the trail, it offers something for all ages and abilities. New stretches around Swanpool, Gyllanvase Beach and Tregantle Fort have made the path more inclusive for those with limited mobility.
Beyond its ecological and cultural significance, the coast path plays a vital role in Cornwall’s visitor economy. By encouraging footfall to local towns such as Falmouth, Penzance and Polperro, the trail supports businesses and drives rural tourism. Those keen to explore further can now plan their walk using the National Trails website, which provides route maps and details of any access restrictions or diversions.
The release of The Salt Path, based on Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir and partly filmed in Newquay, Whitsand Bay and Rame Head, is likely to bring further visibility to this stretch of coastline. With Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs portraying the real-life journey of one couple’s emotional and physical traverse of the South West Coast Path, a new wave of visitors may be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
The Cornwall improvements are part of a wider national ambition to complete a continuous walking trail around the entire English coastline. When finished, the KCIIIECP will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, showcasing England’s stunning seascapes, industrial remnants and rural charm.
Backed by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the trail offers unique legal access rights to the land between the trail and the sea, from beaches and dunes to cliff tops. With 1,400 miles already opened by the end of 2024, full completion is anticipated by spring 2026.
Natural England’s commitment to delivering this vision in collaboration with the South West Coast Path Association, National Trust, local authorities and landowners is a testament to the enduring value of public access, conservation and countryside heritage.
