More than 150 miles of King Charles III England Coast Path completed in Devon

More than 150 miles of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) have officially opened in Devon, marking the completion of the trail across the county.
Two new sections of the path, covering 78 miles on the south coast and 75 miles on the north coast, were opened on 17th December. The works mean that the entire route through Devon is now accessible, following upgrades to walkways alongside landscaping and habitat improvements.
The King Charles III England Coast Path is part of a national programme to create a continuous coastal walking route around England, alongside new public access rights to coastal land between the trail and the sea. When fully completed, it will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail. In Devon, the route incorporates and enhances sections of the existing South West Coast Path.
On the north coast, the newly opened stretch runs from Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth on the Devon–Cornwall border. On the south coast, the route extends from Cremyll, at the Tamar estuary, to Kingswear. Together, these sections link with other open routes around the south-west peninsula to create around 600 miles of continuous coastal trail from Brean Down to Lyme Regis.
Nationally, the opening brings the total length of the KCIIIECP now accessible to more than 2,000 miles and significantly improves the South West Coast Path by enhancing access and safety in several locations.
The north coast section takes in dramatic landscapes including views of Lundy Island, the Taw Torridge estuaries – an important habitat for wildfowl and wading birds – and Braunton Burrows, which is home to more than 470 species of plants and wildflowers. The route also passes through the Hartland Peninsula and includes a challenging 10-mile stretch between Hartland Point and Marsland Mouth, regarded as one of the toughest walks in the South West. Holiday centres along the route include Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton Sands, Appledore and Westward Ho!. Access to saltmarsh areas within the Taw-Torridge estuary will remain excluded year-round due to safety concerns.
As part of the improvements, a concrete causeway across the southern part of Croyde beach has been restored, while a new short off-road, traffic-free path above the high tide line at Watertown in Appledore has improved links between Appledore and Northam Burrows.
The south coast section follows clifftop paths between the historic ports of Plymouth and Dartmouth and Kingswear. It crosses seven estuaries – six by ferry and one accessible only on foot at low tide – and includes landmarks such as Slapton Sands, which has historic links to preparations for the D-Day landings in 1944. Other notable sites along the route include Bolt Tail Iron Age promontory fort, Fort Charles, Salcombe, Hallsands and Dartmouth Castle.
Wildlife opportunities are abundant, with protected sites including the Erme and Kingsbridge estuaries and Slapton Ley, where species such as cirl bunting and shore dock can be found.
The improvement works have been completed by Devon County Council with support from the South West Coast Path Association. Enhancements include a new short section of path above coastal defences at Mothecombe beach to allow access at high tide, reinstating a section of trail lost to erosion at Blackpool Sands, and creating a new off-road route at Stoke Fleming with views across the coastline.
Andrea Ayres of Natural England said:
“Natural England wants to make it easier for everyone to connect with nature, and the new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people the chance to explore amazing landscapes on both the north and south coasts of Devon.
“By joining up the places where people live, work and enjoy, the improved coast path will benefit the local economy and local communities and makes it easier for everyone to enjoy.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said:
“The King Charles III England Coast Path is a wonderful addition to the National Trails family. In addition to the significant contribution to health and wellbeing, the Coast Path provides for and supports green infrastructure within and between Devon’s Protected Landscapes, enabling our communities and visitors to sensitively enjoy our amazing coastline.”
Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer at the South West Coast Path Association, said:
“It’s wonderful to see the investment along the Coast Path around Devon. These works have enhanced the trail, and the new crossing of the B3231 at Down End near Croyde is an improvement, which the charity has been championing to ensure the safety of walkers in this area.
“It’s great to have this opened before the Christmas period so people can get out, connect with nature, and enjoy the improved Coast Path route.”
Walkers can plan their journeys along the King Charles III England Coast Path via the National Trails website, where up-to-date information on the South West Coast Path and KCIIIECP is also available.
Natural England expects the full national route to be completed by spring 2026, subject to resources, further extending public access to England’s coastline and supporting local communities, tourism and wellbeing.