March 25, 2026, 4:17 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
England boasts the longest coastal walking path in the world! Planning and construction took a proud 18 years. Now, visitors can nearly circle the entire country on 2,688 miles. Find out what there is to see here.
Complete Opening Mid-2026
It took 18 years, seven British prime ministers, and many legal changes for the King Charles III England Coast Path to become the longest coastal walking path in the world. However, it is not yet fully accessible. Currently, about 80 percent of the route is open, with the remaining paths expected to follow by mid-year, according to Visit Britain. The trail was officially opened by none other than King Charles himself, after whom it was named following his coronation.
The route currently measures an impressive 2,688 miles. Once fully completed, it will be around 2,700 miles. So, not much is left. The path consists of 67 stages in total.
Planned for the Future
As reported by sources such as the “BBC,” a large portion of the coastal route already existed—yet more than 994 miles of new paths were created and many sections expanded. The path is primarily for pedestrians; paths were specially paved, and obstacles were removed or bridges built.
Legal changes or adjustments were also prerequisites for the new walking path. Many areas were made accessible only thanks to new access rights, which were previously closed to the public. These include cliffs, beaches, and dunes.
Additionally, gaps in the walking path network were closed, and routes were brought closer to the water. Future planning was also considered. Should the coastline erode or shift due to heavy rainfall or similar events, there is the right to relocate the route inland. This allows the path to adapt to the changing coastline.
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Cliffs, Dunes, Beaches
The King Charles III England Coast Path leads past diverse landscapes. Hikers walk along salt marshes, sandy beaches, cliffs, dunes, and historic coastal towns.
One of the highlights is the famous chalk hill landscape of the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, southern England. It is also part of a newly designated national nature reserve. To see the cliffs in their full glory, a bit of luck is needed. Only in sunshine do the chalk cliffs shine bright white.
In the southwest, there is a section that is a bit more challenging and suitable for those who want to “experience” something. The River Erme crosses the walking path—but there is neither a bridge nor a ferry. The only solution: Hikers must roll up their pants and wade through the river around low tide.
Four to Six Months of Hiking
Anyone wishing to hike the entire path will need some time. According to Visit Britain, the duration naturally depends on the pace and planned activities during the hike. It is estimated to take between four and six months to walk the entire path.
With more than 2,688 miles, the question quickly arises of where to start. The website “nationaltrail,” operated in part by Natural England, a government organization advising the government on environmental issues, is helpful. There, you can specify how many days you plan to hike, the maximum length of the route, and especially how difficult it should be. You can also filter whether you prefer to be by the sea or visit villages. The theme can also be set: history, food and drink, coast, pilgrimage, or wildlife can be selected.
Since some sections pass through particularly sensitive nature areas, only walking is allowed there, and in some places, horseback riding or cycling is permitted. Hikers are allowed to bring their dogs.