A NEW 34-mile coastal path linking two pretty English villages has opened today.
It will give hikers access to previously unwalkable routes and forms part of a huge coastal path project.
A major new 34-mile section of the King Charles III England Coast Path has officially opened today, Thursday July 23.
Running between Foxfield and Greenodd, the opening of the path is the latest milestone in completing the 200-mile coastal stretch from Gretna to Silverdale, on the Lancashire border.
The new opening now brings the grand total of walkable Coast Path in the North West to around 208 miles.
Those looking to walk the path will be treated to charming coastal communities, nature reserves and historic industrial landscapes.
When fully complete, the King Charles III England Coast Path will become a 2,700-mile stretch around the entire English coast.
The National Trail route is set to be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world.
From today, walkers can now explore the new section of path located on the eastern edge of the Furness Peninsula.
The new section of path is a key milestone in the delivery of the 70-mile stretch of coastal route from Silecroft to Silverdale.
Winding through a number of coastal communities, visitors will pass by Kirkby-in-Furness, Askam-in-Furness, Barrow-in-Furness, Bardsea and Ulverston, before crossing the Leven Estuary.
The route also offers views of Morecambe Bay and passes the end of the Ulverston Canal.
Walkers can also spot a number of distinctive slag banks, sand dunes and an abundance of wildlife along the path.
The delivery of the new path will move visitors away from previously unavoidable shores, leading to a greater discovery of the area’s coastal landscape.
Natural England deputy director for Cumbria, Claire Argent, said: “The Furness Peninsula is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away, whether you’re watching the light change across Morecambe Bay, listening for curlews over the estuary, or discovering the layers of history tucked into these coastal communities.
“This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path gives people the chance to experience all of that on foot, safely, sustainably and responsibly, whilst learning about and caring for our wonderful landscapes and nature.
“We’re proud to see this route taking shape and look forward to completing the full 200-mile Cumbrian stretch.”
The path is located on a mix of existing public rights of way, permissive access routes and new access.
Councillor Adrian Waite said the project was a “huge job” which required “securing contracts and permissions, specifying work, getting quotes, managing the contractors and liaising with landowners”.
The cabinet member for Environmental Services and Transport at Westmorland and Furness Council said the teams had put in “more than 300 signs and waymark posts, 10 sets of steps, 23 bridges, around 60 gates” and five kilometres of fencing and surfacing.
Anyone looking to grab their hiking boots and try out the coastal path is reminded to follow the Countryside and Coastal codes when walking the route.
Travellers are also warned to exercise caution around Morecambe Bay, as fast-moving tides and quicksands in the area could be dangerous when venturing onto sands and saltmarshes without an experienced guide.