Two new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path from Gretna to Allonby have opened in Cumbria.
The new sections, from Gretna to Kirkandrews-on-Eden and between Rumbling Bridge and Allonby total 33.3 miles and 9.9 miles is entirely new or improved access to a wide range of coastal terrain and historical sites, Natural England said.
Starting at Sark Bridge, at the border with Scotland, the path parallels the M6 motorway and the West Coast Mainline railway initially.
Walkers then cross the River Esk on Metal Bridge, then round Rockcliffe Marsh to trace the River Eden upstream before crossing at Stainton to head back downstream on the opposite bank, to Kirkandrews-on-Eden.
A second section of the path begins just north of Abbeytown, before running across Calvo and Skinburness Marsh, round Grune Point and heading south through Skinburness, Silloth, Beckfoot and Mawbray to Allonby.
Natural England said it was working to open the remaining central part of the stretch to walkers soon and, when completed, the new path will provide a continuous walkable stretch 65.79 miles along the Cumbrian coast linking with the 80.4 miles that are already open in the region.
Gerry Rusbridge, Natural England Senior Advisor for Cumbria, said: “The new path opens up beautiful new countryside to the public, aiming to make it easier for as many people as possible to experience this remote and often wild part of the North West coastline.
“Working closely with the access authority – Cumberland Council – we are ensuring that large parts of the newly opened path are as accessible as possible, including the parts of the route that follow existing public rights of way, where we’re removing barriers such as stiles, and making other accessibility improvements.”
