England coastal path grows

The latest stretch of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path, extending from Aust to Clevedon, has opened.

The new 23-mile-long path stretches from Old Passage near Aust just south of the Old Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire through to Wain’s Hill, Clevedon in North Somerset.

Highlights of the stretch include:

• Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve on the edge of the Severn Estuary between Portishead and Royal Portbury Dock, which consists of wetlands and saltmarsh. Skylarks and waders are often visible from the bird hides, while otters can be seen in the rhynes.
• Clevedon Pier, one of the earliest surviving examples of a Victorian pier.
• The Prince of Wales Bridge.
• The Old Aust Ferry Slipway.
• Wildfowl and waders on the estuary during the autumn and winter, including redshank, dunlin and black-tailed godwit.
• Wheelchair-accessible paths at Severn Beach, Portishead and Clevedon Promenades.

It is the second phase of the path between Aust and Brean Down. The first stage between Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare and Brean Down Fort in Somerset opened in June 2022. The remaining phases aim to be completed by the end of 2024 enabling a continuous walking route to the Somerset coastline and beyond.

The new section is the first to open in South Gloucestershire and Bristol and the second section in North Somerset.

The path also forms part of the next section of the ‘North Somerset Tidal Trail’ which will eventually follow the length of North Somerset’s coastline.

Rachel Williams, Area Manager for Wessex at Natural England, said: “This path is a welcome addition for South Gloucestershire the Avonmouth area of Bristol as well North Somerset and will provide both the local community and visitors and tourists from further afield more opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature.”

When complete, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the longest continuous coastal path in the world. This National Trail will encompass the entire English coast, passing through some of the most stunning, dynamic and internationally recognised scenery.

The King Charles III England Coast Path will provide more people with the opportunity to experience the natural environment, as is part of the government’s ambition to connect people with nature outlined in the 25 Year Environment Plan. Coastal communities and businesses are also set to benefit from increased visitors to these areas.