The King Charles III England Coast Path has been officially inaugurated by His Majesty, marking a major milestone for what is now the longest managed coastal walking route in the world.

The ceremony took place on Thursday, March 19, at Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve, where the King walked part of the trail alongside Tony Juniper, celebrating the near-completion of the 2,700-mile route.

But while the national spotlight was on the south coast, Lincolnshire has already been ahead of the curve — with its major stretch of the path opening last year.

Spanning 47 miles, the trail takes walkers through classic seaside resorts, nature reserves and industrial heritage landscapes — from the sandy beaches of Skegness and Cleethorpes to the wild saltmarshes of Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe National Nature Reserve and the working ports of the Humber.

The King during his visit to the Lincolnshire coast.

placeholder image — The King during his visit to the Lincolnshire coast.

The Chapel Point section of the coast path originally opened to the public in February 2019. It iformed part of the 16-mile (26 km) stretch between Skegness and Mablethorpe.

A section connecting Mablethorpe to the Humber Bridge opened in May last year.

This opening created an almost continuous 160-mile coastal route from Sutton Bridge to Easington, with just two small gaps at Gibraltar Point bridge and Immingham.

At the time, Natural England’s Deputy Director for the East Midlands, Victoria Manton, said: “This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful local coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits. The trail will also support the local economy - bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.”

Following the ceremony to open the final stretch, Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “With these latest additions… we can now provide one of the most spectacular walks anywhere in the country.”

The Lincolnshire stretch showcases some of the UK’s most varied coastal scenery. Walkers can experience:

Traditional seaside charm in Mablethorpe
Birdwatching hotspots at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve and Frampton Marsh
Around 2,000 grey seal pups each autumn at Donna Nook
Views of the iconic St Botolph's Church (“Boston Stump”)

Completion of the final link in Yorkshire meant walkers will be able to travel more than 450 uninterrupted miles from Lincolnshire to the Scottish border.

The opening of the Chapel Point stretch on the coast path.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “Following 16 years of hard work from the Natural England team we are delighted to reach this landmark point for the King Charles III England Coast Path. It is testament to how public enjoyment, conservation, heritage, history and community can come together, helping make life better for millions of people. It also presents a fitting tribute to His Majesty’s lifelong contribution to the natural world.

“Through this incredible national trail people from around the country and around the world will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the English Coast and the feelings of wellbeing that this brings. It will reconnect people with the outdoors, support nature recovery, provide economic benefits and create a more inclusive, sustainable future.”

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We have one of the most stunning coastlines in the world and the King Charles III England Coast Path gives people a new way to explore it.

“This is the longest managed coast path in the world, creating amazing opportunities for people to visit spots of natural beauty in our coastal towns and villages.”