First section of King Charles III England Coast Path opens in Suffolk
The first Suffolk section of the path opens between Shotley Gate and Felixstowe Ferry
The first Suffolk stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path opens to the public today, with the newly opened 27-mile route running between Shotley Gate and Felixstowe Ferry.
The trail, which has been a collaboration between Natural England and Suffolk County Council, stays close to the shoreline, starting at Shotley Gate before heading inland around the Orwell estuary.
It then rejoins the coast along Felixstowe seafront.
The path brings new access to some areas of the Orwell estuary, especially in the Nacton area where new pathways have been cut.
Boardwalks have also been installed across areas that can become waterlogged and foot bridges have been established over ditches.
Darren Braine, Senior Officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England, said: “It has taken many years of working with our partners and landowners to deliver this exciting new National Trail around the Orwell estuary and through Felixstowe to the quaint hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry, to create this key link in the long-distance footpath network.
“Opening this 27-mile stretch allows the public to enjoy the new access and ensures the route will be maintained to the high National Trails standard.
"But our work isn’t done. Natural England continues to work with Suffolk Council to establish more of the trail along the coast to link the county to the existing stretches in Norfolk and Essex.”
The King Charles III England Coast Path
This new stretch adds to over 1,251 miles of King Charles III England Coast Path already officially open around the country, and progress continues on getting the path fully open with further stretches opening this year.
Once completed, the path will be a 2,700 mile long National Trail around the whole of the English coast.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: “Walkers can now roam the glorious coast all the way between Shotley Gate and Felixstowe Ferry, taking in the beautiful Orwell estuary along the way.
“The collaborative working between Suffolk County Council and Natural England has enabled this initial section of the England Coast Path to open in Suffolk, providing residents and visitors more opportunities to explore Suffolk’s stunning coastline.”