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The England Coast Path has been hailed as the “most significant footpath project for a generation”. When it is completed in 2020 it will cover 2,700 miles, making it one of the world’s

longest walkways. At present, 101 miles of coastal path are accessible in Cumbria, Durham, Dorset and Norfolk. By next spring a further 95 miles will have been completed in Kent and Somerset

and work will be under way on more than half of the entire coastline. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which is working alongside Natural England on the project,

hopes the path will boost visitor numbers. Tourism already contributes about £11billion a year to the rural economy. Rural Affairs Minister Rory Stewart said: “As an historic seafaring

nation, a deep connection with our coastline is an integral part of our national identity. “None of us lives further than about 75 miles from the sea, and most of us live much closer, so

it’s vital to our relationship with our countryside that the public has easy access to our outstanding coastline. “We have already opened up miles of our beautiful coastline for everyone to

enjoy, boosting local tourism and growing the rural economy, so it makes sense to extend these plans even further. We know that walking in the countryside is good for people’s health and

wellbeing, and what better way to do it than with the accompaniment of a nice sea breeze?” Andrew Sells, chairman of Natural England, said: “This is the most significant footpath project for

a generation. It will be an incredible legacy for our island nation and I’m delighted to report on our excellent progress this year. Visitors from home and abroad enjoy our spectacular

coastlines and love to walk our National Trails, which pass through some of our most stunning countryside. “We know from our evidence of spending by visitors to the coast that the route will

boost the local economy and help support coastal communities. We are on target to complete the entire route by 2020.” The new National Trail will pass through some of England’s most iconic

landscapes, including the White Cliffs of Dover, St Bees Head in Cumbria and the beaches of Devon and Cornwall. Natural England has been working with landowners, local authorities and

interest groups to plan the best route. It will use existing coastal paths where possible but in some cases the route has been moved even closer to the sea to offer better views.