New 35-Mile Section Of King Charles III England Coast Path Opens Around Chichester Harbour

Walkers can now explore more of the coastline around Chichester Harbour with the opening of a new 35-mile (56km) stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

The new route links South Hayling in Hampshire to East Head near West Wittering in West Sussex, completing over 210 miles of continuous coastal walking between Calshot in Hampshire and Rye Harbour in East Sussex.

Graham Horton, deputy director for Natural England’s Thames Solent team, said the trail “gives people access to the wonderful habitats and amazing villages around the harbour” and allows walkers to, in theory, “walk all the way around the English coast.”

The path is well signposted and designed to be accessible to all. Natural England worked closely with landowners and local stakeholders to agree the route, taking care to protect wildlife and the interests of communities along the coast.

The new section passes islands and peninsulas, offering opportunities to spot seals and a range of bird species, including winter migrants such as brent geese, ringed plover, and curlew.

Thorney Island, just off Chichester Harbour, features an eight-mile loop ideal for birdwatching around its wild perimeter.

Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said the trail will support local tourism, wildlife, and access to previously hard-to-reach areas.

She added that the route has been designed to adapt to coastal erosion, helping to ensure public access in the future.

Once complete, the England Coast Path will stretch almost 2,700 miles, making it the world’s longest managed coastal walking route, with 78 miles still awaiting a government decision.