Sussex Coast Takes Centre Stage As England’s Epic Coastal Path Opens

Sussex is stepping into the spotlight as a landmark new walking route around the entire coast of England is officially launched this week.

The King Charles III England Coast Path stretches an impressive 2,689 miles, creating the longest managed coastal walking route in the world.

For the first time, it allows people to follow England’s shoreline continuously – and some of the most breathtaking sections run right through Sussex.

Among the standout highlights is the iconic chalk coastline of Seven Sisters, where rolling white cliffs meet the sea. This much-loved stretch is also part of a newly created National Nature Reserve, further cementing Sussex’s reputation as one of the UK’s top coastal destinations.

The new route links together existing paths with more than 1,000 miles of newly created trail, alongside major upgrades.

Walkers can expect improved surfaces, new boardwalks and better access – opening up more of the coastline to people of all abilities.

For Sussex residents, it means easier and more direct access to the coast than ever before.

In many places, land that was once off-limits – including cliff-tops, beaches and dunes – is now open, giving walkers the freedom to explore beyond the traditional footpaths.

The project has been 18 years in the making, with around 80% of the route now complete and the final sections expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Importantly, the path has been designed to adapt to the changing coastline.

With erosion and rising sea levels an increasing concern along parts of the Sussex coast, sections of the trail can be moved inland if needed – ensuring it remains safe and continuous in the years ahead.

The launch also connects Sussex to a much wider walking network.

The route links with the Wales Coast Path, meaning it’s now possible to walk vast uninterrupted stretches of Britain’s coastline – potentially covering thousands of miles.

For walkers in Sussex, it’s a major moment. From the dramatic cliffs of the Seven Sisters to the county’s varied beaches and coastal towns, the new path shines a national spotlight on the very best of the local coastline.

Whether it’s a short seaside stroll or a longer hiking adventure, Sussex now sits right at the heart of one of the world’s greatest coastal walks.