Three new parts to the huge path are now open to walkers who want to experience a wonderful wildlife experience.
A unique wildlife walk in Lincolnshire now has three more sections open, making it one of the most accessible countryside areas of the UK.
Lincolnshire’s section of the national King Charles III England Coast Path is a 124-miles-long walking route that runs from Sutton Bridge to Barton-upon-Humber, opening up the majority of the iconic Wash coastline to walkers. The route gives legal access to an incredible section of British coastline, and the wildlife around it, for the first time.
Walkers can now enjoy more than 90% of our county’s coastal path with the latest sections added ranging from Mablethorpe to Tetney in addition to the new North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire sections to the Humber Bridge. This opening creates an almost continuous coastal route, with just two small gaps where a bridge is required near Gibraltar Point as well as a section around Immingham Dock.
Chris Miller, Head of Environment at Lincolnshire County Council said: “With these latest additions to the King Charles III England Coast Path coming to fruition we can now provide one of the most spectacular walks anywhere in the country.
“This is the outcome of several agencies working together to give legal access to a unique part of the country for people to enjoy. There is a vast array of wildlife and topography that you only get on our coast and now anyone who wants to see it, can do so for free.
“Natural England, the Environment Agency, North and North East Lincolnshire Councils and the coastal district councils have all worked with us to bring their essential knowledge of the area to this project. I hope that many will take the opportunity to walk the route and enjoy what Lincolnshire has to offer.”
Those who do use the path will get the chance to spot spectacular birds in flight such as the marsh harrier - or see others such as avocet, little egret, redshank and lapwing. It’s also possible to see a range of butterflies including the UK’s only green species – the green hairstreak butterfly – at Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes.
At the northern end of this stretch of the KCIIIECP is the Far Ings National Nature Reserve where walkers can listen out for the unique ‘boom’ of the bitterns, a species that is thriving in the reedbed habitat. Other birdsong to listen out for includes; cuckoos, spot swallows, warblers and great crested grebes.
Protected animals and plants on the route are not being impacted by the path as its course has been carefully plotted to avoid the most species-sensitive areas.
Local county councillor Bayleigh Robinson, representing Saltfleet & the Cotes, added: “It’s a real privilege to be here for this coast path event. It’s a route that connect communities and gives a truly spectacular slice of Lincolnshire wildlife for many to enjoy.
“The work that has gone into the path along the Lincolnshire coast is a real show of the skills and effort of many people to open up what we have to offer the entire county. I hope that people who live locally like me use it, and that it adds a real boon to the tourism industry in our county.
“And it’s entirely free to use. Walking the local coastline is a fantastic way to get some physical exercise and take time to enjoy a stand-out section of the UK shore.”
Cllr Bayleigh RobinsonVictoria Manton, Deputy Director for Natural England in the East Midlands, 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.”
Because sizeable sections of the path are remote and can stretch for several miles, they operate without any public facilities or connecting walkways, so it’s suggested that walkers ensure they are self-sufficient for their trip. Take enough food and water, check the weather forecast and wear the right clothes and footwear.
What makes the KCIIIECP unique is that a ‘coastal margin’ is being created alongside the trail. The margin includes all land between the trail and the sea, providing new rights to enjoy areas like beaches and dunes although some exceptions will apply in areas such as private properties and gardens, buildings and MoD land.
From a safety point of view, some other locations like mudflats and saltmarshes will have restricted access due to their unsuitability to be walked across.
Visitors can use the National Trails website to plan their day and see places to visit, stay or eat. For a host of brilliant information go to: King Charles III England Coast Path - National Trails for maps and information of all opened sections.
To link your visit to the coast path with other excellent walks in the Lincolnshire coastal area go to: www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/walking/coastal-walks/.
