The New King Charles III England Coast Path in Cornwall

I’ve lived in Cornwall all my life, but I’m still finding new places and the odd new trail I’ve never walked. Cornwall has always been a haven for walkers and nature lovers, and now there’s even more reason to lace up your walking boots. With the recent completion of 228 miles of improved footpath from St Agnes Head to Cremyll, the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) in Cornwall is officially open and ready to welcome walkers of all ages and abilities. We can’t wait to walk this new path! 

This monumental project is part of a national programme to establish a continuous walking route around the entire coast of England. When finished, the England Coast Path will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, and Cornwall is proudly leading the way with its breathtaking scenery, coastal towns, and enhanced access rights.

Let’s explore what makes this stretch of the England Coast Path National Trail so special and why it deserves a spot on your coastal walks wishlist.

A New Chapter for Cornwall’s Coastline

The South West Coast Path has long been a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. But the KCIIIECP brings fresh improvements, upgraded access, and some exciting reroutes that bring you closer to the sea. Stretching from St Agnes Head, across the rugged north coast, around the dramatic Land’s End, and winding along the south coast to Cremyll. The newly enhanced path now offers 228 miles of scenic walking through some of Cornwall’s most much-loved places.

Earlier this year, the 75-mile stretch from Marsland Mouth to Newquay was completed, and now the finishing touches have been made to the remaining route through Falmouth, Penzance, Polperro, The Lizard, and other coastal gems.

What’s New on the Path?

One of the key goals of the KCIIIECP is to improve public access rights and offer a more enjoyable, safer, and scenic route. And Cornwall has embraced this vision wholeheartedly.

Here are some of the exciting improvements:

• Path closer to the sea: In many places, the trail has been re-routed to hug the coastline. Offering walkers better sea views and a stronger connection to nature. A perfect example is at Porthkerris on the western side of The Lizard, where walkers now enjoy a new route instead of the older inland track.
• Avoiding busy roads: At Millendreath, the path has been moved away from roads for a more scenic and safer walking experience.
• Tidal alternatives: In areas like Downderry, where the main path can be inaccessible at high tide, alternative routes have been established to keep walkers safe and dry.
• Accessibility improvements: New, more accessible sections include the path between Swanpool and Gyllanvase Beach, and the route around Tregantle Fort.
• New legal provision: One of the most forward-thinking changes is the trail’s ability to “roll back” in response to coastal erosion, ensuring coastal access rights are preserved for generations to come.

Cornwall’s Coastline: A Feast for the Senses

If you’re walking for fitness, photography, or simply for the joy of being outdoors, the KCIIIECP in Cornwall offers something for everyone. Here are just a few highlights along the way:

Iconic Landmarks

• Land’s End – The most westerly point in mainland England.
• St Michael’s Mount – A fairytale island castle you can walk to at low tide.
• Minack Theatre – A jaw-dropping open-air theatre carved into a cliffside.
• St Mawes Castle – A Tudor coastal fortress with panoramic views of the Fal Estuary.

Nature & Wildlife

• Choughs, grey seals, and peregrine falcons call this coastline home.
• Spot sand dunes and nature reserves teeming with biodiversity.
• Watch the tide roll over rocky inlets and golden beaches.

Beaches & Villages

• Visit hidden coves and wide sandy stretches perfect for a picnic or paddle.
• Wander through charming coastal towns like Fowey, Mevagissey, and Looe.
• Discover local artisans, seafood shacks, and friendly pubs along the way.

A National Trail with Royal Roots

Named in honour of King Charles III, the trail reflects his passion for the natural environment and the rural communities who steward the land. The King Charles III England Coast Path not only celebrates England’s coastal beauty. But also aims to promote wellbeing, conservation, and sustainable tourism.

The trail is being developed by Natural England in collaboration with Cornwall Council, Cormac, the National Trust, and the South West Coast Path Association.

As Andrea Ayres, Deputy Area Director for Natural England, puts it:

“We hope the improvements to the path, and the additional access rights, will mean even more people will get out and enjoy nature. This will provide vital health and wellbeing benefits for local communities, as well as attracting visitors to the county.”

Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) said:

“It’s great to see the final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path open in Cornwall, which creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature.”

Spotlight: The Salt Path

Adding to the excitement is the recent release of the film The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. It’s based on the bestselling memoir by Raynor Winn. The movie was filmed partly in Newquay, Whitsand Bay, and Rame Head. Shining a spotlight on the dramatic beauty of Cornwall’s coast.

The story follows a couple who walk the South West Coast Path after facing personal hardship, discovering healing and resilience along the way. It’s a powerful reminder of the emotional connection people find with the coast. A theme echoed in the creation of the KCIIIECP.

Planning Your Coastal Adventure

If this has inspired you to walk part (or all!) of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Cornwall. Here are a few tips to get started:

Where to Start

• Use the interactive map on the National Trails website to plan your route.
• Choose from short scenic loops, day walks, or multi-day hikes.
• Popular start points include St Agnes, Newquay, The Lizard, Falmouth, and Cremyll.

Getting There

• Cornwall is well-served by public transport, including train lines, buses, and ferries.
• Park-and-ride options are available in several towns.
• Plan car-free days to lower your environmental impact and focus on the view!

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and plenty of water.
• The Official Guide to the South West Coast Path for in-depth info.
• Binoculars, camera, and a keen eye for wildlife and coastal views.

Why This Trail Matters

Beyond the incredible views and local charm, the KCIIIECP is about reconnecting people with nature. With new access rights, a long-distance walking trail like this empowers more people to enjoy the open coast responsibly and respectfully.

It also brings significant investment to the local economy. Supports local landowners and helps protect our natural environment through managed access, coastal erosion plans. It provides collaboration between public and private organisations.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a seasoned hiker or someone looking to try coastal walking for the first time, the King Charles III England Coast Path in Cornwall is a spectacular way to experience the very best of what England’s shores have to offer.

So why not grab your walking boots, download a route map, and discover the wider area of land that is now open to explore? From castle ruins to seaside resorts, cliffside theatres to quiet tidal inlets, this is Cornwall as you’ve never walked it before.

Ready to walk the coast?

Head to the South West Coast Path Association or the National Trails site to plan your adventure today.

If you’ve walked part of the KCIIIECP, I’d love to hear your experiences! Share your favourite photos of the trail and tag me on Instagram @rachelbustin. Or tell me about your most memorable coastal moments in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow the Countryside Code while enjoying your walk!