King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path is a new walking route being developed by Natural England, in partnership with local access authorities, that will follow the entire coast of England. For the first time you will have the right of access around all our open coast. The path is being opened in sections but will, when completed, be the longest coastal path in the world at approximately 2,700 miles.

Here in West Sussex a large section of the King Charles III England Coast Path is open from West Wittering beach to Shoreham-by-Sea. The remaining stretch from the South Hayling to East Head is awaiting approval by the Secretary of State as part of the determination stage. Once approved, works will begin by WSCC staff and contractors to complete the infrastructure required for the final part of the route in West Sussex. The route can be viewed on the National Trails website and on WSCC’s Public Rights of Way iMap.

Once opened the King Charles III England Coast Path will join the family of National Tails. For more information visit National Trail - King Charles III England Coast Path.

For information on the overall progress of the King Charles III England Coast Path, visit GOV.UK.

Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne

The 53 km (33 miles) stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne is now open to the public.

Coastal access rights came into force along this stretch of coast on 19 May 2022 by order of the Secretary of State. For more information visit England Coast Path: Shoreham to Eastbourne (GOV.UK).

East Head to Shoreham-by-Sea

The 44-mile section from West Wittering beach to Shoreham-by-Sea is now open. This stretch includes open coastal plain with long beaches, seaside resorts and nature reserves teeming with birds.

Coastal access rights came into force along this stretch of coast on 18 October 2023 by order of the Secretary of State. For more information visit England Coast Path: East Head to Shoreham-by-Sea (GOV.UK).

South Hayling to East Head

Natural England has begun to investigate how to improve coastal access along a 78 km stretch of the Hampshire and West Sussex coast between Hayling Island and East Head. For more information visit England Coast Path: South Hayling to East Head (GOV.UK).

You are welcome to bring your dog to the King Charles III England Coast Path, but you must ensure that it is always under control. This means the dog must be on a lead or, if not on a lead, it must be kept within sight and you must be aware of its actions and confident that the dog will return reliably and promptly when called. Dogs should always be on a short lead in the vicinity of livestock.

At certain times of the year, in some locations there may be additional restrictions on where dogs can go. Please obey any signs on the ground and stay out of areas where access with dogs is not allowed or keep your dog on a lead when requested to do so. Where restrictions are in place, they have been put there to protect sensitive wildlife or reduce problems around livestock.

To prevent the spread of infections and diseases associated with dog waste always clean up and remove your dog’s waste from the area and ensure that your dog has regular worming treatments.

When using the King Charles III England Coast Path please follow the Countryside Code (GOV.UK).

Looking for things to do and visitor information? Please visit Experience West Sussex.

If you have any questions about the trail, please email the Rights of Way Team at prow@westsussex.gov.uk.