Information on the new National Trail following England's coastline.
About
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 South Hayling to East Head was approved by the Secretary of State on 16 July 2024 and West Sussex County Council (WSCC) officers are working with Natural England 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 Trails. 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.
Coast path stretches in West Sussex
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
On 16 July 2024, the Secretary of State announced their decision to approve a stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Hampshire and West Sussex between South Hayling and East Head. For more information visit England Coast Path: South Hayling to East Head (GOV.UK).
Work is now underway to prepare the new stretch of coast path for public use. The first step is to contact owners and occupiers of the affected land to discuss the design and location of any new infrastructure which is needed, such as signs and gates.
When preparations are complete, new access rights will come into force along the route and adjoining spreading room.
Dogs on the coast path
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.
Countryside Code
When using the King Charles III England Coast Path please follow the Countryside Code (GOV.UK).
Additional information
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.