A 31-mile stretch of path of the UK's newest national trail has been opened to the public on the Northumberland Coast.
Amble to Bamburgh is the latest stretch of the England Coast Path National Trail to open, set to become the longest managed walking route in the world - incredibly the 2,700 mile trail is longer than the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail in the USA. This section of the route hugs the Northumberland Coast and takes in towns and villages such as Warkworth, Alnmouth, Boulmer, Craster, Embleton Bay, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Beadnell and Seahouses - culminating at Bamburgh and its spectacular castle.
Recognised as a Heritage Coast, the route also is in the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to coastal cliffs, rocky headlands, sandy bays and intertidal habitats which provide refuge for a variety of flora and fauna. Thirteen miles of the coast are also managed by the National Trust, which maintains habitat in the wildflower-rich dunes.
Read more: I visited the three Northumberland beaches among the best in the UK in one day - here's how to do it
The 31-mile stretch upgrades much of the existing Northumberland Coast Path between Amble and Bamburgh to National Trail status, with improved signage, surfacing, and footbridges, where needed. One such location is Football Hole at Low Newton-by-the-Sea, recently voted one of the best beaches in the country by the Times, where a wooden footbridge is set to be installed across uneven and sandy ground.
Natural England is currently working to establish a 2,700-mile continuous path around the entire English coastline. The path, which already has 737 miles open, will take people through some of England's finest landscapes, as well as many coastal towns, cities and ports that have shaped the nation.
The England Coast Path socio-economic baseline study showed that over £379 million is spent in the national economy as a result of trips to English coastal paths, of which £350 million is spent within local coastal economies (within ten miles of the path).
Hailing the path as a fantastic addition to Northumberland's offer, Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives with Northumberland County Council, said: "The England Coast Path is a great achievement for our county, the region and the country and is a fabulous legacy."
"The improvements made to coastal access will enable people to walk along a high-quality National Trail and enjoy this part of our stunning coastline. Outdoor exercise contributes to people’s mental wellbeing and physical health and visitors to Northumberland contribute millions to the local economy."
Christine Venus, Natural England Area Manager, said: "England has some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world and the England Coast Path is giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy them. The glorious route from Amble to Bamburgh is now vastly improved and will help connect people with the natural environment allowing them to enjoy and appreciate the coastal landscape, wildlife, local heritage and coastal towns and villages.
"Visits to the coast remain one of our most popular activities and are worth millions of pounds to our regional economy."
How much of the England Coast Path National Trail could you walk once it's completed? Let us know!
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