England Is Creating The World's Longest Continuous Coastal Trail (& It's Almost Complete)

Whether you're a sucker for the U.K.'s scenic beach towns or simply enjoy any excuse for a leisurely walk, the news that England has nearly finished creating the world's longest continuous coastal trail is cause for celebration. First announced in 2008, the England Coast Path (now formally known as the King Charles III England Coast Path) has 66% of its 2,700-mile goal completed. A press release published by the British government says the final 34% will be taken care of by spring 2026.

While exciting for those who have followed the trail's roughly 15-year development, this projected completion date comes after the England Coast Path's failure to meet past construction benchmarks. Though landownership disputes, budget cuts, and other unforeseen setbacks delayed progress, the Ramblers Association (a charity dedicated to making Britain's green spaces welcoming to all) says, "It is only a matter of time before someone walks the newly completed England Coast Path in its entirety."

On that completed trail, visitors can look forward to seeing beautiful views of England's countryside and visiting myriad underrated coastal vacation destinations. If the idea of this seriously long-distance trek has you itching to plan a trip, dive into these details on what you should know about the England Coast Path.

Ever thought about walking all the way from Los Angeles to New York City? No? Well, if that distance sounds intimidating, you'll need a lot of training before you can tackle the U.K.'s similarly staggering England Coast Path. Official estimates say the finished trail will measure in at 2,700 miles long. While some sources say the pathway's total distance will be 2,795 miles specifically, exact numbers remain fuzzy for this in-the-works project.

Hikers don't have to wait for those numbers to be finalized to explore at least part of this trail, though. Following the unveiling of a 28-mile stretch through the Isle of Sheppey in June, the England Coast Path already has a total of 1,772 miles open to visitors. Currently, you can choose between walking sections outside Bristol, through Devon and Cornwall, in Sussex and Kent, or as far north as Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumbria.

Understandably, trail conditions will vary from section to section. In the northeast, sightseers can expect to cross through meadows and over cliffs but also to pass by gorgeous beaches and sleepy villages. In the southwest, you can see fishing hubs on the Channel Coast and peruse nature reserves on the Atlantic Coast. Some of these areas even allow cycling, horseback riding, and dog walking, but you'll want to double-check each section's regulations before setting out on wheels or with an animal companion.

Much like how America's most scenic national park hiking trails give everyone the chance to experience the country's natural wonders, the England Coast Path aims to expand access to the United Kingdom's stunning shorefront landscapes. Split up into eight distinct regions, the trail invites people to wander wherever their hearts desire, from sandy stretches at sea level up to the White Cliffs of Dover. While visitors can customize their journey to hit attractions that most interest them, there are a few incredible spots that everyone should consider checking out along the way.

In North Yorkshire, find the fishing town of Staithes near both Cleveland Way National Trail and the England Coast Path. Here, you can stay in cottages by the sea, eat fresh local seafood, and even hunt for fossils. Afterward, make your way to the Lincolnshire Coast and explore the Sound Tower and North Sea Observatory in Skegness. Curious to see castles? There are a handful along the England Coast Path, including Rufus Castle on the Channel Coast and Dunster Castle on the Atlantic Coast. Even if you're not keen on walking long portions of the trail, any traveler looking for the best day trips from London should at least check out the southeastern stretch near the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.