The Beach at Sheringham North Norfolk

Great news for walkers! It has been announced that the first section of the England Coast Path in North Norfolk is to be set out between Sea Palling and Weybourne, a distance of approximately 25 miles.

This is important news, not only for locals that love to walk on the North Norfolk coast but also for tourism. Initiatives such as this attract more visitors and boost the takings of businesses along the route.

Consultations have taken place between Natural England, the landowners, local councils and residents regarding the route and agreement was reached without major problems. The path will be clearly marked and maintained to a high standard.

Natural England’s Area Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk, Pamela Abbott expressed her delight at the news: “Having worked so closely with our partners on all the details, we’re delighted that the planning will become a reality and that practical improvements can soon be made along this spectacular stretch of coast. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in the preparations, as their significant knowledge and the expertise of landowners and other interested parties has been invaluable…

It’s tremendously exciting to know that implementing this first stretch of the England Coast Path in Norfolk is contributing to the creation of one of the longest coast paths in the world. Encouraging more people – both local residents and visitors – to enjoy our coastline will bring many benefits to our local economy too.”

The Norfolk Trails Team at Norfolk County Council is now tasked with preparing the path for the public to use. The owners and occupiers of the land involved are to be consulted about the creation and location of the infrastructure that will be required – signs, gates, etc. Only when this work is complete will the path be opened with official public access allowed.

This first part of the path will provide new access and fresh viewpoints for walkers. There is also the great advantage that this path will be able to roll back if cliff erosion occurs; bypass routes will be quickly put in place if required.

Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet member for the Environment, David Harrison commented: “The prospect of creating a wonderful new National Trail along one of the finest coastlines in England has come a step closer today. If all goes well, we should be able to start building it this summer and it could be open in the last quarter of this year.”

Lovely video of North Norfolk beaches by Helen Rushbrook.

Waves, Wind, Wings…..The Eastern Edition from Helen Rushbrook on Vimeo.