Work is underway on a new England Coast Path around the country’s entire coastline, including two stretches running through Merseyside.

Natural England has announced that every section of its project has been started, and will create new paths and new areas of open access land for the public to explore.

The two stretches incorporating Merseyside will run from Cleveleys in Lancashire to Liverpool’s Pier Head, and from Birkenhead to the Welsh Border.

Ramblers’ volunteers are currently working with Natural England to discuss the best route the England Coast Path should take along these stretches.

Ramblers’ director of advocacy and engagement, Nicky Philpott says: “This is a huge milestone in the story of the England Coast Path and one we should celebrate. Building sandcastles on the beach, dipping toes in the sea and taking a stroll along clifftops are favourite activities that cross generations and bring us all together.

“So it might surprise you that until recently, a third of England’s coastline was inaccessible. The Ramblers has long dreamed of a country where everyone can freely enjoy our beautiful coast, so we were pleased that after years of campaigning, in 2010, work started on the England Coast Path.”

The path around the country’s entire coastline will be almost 3,000 miles long, and Natural England has been working with landowners, local authorities and others to open up parts of the path.

Meanwhile Ramblers’ volunteers have been walking and surveying swathes of coast to map out the best route for walkers.

The government hopes to complete the England Coast Path by 2020, with the Ramblers aiming to ensure maintenance plans are put in place once the path has become a National Trail.

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