A landmark trail around England’s stunning coastline may be just a step away, following the inclusion of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill in today’s Queen’s Speech (3 December 2008), which for the first time ever will allow the public to walk from one end of the English coast to the other unhindered.
The Ramblers’ Association, the national walking charity, has warmly welcomed the bill which will also give long overdue protection to our valuable marine environment.
Visiting the coast is an enormously popular activity, yet at present you can only walk for an hour before encountering an obstruction or diversion inland. Much of our coastline is inaccessible and many walking routes are diverted inland, either because of coastal erosion or development. The Ramblers has been at the forefront of a campaign to open up access to the coast.
The Ramblers will be looking to government for further clarity on the issue of access to parks. An exclusion of parks would mean large areas of open countryside are out of bounds leading to inland detours, which goes against the spirit of the new legislation.
Tom Franklin, chief executive of the Ramblers said: “We are enormously pleased that access to the English coast is now within reach and congratulate the government on its brave vision. Improving access to our coast and beaches will deliver huge benefits. Safe passage of this legislation is essential to ensure that this generation can for the first time walk around the coast without hindrance.”
