14 June 2022

Fans of coastal walking have cause to celebrate, following the recent opening of the newest stretch of the iconic England Coast Path, from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne in Sussex.  

The latest section, which was officially opened at the end of May, links west to east Sussex and is the first complete stretch to open in the county. The 33-mile (53km) section takes in a huge variety of coastal scenery, from dramatic white chalk cliffs to the seaside delights of Brighton.  

Geoff Cook (below) is one of many dedicated Ramblers volunteers around the UK who have been working with Natural England to help open up the England Coast Path.  

Geoff surveyed and reported on the Eastbourne to Shoreham stretch of the path, making recommendations for the route and improvements to be made. He said: 

“When I first heard about the proposed England Coast Path, my first reaction was - this is terrific, I must be part of it! So, I took on the Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne stretch.   

“I’ve recently re-walked the route and seen all the signage installed and path improvements made since my first explorations six years ago – it’s really satisfying to think that I’ve contributed to the creation of this Sussex stretch of a wonderful new National Trail.” 

It’s the 17th full stretch of the England Coast Path to be opened, bringing us one step closer to the completion of the iconic National Trail, which will at 2,700 miles will become the longest walking route in the world. 

Geoff added: “This stretch truly has something for everyone, from seaside promenades to cliff-top paths, from nature reserves to river estuaries, a marina to the beautiful stretch of English Heritage Coastline west of Eastbourne.  I can only try to imagine all the wonders that will be found on the whole 2,700 mile trail when it’s fully open.”  

The England Coast Path, won through years of Ramblers campaigning, is an inspirational project to create the world’s longest continuous coastal trail, stretching around the entire English coastline.  

Throughout the summer, our Coast Path Countdown campaign will celebrate more miles of the England Coast Path opening, as we look forward to its completion. As we mark this huge achievement, we’re encouraging everyone to get out walking this summer.  

Join in our campaign by sharing your summer walking photos and videos using #CoastPathCountdown on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 

Hear all the latest about the campaign: www.ramblers.org.uk/coastpathcountdown