Coastal Access in Kent
Since the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009 came into force work
has been under way to create a continuous path around the coastline of
England. While primary responsibility for the project lies with
Natural England, many others are involved too. In particular,
volunteers from the Ramblers survey each section and advise Natural
England on the optimum route from a walker's point of view. Local
authorities are responsible for the work on the ground, especially new
signage and furniture such as stiles and gates.
Perhaps most importantly, when the project seemed to be faltering
around 2013 because of lack of Government will, the Ramblers launched a
national campaign which not only saved the project but saw the planned
completion date brought forward to 2020, although of course that target
subsequently slipped.
In Kent we have a dedicated Coastal Access Officer, Ian Wild, who has
worked closely with Natural England and Kent County Council to ensure
the best feasible route for walkers.
The following sections of the England Coast Path in Kent are now
open (shown red in the map below):
- Camber to Ramsgate (since July 2016)
- Ramsgate to Whitstable (since October 2023)
- Whitstable to Kingsferry (since October 2022)
- Otterham Creek to Stoke Marshes (since October
2023)
- Grain to Woolwich (since January 2022)
The route around Sheppey is not yet
finalised – we await the decision of the Secretary of
State on landowner objections which were the subject of
a visit by a planning inspector in late 2021. The
route from Kingsferry to Otterham Creek is in the same situation.
Click on map to enlarge
We in Kent Ramblers have used our intimate knowledge of the area and
the path to produce a printed guide to the first section of the route to
be opened, from Camber to Ramsgate. Details of how to obtain the book are on our publications
page. All profits from this book support the work of the
Ramblers, without which there would probably never have been an England
Coast Path. We are busy preparing guides to the rest of the route.
If you have already walked from Camber to Ramsgate and
are in a hurry to carry on to Margate and beyond,
perhaps you would like to help us test out draft sections
of our new guides. If so, please email
books@kentramblers.org.uk and we will send you a
couple of draft sections – from Ramsgate to Margate and
from Margate to Herne Bay. When you send us
feedback on a section we will provide another so that
you always have two in hand. |
