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The England Coast Path is a long-distance National Trail that follows the English coastline and is still partly under development. When it is complete, it will be 2,795 miles or 4,500 kilometers long and will be the longest coastal trail in the world. The England Coast Path has been inspired by the success of the earlier Wales Coast Path.

The England Coast Path will follow the whole English coastline and is already one of the best ways to really explore England. Along the way, one will see everything from where Hadrian's Wall once reached the sea to the White Cliffs of Dover. When it is complete, it will be not only one of the best hikes in England but also the ultimate hike in England.

The English Coast Path - One Of Three (Proposed) Great Britain National Coast Trails

The England Coast Path links with other significant paths on the island of Great Britain, including the Wales Coast Path and the Offa's Dyke Path. In the north, it links with the Berwickshire Coastal Path that will link with the proposed Scottish Coastal Way.

Wales Coast Path:

The Wales Coast Path was the first of the three national coast trails on the island of Great Britain (England's is nearing completion, while Scotland's is proposed to be completed by 2030). It was the first dedicated coast path in the world to follow a country's entire coastline.

  • Opened: Fully on 5 May 2012
  • Length: 870 Miles or 1,400 kilometers

Scottish Coastal Way:

Not wanting to be outdone by England and Wales, Scotland has mooted creating its own coastal trail. But this trail will be much more complicated as Scotland's irregular coastlines makes it much more difficult and longer. It is estimated that the total length of the Scottish Coastal way will be around 10,192 kilometers long, of which only around 2,700 kilometers exist today.

  • Length: 6,314 Miles or 10,162 Kilometers (Proposed)
  • Status: Proposed (1,677 Miles or 2,700 Kilometers Already In Existence)

Related: Why England's Lake District Is Regarded As The Best In England

The English Coast Path - The World's Longest Coast Path Is Almost Complete

While in English-speaking countries like the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, there are generally clear no-trespassing laws on private property. But in the United Kingdom, things are a little different. Since 2000 there has been a limited right to roam in England and Wales in undeveloped parts of the countryside. Many or most of the hiking trails in England run through private land (often right by people's homes).

  • Length: 2,795 miles or 4,500 kilometers

To the north in Scotland, there is a tradition of unhindered access to open countryside - provided that it does cause damage with farming or game stalking or the like. This means visitors are free to roam across much of the stunning Highlands of Scotland (which have some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland).

The England Coast Path continues to open in sections. The path is intended to stay as close to the coastline as possible - in many areas; hikers will be walking right along the coast.

Related: See Some Of New England's Best Scenery On Its National Scenic Trail

What To Know About Hiking The English Coast Path

The English Coast Path is well-signed and marked with distinctive acorn waymarkers. While much of the path is on firm ground, some areas will get muddy in wet weather (England can get very muddy), so dress in the appropriate footwear. Much of the trail is over smooth surfaced paths through towns, villages, and along promenades.

It is important to follow the information and updates for the path in advance. Some sections may only be passable at low tide, while other sections may be closed for maintenance; still, other sections may not be yet open.

Dogs are welcome on the England Coast Path, although owners need to ensure they are under effective control all the time. If the dog is not on a lead, it needs to be within sight and will respond to its owner's call. There may be some places where dogs are not allowed or must be leashed, but those places will be accordingly signed (e.g., when the trail passes through farming fields with cattle).

To learn more about the trail and plan for specific sections of it, refer to the National Trails website. The website provides detailed information for each section.