Most of us love a sunny walk by the seaside – even if we’re a Royal.

And if your walk takes you along a path named in your honour – what could be better?

The Monarch was in East Sussex this week to stroll along our stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path – a National Trail which will soon allow anyone to walk the country’s entire coastline – all 2,700 miles of it.

It was the official opening of the route, the longest managed costal path in the world.

With the county basking in spring sunshine, East Sussex’s glorious coastline was looking at its best for King Charles’ visit.

He walked a stretch of the Coast Path between the Cuckmere and Seaford Head, one of our most loved outdoor spots.

But you don’t have to be a VIP to enjoy the King Charles III Coast Path – in East Sussex alone you can walk up to 52 miles along the route – anywhere from Telscombe Cliffs to Camber.

Creating the King Charles III Coast Path

The path has opened up by joining existing coastal paths and creating access where there was previously none.

In our county, the Rights of Way and Countryside Team from East Sussex County Council have been working in partnership with Natural England, landowners, volunteers and local partners to establish the trail on the ground.

Many of the people who have worked on the project were there to meet the King and tell him a little more about how the East Sussex section of the Coast Path has been established.

The result is a continuous, easy to follow, well-maintained walking route which can be enjoyed for a one-hour stroll or a three-day hike before you even leave the borders of East Sussex.

Before long, the final stretch between Camber and Rye will be open too – meaning the entire East Sussex section of the Coastal Path will be unlocked.

Everywhere it runs, the trail aims to stay as close to the coast as possible. Mostly it means you’ll walk right alongside the coast and can easily walk down to the beach and the shoreline. Sometimes it heads inland for short distances.

It links some of the finest landscapes in England with the coastal towns, cities and ports which have shaped our island nation. Some of the places you’ll pass through – like Cuckmere Haven – are famous. Others may be hidden gems – parts of our coastal landscape which are less well known but just as precious.

Tom Kennedy, National Trail Officer for the South East section which includes East Sussex, says:

“We’re fortunate to have a spectacular and diverse coastline in East Sussex, with iconic chalk cliffs mixed with expansive beaches and nature reserves rich in wildlife. The coast path links up these dramatic landscapes, with undulating clifftop terrain and accessible promenade sections providing a variety of coastal access opportunities for everyone to enjoy.”

Access to nature, access for all

One of the aims of establishing the path was to give more people the opportunity to connect with nature and their environment.

And with King Charles a long-time champion of the environment, the decision to name the Coastal Path in his honour in 2023 seemed ideal.

At the same time, a new national nature reserve has been created in this part of East Sussex to protect precious habitats and the groundwater which sustains them.

The Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve stretches from Seaford and the edges of Eastbourne to include the Seven Sisters cliffs, Cuckmere Valley and Lullington Heath.

It takes in wildlife habitats including chalk grassland, rare chalk heath, woodland, saltmarsh, scrubland, flood plains, the estuary and even underwater chalk reefs.

As well as protecting and enjoying nature, an important ambition behind the Coast Path has been to make as much of it as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.

To inspire people to explore the path and plan their visit, a virtual tour of the route has been created so you can look at the ups and downs of the route from the comfort of home before deciding which parts you’d like to set out on.

Explore the route online at Mapillary or watch this short film by Natural England that shows the 33-mile (53km) route from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne.

Whether you fancy a short stroll, a wheel, or a longer hike – the Coastal Path in East Sussex is open to everyone.

You might not be walking with the King, but you’ll definitely be following in his footsteps.

Ready to get moving?

Find out more on how to get there, facilities on the route and some of the treasures you might discover on the Trail’s official site.

King Charles III England Coast Path – South East – National Trails

Want more walking inspo? Why not check out one of our other articles featuring places to walk in East Sussex.

Note: Official photos of the King’s visit are to follow.