On the trail to longest regional path

09 August 2007

Work is under way on plans to create a North West Coastal Trail, which would become the longest regional pathway in the UK.

The coastal pathway from Chester to Carlisle will stretch for some 1,400km – overtaking the 1,014km South West Coast Path from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. It aims to create a continuous route, suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding, building on the existing coastal paths and trails such as the Lancashire Coastal Way. It is hoped it will become a major European tourist attraction for walkers.

The North West Coastal Forum, which includes local authorities, businesses and regional environmental and tourist groups, is the lead partner in the initiative, and has appointed a project officer based at its secretariat within the North West Regional Assembly in Wigan, to develop and promote the coastal trail.

New research funded jointly by the assembly and Natural Economy Northwest Natural Economy Northwest – led by Natural England, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the environmental funding group SITA Trust – will assess the pathway’s value to the region, and maximise opportunities to develop its social and economic potential.

Sue Kidd, chair of the North West Coastal Forum, said: ‘I believe the Northwest Coastal Trail has a key role to play in the renaissance of the region. ‘I think we have forgotten the great places we have on our doorsteps, and how much the coast can contribute to the quality of life in the region. And the trail is part of unlocking this untapped potential.’ Former environment secretary,

David Miliband, launched a major consultation on public access to coastline in England in June (Surveyor, 21 June), with a closing date for responses set for 11 September. Natural England has said that the full length of the English coastline should be open with ‘continuous, good-quality access on foot’, and has estimated that it would take 10 years to complete the project.

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On the trail to longest regional path

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