Sea cliff climbing secured along England's coast
With the launch of the King Charles III England Coast Path, sea cliff climbing is now officially a permitted activity along England’s coastline within the coastal margin – so we can now walk and climb along the coast and enjoy some of the country’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.
The King Charles III England Coast Path now runs around the entire English coastline, marking a major moment for public access.
In total, 1,000 miles of new path have been created and a further 1,700 miles improved, connecting cliffs, beaches, headlands and dunes into one continuous National Trail. New signage, bridges and boardwalks have also been introduced, helping to make the route more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
What this means for climbers
Sea cliff climbing is now recognised as a permitted activity along the seawards side of the route.
For climbers, this brings greater clarity and confidence when heading to the coast. England’s sea cliffs offer everything from short tidal routes to serious multi-pitch adventures in some of the country’s most dramatic settings.
As always, access comes with responsibility. Before you go, make sure to:
- Check local access guidance and the Regional Access Database
- Be aware of seasonal restrictions, particularly for nesting birds
- Respect wildlife, the environment and other users
Dr Catherine Flitcroft, Head of Access and Environment at the BMC, said:
“The new coastal trail has been long in the planning so it’s fantastic that its opened officially today along the entire of the coast and it links with the with the Wales Coast Path too which was completed in 2012. New stretches of coastline have been opened up and more importantly, we now have permanent access land from the trail to the high-water mark which includes all of our wonderful sea cliffs."
A unique feature of the path is its ability to ‘roll back’ as the coastline changes. As erosion reshapes cliffs and shorelines, sections of the route can be moved inland, helping to ensure long-term access is maintained.
The England Coast Path has been developed over more than 16 years, led by Natural England in partnership with local authorities, landowners and other organisations. Originally set out in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the route was renamed in 2023 to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
If you’re heading to the coast, plan by checking the Regional Access Database so that you can enjoy climbing and hill walking responsibly.