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Earlier this month, the longest maintained coastal path in the world was officially launched. The King Charles III Coastal Path (KCIII Path) bends and curves 2,700 miles around the entire English coastline, from Berwick-upon-Tweed all the way down to Land’s End. Much of the path has been open to the public for decades, but in this marks the very first time that every inch of the coastline has been accessible to walkers.
To try out the path for yourself, you could take the train south to walk sections in Dorset or Cornwall, or you venture north to take on stretches in Sunderland and Northumberland. Or, you could just hop on the Elizabeth line or DLR to Woolwich. That’s right, the coastal path even runs through London.
The section that stops by the capital stretches just over 76 miles between Woolwich and Grain near Rochester. It begins (or ends, depending on which way you’re walking) at Woolwich foot tunnel, where the Thames Path National Trail meets the coastal path, and follows the river the entire way to Grain. The route has existed since 2022, but there is still one short section in Grain that is still not complete. National Trails says that you catch the Arriva 191 bus to connect the open sections.
The trail, marked by signs with the KCIII’s signature acorn logo, takes you past a number of heritage sites and wildlife hotspots. It goes by Woolwich Arsenal, which has a long history of providing armaments and ammunition for the British army and navy, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Crayford Marshes, Gravesend, Saxon Shore, Higham Marshes, Shorne Marshes, the ruins of Cliffe Fort and the marshes of the RSPB Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve. Look out for plenty of birds and even the odd grey seal.
The whole section from Woolwich to Grain takes roughly 15 and 17 hours to complete, so you may want to book into a hotel mid-way through.
Check out all of the best walks in London here.
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