Explore Europe’s top road trip destinations this summer

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If you want to reconnect with nature and explore some of the world’s most incredible destinations, one of these European road trips could be the next thing on your summer agenda. 

Although UK staycation popularity is growing due to ongoing airport chaos, many Brits are eager to get back to the continent for some sun and culture. 

Whether you want to explore with your family in a caravan or pitch up in a tent along the way, Ed Bassett, Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo, has put together a list of the best destinations in Europe for road tripping. If you fancy a mountain getaway, a surfing experience or a beach holiday, there’s a route to suit all tastes. 

Mr Bassett commented: “Spending more time in the great outdoors, disconnecting from tech and reconnecting with nature helps us mentally decompress, resulting in reduced feelings of stress and anger, improved mood, self-esteem and confidence, as well as improved physical health, and the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones.”

So, let’s jump right in with the first European road trip destination on the list. 

The Algarve, Portugal

Known for its sandy beaches, turquoise waters and towering cliffs, the Algarve offers scenic road trip opportunities for sunseekers. 

Mr Bassett suggests a six-day Portugal road trip starting in the village of Sagres and heading east towards Lagos, before ending the trip in Tavira on the Spanish border. Along the way, you can expect to see historic fishing villages, stunning sunsets and idyllic beaches perfect for taking a dip. 

Portugal is one of the world’s top surfing spots, so why not hop on a board and try your hand at riding the waves? Don’t forget to sample some of Europe’s freshest seafood along the way. 

The Black Forest, Germany 

If sun, sand and sea aren’t your things, head to the Black Forest in Germany for a woodland adventure. 

The Black Forest is a densely populated area that sprawls over 2,000 miles in Southwest Germany. It’s renowned for its picturesque villages and evergreen forests and was the inspiration for the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. 

You can travel along the Black Forest high road, starting in Baden-Baden and ending near the Swiss border in Freudenstadt. If you want to experience memorable views across the Rhine Valley and enjoy some wild swimming along the route – this could be the perfect European road trip destination. 

Croatia

With 1,100 miles of coastline to explore, Croatia is the perfect road trip destination for those who want to enjoy some of the best beaches and most amazing views in Europe. 

Mr Bassett suggests you allow yourself at least six days to explore the Dalmatian Coast that stretches between popular destinations like Split and Dubrovnik. These spots are filled with tourists in the summer, so heading out of town in your car or leisure vehicle is a great way to disconnect and experience some of Croatia’s hidden gems. 

Along the route, you’ll find plenty of places to take a refreshing dip, charming towns and breath-taking views that’ll be the envy of all your social media followers. You might consider combining it with a trip to nearby Montenegro which is another great road trip destination. 

The Alps

If soaring mountain views are what you’re after, there’s no better place to visit than the Alps, Europe’s highest and most extensive mountain range. 

The Alpine Grand Tour is a bucket-list road trip that traverses four countries and offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in the world. 

Along the way, you will see towering glaciers, incredible waterfalls and pristine lakes. There are also plenty of spots to embark on hiking, wild swimming or cycling adventures. 

It’s best to travel this route between May and November, but if you want to visit in the colder months, check the weather conditions and ensure that the roads are open. 

 

Northumberland’s answer to the NC500

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Ever since Scotland launched the North Coast 500 and saw its popularity take off, long-distance road trips have been popping up all over the UK.

The latest is the Northumberland 250, which takes in the beaches, castles and rolling hills of England’s most northerly county.

There are four itineraries to choose from, each one focusing on a different feature that Northumberland is famous for.

Set off from Alnwick with your caravan or motorhome and enjoy the 36 miles of the Coast route, ending up on the tidal island of Lindisfarne.

Along the way, you can stop off in Bamburgh with its imposing castle, pick up a secondhand novel at Barter Books and indulge in a plate of fish and chips at Seahouses.

The Borderlands route covers 68 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Carter Bar, and experience an area with a fascinating history.

Discover the 28 arches of the Royal Border Bridge, Norham Castle and the picture-perfect villages of Ford and Etal.

Alternatively, stargazers will want to travel the Dark Skies route across 102 miles from Kielder to Derwent Reservoir.

Northumberland has some of the darkest skies in Europe, making a trip to Kielder Observatory an absolute must for budding astronomers.

This route also includes the iconic Sycamore Gap, Hadrian’s Wall and the village of Blanchland, which can trace its origins back to medieval times.

Finally, you could opt for the Country route, which runs for 48 miles from Corbridge to Rothbury and takes in more of inland Northumberland.

Wander the Simonside Hills; visit Cragside, the Victorian country house that was the first in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity; and explore the Roman town of Corbridge.

There are resources on the Northumberland 250 website to help navigate these routes and if you’d like to extend your caravan or motorhome holiday you could combine the sections to fully explore the county.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Guy Downes

Discover the Yorkshire coast’s best summer picnic spots

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Last month was National Picnic Month (we didn’t know it existed either) and to celebrate, the team at Route YC have put together a list of the best spots to head to with a blanket, a packed lunch and a few ice-cold beers this summer. 

Whether you want to relax on the sand or catch the sunset from an idyllic cliffside position, there are plenty of unmissable picnic spots along the rugged Yorkshire coastline. 

With lots of places to pitch up along the way, why not make the most of the British sunshine by combining your camping or touring trip with picnic lunches?

The first spot that can’t be missed is a picnic next to the 30 ft Falling Foss waterfall in Whitby. Lay down your rug under the shade provided by the tree canopy and enjoy some sandwiches to the sound of the trickling waters. 

While in Whitby, don’t miss Robin Hood’s Bay – a picturesque fishing village surrounded by grassy cliffside that’s perfect for a picnic. Head there in the evening to catch a sunset that’ll be the envy of all your Instagram followers.  

If you want to enjoy panoramic views of the Yorkshire Coast while you munch, there are plenty of great picnic locations along Ravenscar Beach. Once you’ve finished eating, head down to the beach for some fossil hunting. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some seals. 

Another great spot for a picnic is Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake. Fill your bellies on sandwiches and snacks before trying your hand at sailing. 

If you’re looking for a romantic spot to surprise your significant other or you’re embarking on a romantic honeymoon road trip there’s no better place to lay down your picnic blanket than the aptly named Lover’s Rock. Located on Hayburn Wyke’s pebble and boulder beach, Lover’s Rock is a large sofa-shaped boulder that makes a great spot for admiring the waves or staring lovingly into each other’s eyes. 

Don’t forget to pay a visit to Scarborough North Bay Beach, which is a great place to set up your picnic, go rock pooling or try your hand at some wild swimming if you’re feeling brave. 

Route YC reminds picnic enthusiasts about the importance of cleaning up after themselves to keep this pristine area clean and plastic free.

10 hidden gem camping spots

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Camping and caravanning has boomed in the last few years, with some 4.5 million Brits enjoying the lifestyle for the first time. While here at CaravanTimes we’ve always known how wonderful this type of holiday can be, it’s great to see so many more people getting involved.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say we’re always keen to find hidden spots that haven’t yet been discovered by the masses. ATS Euromaster has given us a helping hand by highlighting ten camping spots that haven’t yet been discovered by social media users.

The destinations, which are all located in England, have received fewer than five tags on Instagram. So there’s plenty of opportunity for you to find the next best place to pitch up.

Trigon Farm

Located at Wareham in Dorset, Trigon Farm is a dog-friendly site with views across to Trigon Manor and open fields. Explore the market town of Wareham at the confluence of the Frome and Piddle rivers or venture into Poole, just eight miles away.

Dewflock Farm

If the idea of pitching up on a working farm appeals then head to Dorset, where just five minutes outside of Dorchester you’ll find Dewflock Farm. There are world-class beaches in the vicinity, as well as the UK’s best-preserved Roman ruins, meaning there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Newfold Farm

Active holidaymakers should jump at the chance to camp at Newfold Farm at the start of the Pennine Way, as it’s ideally located for hikers and cyclists. Take in the impressive limestone gorge, which is studded with fossils dating back over 350 million years.

Callestick Camping

Cornwall is always calling to camping and caravan enthusiasts, so finding a hidden gem is pretty rare. Not far from Truro and close to the beach, Callestick welcomes the whole family – including the dog – and is the perfect place to escape the crowds.

Eco Caerhys Camping

Not much could be more enchanting than camping in a wild meadow on an organic farm on the Pembrokeshire coast. Explore the smallest city in Britain, St Davids, or learn to surf is this stunning part of Wales.

Newlands Valley Campsite

If you want to enjoy all of the activities offered in the Lake District but with a chance to retreat to tranquil surroundings in the evening, then head to Dodd. Just north of Keswick, it’s home to the Newlands Valley Campsite, which is a great base for boating, quad biking and mountain biking.

East Crinnis Camping

Wildlife lovers should head to East Crinnis Camping in Heronbank for easy access to the Cornish coast and attractions like the Eden Project. It’s a working farm and has an ethos that puts nature right at its heart.

Three Fields Campsite

Sometimes it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest impact and an individual firepit on each pitch at the Three Fields Campsite feels like the stuff that memories are made of. Explore Haverfordwest by day and roast marshmallows in the evening on a getaway to Pembrokeshire.

Birchwood Fishing and Camping

Skegness is the epitome of a British camping and caravanning holiday, but see a different side of the location at Birchwood Fishing and Camping. The large lake is the perfect place to unwind and see if you can catch any fish.

Kings Acre Glamping

It’s hard to believe you’re just a ten-minute drive from Chester when you arrive at the peaceful surroundings of Kings Acre Glamping. While it’s right in the countryside, there are plenty of creature comforts to enjoy including bell tents and pizza ovens.

Map of camping sites

Last-minute surge in motorhome bookings

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The Motorhome Holiday Company has seen a tenfold increase in last-minute bookings this summer, as airports and ports have been plunged into chaos.

Matt Sims, CEO of the motorhome hire firm, said: “It’s the first time we’ve seen such an influx in last-minute bookings and many customers say they have been put off by the uncertainty at airports and gridlock at Dover.

“They want to enjoy a stress-free holiday, with control over how and when they travel, and this is an appealing choice.”

While all of the company’s leisure vehicles were rented out last summer, the situation is slightly different this year.

Holidaymakers planned ahead and booked motorhomes at least a month in advance for the summer of 2021 with Covid-19 and foreign restrictions still in place.

This year, reservations are being made just days prior to travel in some cases, as Brits look to salvage getaways amongst an uncertain backdrop.

With this in mind, Mr Sims warned anyone planning to book to do so with as much notice as possible, otherwise risk missing out on their preferred dates.

He said the company has managed to accommodate last-minute requests so far, but with such high demand, some people may be left disappointed.

In a bid to further reduce stress for its customers, the Motorhome Holiday Company is offering a free fuel refill on reservations made now for August.

Once you’ve got your motorhome booked, it’s then a case of deciding where you’d like to go adventuring with it this summer.

Here at CaravanTimes we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you with Scotland, Yorkshire and Pembrokeshire amongst our favourite destinations.

If you’re new to the caravan and motorhome lifestyle, then be sure to read up on safety, towing and what to pack.

 

 

Photo credit: Pixabay/Siggy Nowak

Safety tips to prevent caravan accidents

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Admiral Insurance has offered a range of tips for anyone driving a caravan this summer as August is reportedly the worst month for accidents.

It has found that the majority of caravan-related accidents on the road happen at this time of year, with 49 per cent reported in the summer months and 20 per cent in August alone.

The insurer’s first piece of advice is to check the weight of your vehicles after new laws around towing came into effect in 2021.

While it means anyone with a full driving licence can tow a caravan, both the towing vehicle and the caravan must not exceed 3,500 kg combined.

Drivers could also be subject to a fine of £1,000 if they’re found not to be using the right towing mirrors.

Claire Egan, head of motor at Admiral Insurance, said: “With many of us worried about the recent travel chaos, staycations remain a popular choice for holidaymakers this summer.

“We’re expecting to see many people hitting the roads with a caravan in tow. For some, this could be their first-time driving with a caravan, so there are a lot of things they need to bear in mind for the benefit of all road users.”

Admiral recommends carrying out the following checks before towing:

  • Close gas taps and remove connectors from gas bottles
  • Switch off interior lights and electrical equipment
  • Disconnect the mains electricity supply and stow away the cable
  • Empty the fresh water and waste tanks
  • Secure loose belongings and keep heavy items low down
  • Close all windows, roof lights, doors and hatches
  • Lift prop-stands and check nose-weight
  • Ensure all road lights are working

 

Photo credit: Pexels/Nikita Pishchugin

Reasons to make Scotland your next summer road trip destination

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People often associate Scotland with cold weather, rain and grey skies. 

However, when the heavens clear and the sun shines – Scotland is a magical place. The summer months bring with them long days, thriving wildlife and nights filled with celebrations and festivities – which are just a few of the reasons Scotland should be on your summer holiday to-do list. 

If, like many other Brits, you’re considering a vacation in the UK this year to avoid ongoing flight disruption and airport chaos, why not hop in your caravan or motorhome and head up north? 

The team at VisitScotland have come up with a list of attractions and activities that can be enjoyed in Scotland this summer. 

Whether you want to explore historic cities with your partner or discover hidden gems on a family road trip, Scotland has plenty to offer for every kind of traveller. 

So what are some key attractions that can’t be missed if you’re planning a summer getaway to Scotland? 

A much anticipated annual event, Scotland’s full summer festival programme is returning this year for the first time since 2019. There’ll be seven festivals running between July and August, including jazz, art and theatre, literature, film and comedy festivals. 

If your trip happens to fall between August 5th and 29th, don’t miss the iconic Fringe Festival, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. 

Once you’ve had your fill of city life and festival excitement, hop in your leisure vehicle and explore some of Scotland’s 10,000 miles of coastline. 

Home to a selection of the best beaches in the UK, Scotland boasts crystal clear waters and sandy seaside ideal for getting your daily dose of vitamin D or even trying your hand at a spot of wild swimming, kayaking or white water rafting. 

Summer is also a great time to explore the best of the Scottish wilderness. The country is home to two national parks – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms – that boast countless hiking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities and breathtaking views. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and a jacket just in case it gets chilly when the sun starts to set. 

With plenty of spots to pitch up dotted across the country, Scotland is the perfect UK summer holiday location to explore in a caravan or motorhome. 

Britain’s favourite summer views

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Enjoying breathtaking views of the UK’s scenery is one of the huge benefits of owning a caravan or motorhome.

Many people will be heading off in their leisure vehicle this summer and heading for picture-perfect destinations, but which locations are favourites among Brits?

This is the question Park Leisure aimed to answer when it went out and canvassed opinion.

Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall

Taking the top spot, with 46 per cent of respondents choosing the stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise sea, was Pedn Vounder Beach in Cornwall.

Once a hidden gem located at the east end of the world-famous Porthcurno Beach, Pedn Vounder has now found fame and even featured as a location on the Poldark series.

Glencoe, Scotland

It’s not just coastal views that made the cut with the iconic Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands chosen by 15 per of the nation as their favourite view.

Situated in a dramatic valley, Glencoe offers wide-ranging scenery from steep peaks to a mirror-like lake and a selection of trails to explore it all on foot.

Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall

Think of the traditional seaside holiday and you’ll probably get an accurate picture of Summerleaze in Cornwall, with its beach huts and sea pool.

It’s suitable for surfing and has a number of amenities including a beach cafe, as well as being within walking distance of the centre of Bude.

Amble Harbour, Northumberland

Located on a promontory at the mouth of the River Coquet on the Northumberland coast, Amble is geographically pretty unique.

Its harbour is a seafood lover’s dream, with fish restaurants and shacks to enjoy the catch of the day at every turn.

Llanddwyn Island, North Wales

Caravanners and motorhomers visiting North Wales will find it hard not to be enchanted by Llanddwyn Island, as it’s said to be the place where the local patron saint of love makes romantic dreams come true.

The island dedicated to St Dwynwen is found just off the coast of Anglesey and is part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A spokesperson for Park Leisure, said: “The UK has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty and we want to be advocates for people getting out in nature during the summer months to enjoy it.

“Our parks are located close to many of these stunning landscapes so that visitors can make the most of the scenery then come back and enjoy a cosy holiday home.”

Ropers Leisure reveals its top holiday parks

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With 30 years of experience in selling caravans, the family behind Ropers Leisure know a thing or two about holiday parks in the UK.

Now, they want to share their knowledge with you and have revealed their favourite locations to discover this summer.

St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall

Cornwall has long been a popular destination within the caravanning community, boasting stunning coastal scenery and a warm climate.

These are the reasons Ropers has included it on the list and St Ives Bay offers three miles of sandy beach for visitors to explore.

South Bay Holiday Park, Devon

Devon also boasts stunning coastline and hospitable weather, but Ropers urge caravanners not to miss out on its selection of National Trust properties.

Family-friendly South Bay Holiday Park is located above the harbour town of Brixham and boasts an adventure playground and swimming pool on site.

Haven Lakeland Leisure Park, Lake District

The Lake District is a hiker’s dream and its stunning scenery has long enchanted caravanners and motorhomers.

Pitch up at the Haven Lakeland Leisure Park to take advantage of its watersports centre, offering kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding to guests.

Wild Duck Holiday Park, Norfolk

Ropers believes Norfolk is a county that has something for everyone, from picturesque villages and historic churches to wide open beaches and stunning coastline.

Its holiday park pick is near Great Yarmouth and has bike hire for exploring the woodland trails on the doorstep.

Sandhills Holiday Park, Dorset

Dorset’s attractions are far from boring, with Monkey World, the Tank Museum and the Purbeck Hills just a selection of its eclectic offerings.

At Sandhills, you can enjoy panoramic views over the English Channel or head off into the New Forest with ease.

James Roper of Ropers Leisure said: “A caravanning holiday is a great way to explore the outdoors with all the comforts of home. We’ve found the best locations and parks available ahead of summer.

“This type of holiday is a great option for families or groups of friends who want to explore the outdoors together. It is also a more budget-friendly option than staying in a hotel.”

NC500 reminds caravanners and motorhomers to be responsible

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The North Coast 500 (NC500) has become one of the most popular destinations for caravan and motorhome trips in recent years.

With it has come some concern from locals in the North Highlands and other visitors that not everyone is acting responsibly along the route.

NC500 has therefore issued renewed advice for anyone thinking of tackling the 516-mile circuit from and to Inverness Castle in a leisure vehicle this summer.

The guidance includes:

  • While wild camping is allowed in Scotland, it only refers to those who arrive by foot or bike and is not permitted in a caravan or motorhome.
  • Park responsibly and in areas that allow overnight parking if you’re not staying in a formal campsite.
  • Drivers must be comfortable navigating single-track roads in a large vehicle.
  • Be aware that Scottish access rights and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code don’t apply to motor vehicles.
  • Chemical toilet waste should only be emptied in places specifically designated for this purpose.
  • Ensure the emptying methods for all on-board waste facilities are demonstrated when hiring a caravan or motorhome.

Craig Mills, operations director for NC500, said: “Experiencing the North Coast 500 by motorhome or campervan has become a popular way for visitors to enjoy all that the North Highlands has to offer.

“However, it is important that these users are well prepared for their visit and follow the appropriate advice and guidance.”

There’s a more in-depth guide to completing the route by motorhome or caravan on the NC500 website, complete with names of places to park overnight and locations to dispose of waste.

Once all of the logistics are in place, you’ll be able to enjoy the highlights of this world-class route, including the Castle of Mey, Smoo Cave and Corrieshalloch Gorge.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/john Higgitt

Interactive maps for your next UK road trip

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Many Brits are setting their holiday destination sights closer to home due to increasing air travel chaos and uncertainty at UK airports due to staff shortages. Whether you want to explore the country in a caravan or motorhome or pack up your tent and hit the road – there’s no shortage of fantastic family-friendly road trip destinations in the UK. 

From the iconic coastline in the south-west of England to the breathtaking Welsh countryside, all the way to the remarkable Scottish Highlands – there are plenty of tranquil staycation spots and summer touring destinations that are ideal for a UK road trip. 

To take the hassle out of navigation, the team at Just Kampers has created a series of interactive UK road trip maps spanning the whole of England. Pinpointed on each of the interactive maps are campsites to make it easier to find a place to park your leisure vehicle or pitch your tent along the way. 

Starting from the bottom of the country, the south-west coastline is ideal for visiting some of England’s best beaches and getting off the beaten track. Must-see historic sites include Saint Michael’s Mount in Marazion and the Minack Theatre perched on the Cornish cliffside. 

There are plenty of road trip highlights in the south-east. These include a stop-off at Beachy Head Lighthouse in Eastbourne and a visit to historic Hastings before finalising the route with a dip in the refreshing waters of Margate. 

Heading away from the coast, some of the UK’s best road trip destinations can be found in the Midlands. Take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Malvern Hills in the West Midlands, or explore historic cities like Lincoln and Boston in the East Midlands. 

If you want to head to the hills, check out the road trip route through Yorkshire and the Humber. Further up the country, you can explore road trip trails that wind their way through the Lake District in the north-west of England. Or, if you fancy hiking and camping in the Pennines, check out the route that meanders through the north-east. 

Whether you fancy a relaxing road trip by the British seaside or a more adventurous romp through the best of the British countryside, there’s a route that’s guaranteed to pique your interest. 

Here’s what Josh Reynolds from Just Kampers had to say when he spoke to CaravanTimes about getting out and exploring all that the UK has to offer. 

“We’ve put together this list of interactive road trips to get people all over the UK out and about this summer, exploring new places and making new memories. Whether you’re just visiting or call the nation home, we’ve found over 300 unique points of interest across the country and made it easier than ever to enjoy them.

“The UK is filled with amazing things to see and do, so we hope these interactive road trips encourage people to get out and enjoy them.”

You can check out all of the interactive UK road trip maps on the Just Kampers website. 

 

 

 

 

Interactive road trips courtesy of Just Kampers and Just Kampers Insurance

2 new sections of the England Coast Path open

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Two new stretches of the England Coast Path – Tilbury to Southend-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea to Wallasea Island – are opening to the public today (July 13th).

They represent even more opportunities to get out and enjoy hiking on a caravan or motorhome holiday in the UK.

Highlights along the route include the Tilbury Cruise Terminal, where SS Empire Windrush docked; and Tilbury Fort, which was the location of Queen Elizabeth I’s rousing speech to the troops as the Spanish Armada approached.

There’s also a fascinating beach of glass that was created when the Thames eroded the banks of an old bottle dump site; the Wallasea Island RSPB reserve to spend some time birdwatching; and the coastal resort of Southend-on-Sea to discover.

Marian Spain, CEO of Natural England, said: “The England Coast Path will be the longest coastal walking route in the world once complete, accessible to all via public transport and walkable in all weathers and by people of all abilities.

“I’m thrilled that today Natural England is opening this latest section, which takes us another step closer to being able to walk all the way around England.

“This stretch passes through areas rich in seaside heritage: industrial heartlands, coastal communities and nature reserves where precious wildlife, from flocks of wild geese to rare insects, thrive.”

When it’s finished, the England Coast Path will be a 2,700-mile continuous trail of well-maintained footpaths.

Some of it will include new public rights of access, offering walkers the chance to explore beaches, cliffs and sections of foreshore that were previously restricted.

Prior to the new stretches of route being opened today, the last part of England Coast Path to have been launched was the Grain to Woolwich section in January this year.

Caravanners and motorhomers keen to hike any section of the long-distance route are reminded to follow the Countryside Code on responsible enjoyment of the country’s natural environment.

 

Image credit: Natural England, Darren Braine