Ramblers can enjoy 45 miles of new coastal routes

Ramblers can enjoy more than 45 miles (72.42km) of Suffolk coastline as two new sections of a walking route opened up.

Two new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path have opened between Kessingland and Lowestoft, as well as between Bawdsey and Aldeburgh.

It means there is now a continuous coastal route along the Suffolk coast from Shotley Gate to Southwold.

Hannah Thacker, Natural England deputy director for Norfolk and Suffolk, said new trails had been created in areas where coastal erosion had affected existing footpaths.

"These new sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path have improved access on Suffolk's stunning coastline, particularly at Bawdsey and between Kessingland and Pakefield," she said.

"We have created access where the existing public rights of way had been affected by coastal erosion.

"Whether walking along the coastal cliffs or around the beautiful estuaries, this Suffolk coastline has something for everyone."

The seven-mile (11.26km) section between Kessingland and Lowestoft includes just under a mile (1.2km) of new cliff top path at Pakefield, and the route connects with the already open section of the Coast Path running from Lowestoft to Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk.

The Bawdsey to Aldeburgh section, which covers 38.5 miles (61.95km), has seen new access created along cliff tops at Bawdsey and along the Butley River.

Highlights include the Alde-Ore Estuary with its mudflats and saltmarshes, the Orford Quay and Snape Maltings.

The openings bring England closer to completing its continuous 2,700 mile (4,345km) coastal walking trail.

Once all paths are open it will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world, according to Natural England, the government body that created it.

There are other gaps along the Suffolk coastline that are yet to be opened.

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