Walks And Walking – The Ramblers One Coast For All

Walks And Walking – The Ramblers One Coast For All

The Ramblers is celebrating today’s news that the government has committed to creating a path around the entire Isle of Wight coastline. This follows more than five years of campaigning calling for the island to be included in the plans for an England Coast Path, which is currently being constructed for everyone to enjoy the marvellous walking routes the island has to offer.

The Isle of Wight was originally left out of the plans for a complete England Coast Path when the Marine and Coastal Access Act was passed in 2009. Whilst the rest of England were looking forward to the dream of being able to access its breathtaking coastline, as a right enshrined in the new law, the Isle of Wight were left out in the cold.

Thanks to lobbying by the Ramblers and overwhelming public support, the government has now decided to add the 70-mile footpath around the island to the scheme.

Walks And Walking – The Ramblers One Coast For All – The Needles

Benedict Southworth, Ramblers chief executive, said:

“We’re thrilled by the government’s decision to include the Isle of Wight in the plan to open up the whole of the English coast.

“Creating a path around the entire Isle of Wight coast will allow all its residents and thousands of visitors to enjoy all the recreational activities the coast has to offer. Most importantly, people will be able to walk by the seaside, listening to the sound of the waves and enjoying the sea breeze, without having to turn inland and walk on busy and dangerous roads.

“The coast path is not just good news for walkers, but will help to breathe new life into the island’s coastal towns and villages, boosting tourism and the local economy and reconnecting people with their stretch of coast, helping to promote health and wellbeing. We look forward to the day that the whole coastline is opened up for the nation to enjoy.”