New stretch of national coast path opens on island

The new trail means 66% of the King Charles III England Coast Path is now open

Another 28 miles (45km) of the King Charles III England Coast Path has opened along a stretch of coast in Kent.

The new section on the Isle of Sheppey, which includes 80% of the island's total coast path, forms part of what will be the world's longest managed trail when all 2,700 miles (4,345km) are joined up.

The new stretch, which starts near Swale Railway Station and crosses the Kingsferry Bridge before going around the island, was opened by Natural England on Tuesday.

Jenny Bowen, senior officer for the south east section of the national path, said the trail took in a " huge amount of different landscapes" and described the coast of Sheppey as a "hidden gem".

Jenny Bowen is the senior officer of the south east section of the national trail

Ms Bowen said they had negotiated with land owners a route that goes around almost all of the island.

It travels through Rushenden, Queenborough, Sheerness, Minster-on-Sea, Eastchurch, Leysdowne-on-Sea, Shellness, Harty and Elmley Nature Reserve.

James Seymour, from Natural England, said: "We know the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature, and this path should also benefit the local community as walkers pass the businesses on route."

Paul Webb, Kent County Council's cabinet member for community and regulatory services, added: "It is sure to become a firm favourite with visitors to the area and a boost to the local economy."

The new trail in Kent takes the walkable length of the King Charles III England Coast Path to 1,772 miles (2852km), which means 66% of the entire route is now open.

In December, another 28 miles (45km) of the path opened in East Sussex between Eastbourne and Rye Harbour.