Ramblers Chuffed At Coastal Path Announcement

'The path, which runs from Rufus Castle on Portland to Lulworth Cove will bring huge benefits to the local area; boosting tourism and the seaside economy, as well as improving social wellbeing, health and enjoyment.'

Ramblers News

 I'm confused

I think that a better reason to be 'chuffed' would be if a section of coastal path was opened where previously access wasn't available.

Posted: 26/01/2012 at 17:34

Mole wrote (see)

Isn't this path already part of the Southwest Coast Path LDP?

Yup, it is.

The 20-odd miles from Portland Bill to Lulworth have long been part of the SWCP (the whole path was officially designated in 1978 but many sections were either permissive footpaths or public rights of way long before that).

Whether or not additionally designating this section as part of a future continuous English Coast Path makes an iota of difference to the experience of walking it remains to be seen. Perhaps there will be flashy new signposts with designer logos?

This is a non-story in my view. Mole's right - it would be news if an entirely new section of coastal access was opened up to walkers.

Posted: 26/01/2012 at 18:55

Mole wrote (see)

 I'm confused

-- Isn't this path already part of the Southwest Coast Path LDP? - So access and path already exist. (And any benefits it would bring?)

I think that a better reason to be 'chuffed' would be if a section of coastal path was opened where previously access wasn't available.

 Yes it is but there are at least 3 big improvements. The BMC news item is rather more informative.

- I can't find the details of the new route, but from the comments of the BMC and the County Council, it appears that the government have overuled many of the objections of landowners for an improved route where this was possible (only a few short stretches in this case, but important as setting a precedent for the 60% of the coastline where there is no official access)

- Climbers have improved access rights to the cliffs in the area

- When the path has to be rerouted because of coastal erosion, the authorities have much greater powers to reroute the path,  a process that can currently take many years 

Mind you, local farmers agree with Mole and Skip

Posted: 27/01/2012 at 10:35