New link opens for coastal walk

A stretch of coastal path from Sutton Bridge to Hunstanton has been opened meaning all Norfolk’s coastline is open to walkers starting in Lincolnshire.

The 33.6-mile stretch also includes seven miles of new access between Snettisham and King’s Lynn, crossing the edge of the Sandringham Estate.
“This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give people from all over the country access to our beautiful coastline, connecting them with nature and providing health and wellbeing benefits,” said James Marshall, Natural England Deputy Director for Norfolk and Suffolk.
“The trail will also support the local economy, bringing walkers and visitors to towns and villages,” he added.
From King’s Lynn, the path follows the Sir Peter Scott Walk, named after the conservationist and ornithologist, who established the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust in 1946 and also helped found the World Wide Fund for Nature.
The lighthouse at Sutton Bridge, built in 1830 on the east bank of the River Nene, was his home after he arrived in the village in 1933 and rented the then disused lighthouse and he stayed there until 1939.
Its pair is on the opposite bank and both were built to commemorate the draining of the Great Fen and the creation of the new entrance to the mouth of the River Nene.
Lincolnshire County Council member Colin Davie said the authority was delighted to see the opening of the section of new path.
“WIth the stretch from Skegness to Mablethorpe already open and the stretches from Mablethorpe to the Humber Bridge, and from Sutton Bridge to Skegness currently being established, we look forward to those opening,” he added.
The King Charles III England Coast Path is in 67 stretches, at different stages of development. So far, 1,075 miles are open of a total 2,674 so far submitted to the government for approval.