Some of Somerset’s most spectacular coastline is open to the public for the first time following the official unveiling of 58 miles of new and improved coast path.

The new stretch, following two thirds of the county’s coast from Brean Down to Minehead, represents a significant step towards the creation of an England Coast Path. The longest section to be added to the national route so far, it was opened by Natural England’s Chairman, Andrew Sells, at a ceremony in Doniford.

Natural England is currently establishing a 2700-mile continuous path around the entire English coastline by 2020. Work is already under way on more than half the path, described by Andrew Sells as “The most significant rights of way project for a generation”.

Speaking in Doniford today, Andrew Sells said; “The England Coast Path is a fabulous legacy for our great island nation and I’m delighted to open this new stretch in Somerset. For the first time, people will be able to walk the length of Somerset’s coast along a high-quality footpath and enjoy some stunning new views and coastal wildlife. Visits to the coast remain one of our most popular activities and are worth millions of pounds to our regional economies.”

Approval for the new stretch in Somerset was granted by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth Truss.

Commenting on the approval, Rural Affairs Minister Rory Stewart said; “Walkers can now roam the glorious coast all the way from the heights of Brean Down to Exmoor National Park at Minehead, taking in the astonishing beauty of Somerset along the way.

“Today’s new path adds to over 100 miles of England Coast Path already officially open, giving people all over the country easy access to our spectacular coastline. By 2020, we’ll have opened up a path around the whole of England’s coast, providing a place to rest, relax and admire the view and a destination for bracing, energetic walks, great for nature and for our health.”

Today’s ceremony means that Somerset’s entire coastline, encompassing glorious beaches, wonderful wildlife and dramatic views, will be open to everyone for the first time. Not only will it allow local people to enjoy the amazing landscape and seascape on their doorstep, it will draw visitors from far and wide, bringing people closer to nature and providing a boost for local businesses.

The 15-mile Somerset section of South West Coast Path currently generates around £11.6 million* a year for the regional economy, equating to £770,000 for every mile. If that level of success were replicated on the section opened today, over time it would mean the path could generate around £44 million for local businesses each year.

According to the South West Research Company, in 2014, there were more than 7.5 million day visits to Somerset’s coast, which resulted in spending of more than £260 million. Tourism employs 23,777 people in Somerset, or four per cent of the population. According to Natural England’s research, 10 per cent of all visits to the natural environment are to the coast and most of these visits involve a walk or visit to a beach. Tourist services, local businesses and public organisations celebrated alongside walkers at the opening event at Doniford Farm.

or our coast and we’ve been leading the campaign for many years to open up our coastline for everyone to enjoy. Today brings us one step closer to achieving this longstanding Ramblers dream.”