The path leads along the Duddon Estuary, with Black Coombe in the distance. Photo: Perry Dark CC-BY-SA-2.0

A new stretch of the England Coast Path has opened in Cumbria.

The 11-mile section runs from Silecroft in the south-westernmost corner of the Lake District national park, to the western banks of the Duddon Estuary.

It brings the total length of completed coast path in Cumbria to 81 miles.

The latest stretch connects with the Whitehaven to Silecroft section to the North and allows walkers to enjoy the estuarial scenery as it heads to Green Road railway station, south-west of Foxfield.

Natural England, the government advisory body in charge of implementing work on the England Coast Path, said the newly opened section showcases a varied landscape, which offers uninterrupted views out across the Irish Sea. “Visitors can walk through extensive beaches and dunes, taking in the golden Duddon Sands, vast areas of wildlife-rich saltmarsh, and the historic town of Millom,” a spokesperson said. “The famous Lake District mountains are also visible from the route, whilst the distinctive pudding-bowl fell of Black Combe keeps a close watch over the whole stretch.”

Mark Hesketh, deputy area manager for Cumbria at Natural England said: “It is with real pride that we open up this 11-mile section of the England Coast Path – a welcome addition to the West Cumbrian trail. The new section is accessible for all users, including all-terrain wheelchairs and walkers with reduced mobility.

“There is strong evidence that shows opening up access to the coast attracts more visitors, supports the local economy and brings increased health, wellbeing and nature connections. And what could better than taking in some of UK’s most impressive countryside visitor hotspots?

“Connecting people with nature is a fundamental part of the government’s 25-year environment plan, which the England Coast Path is happy to be a part of.”

The Westminster government has pledged to complete the full 2,700-mile route around the English coast. The route was planned to be in place by 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic has put back the schedule. The agency said, when complete, it will be the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world.

Natural England said highlights of the new stretch of coast path include:

Visitor highlights of the 11-mile stretch include:

• Shaw Meadow and Sea Pasture site of special scientific interest at Silecroft, part of the Lake District national park and the UK’s most northerly lowland heath, famous for its summer orchids
• A brand-new section of trail between Silecroft and Haverigg
• Hodbarrow Lagoon RSPB Reserve, a former iron mine famous for its rare nesting seabirds and sea wall walk
• Millom town, with its industrial, architectural and literature heritage – the poet Norman Nicholson lived in Millom and Wordsworth’s Duddon Sonnets include the area
• The coastal railway, enabling linear walks along this stretch and much of the existing Cumbrian England Coast Path
• Increased accessibility for all-terrain wheelchairs and walkers with reduced mobility, thanks to improvements in infrastructure.

It said the Silecroft to Green Road stretch joins Allonby to Silecroft and Walney Island.

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism’s managing director said: “The opening of this latest 11-mile stretch of the England Coast Path is wonderful news for all those who want to experience the stunning beauty of Cumbria’s coastline.

“Many visitors to our county miss out on all that the coastal areas have to offer by heading straight towards the popular central Lake District locations. This new path will encourage more people to get out and enjoy the wonderfully varied and beautiful landscapes around Millom and the Duddon Estuary.”

Minister for Rural Affairs, Lord Benyon, said: “The England Coast Path is greatly improving access to our cherished coastlines, whilst also protecting rare wildlife and habitats.

“For the people of Cumbria, as well as the thousands of people who visit this wonderful county every year, I hope this new route will encourage them to venture outdoors and explore the stunning Copeland coastline.”

The latest section of England Coast Path is funded through grant in aid by the Rural Development Programme for England and delivered by Natural England. Establishment works were carried out by Cumbria County Council.