King Charles Launches World's Longest Coastal Walking Route
King Charles officially inaugurated the world's longest coastal walking route, the King Charles III England Coast Path, with a two-kilometre stroll on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The King, wearing brown brogues and equipped with a walking staff, walked part of the 2,700-mile path at the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve in East Sussex, as Natural England marked the near-completion of this nearly two-decade project.
Historic Opening of New Nature Reserve
During the event, King Charles also celebrated the opening of England's newest nature reserve, the Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve. This reserve becomes the 13th in the King's series of nature reserves, representing the halfway point toward the goal of creating or expanding 25 national nature reserves by 2028. The Seven Sisters reserve covers 65 square miles of chalklands and is situated within the South Downs National Park.
The reserve features globally rare habitats, including chalk grasslands, heath, and floodplain meadows, stretching across the iconic white cliffs and the Cuckmere River.
Public Encounters and Humorous Moments
While walking the path, King Charles interacted with passers-by and a group of cyclists riding e-bikes, jokingly calling them "cheaters." He also reminisced about his time in the Royal Navy, noting the white cliffs as landmarks he "avoided hitting." Local rambler Willmore, 76, expressed amazement at unexpectedly encountering the King during her walk, highlighting the public's surprise and delight at the royal presence.
Path Details and Historical Background
The King Charles III England Coast Path, which officials estimate would take a year to walk with weekends off, passes over the Seven Sisters cliffs. This section stretches from Eastbourne to Littlehampton and is part of a broader initiative first legislated in 2009. The path was renamed in honor of the King's coronation, underscoring its significance as a national asset for recreation and conservation.
The launch event underscores the King's commitment to environmental preservation and public access to natural landscapes, setting a precedent for future conservation projects across England.
