England’s new King Charles III Coast Path is officially open

There’s big news for walking enthusiasts this week, and it arrives with a Royal seed of approval. On Thursday 19th March, King Charles III officially opened the King Charles III England Coast Path - a 2,689-mile trail that circles the entire English coastline, and it holds the crown (pun absolutely intended) as the world’s longest managed coastal walking route. 

Much of this new coastal route already existed, yet after years in the making, it’s had quite the spruce up. More than 1,000 miles of new path has been created and many existing sections upgraded to improve access to England’s scenic shoreline. For walking holiday specialists like us, this marks a major milestone. 

Ramble Worldwide’s Managing Director, Wayne Perks, expressed news of the opening as “incredibly exciting news for walkers”, adding that connecting the coastline will encourage more like-minded people to get outdoors and discover both local landscapes and destinations further afield. He also highlighted the company’s collection of small-group walking tours that already incorporate sections of the new route, with a variety of itineraries ranging from leisurely to challenging, led by local experts. 

That’s really the appeal of this launch: the coastal path may be huge in scale, but it can easily be experienced in manageable chunks. Our hand-crafted programmes provide walkers with exactly that: a series of step-by-step guides that navigate some of the country’s most beautiful and varied landscapes, from the dramatic clifftops in North Yorkshire and castles and coastline in Northumberland, to gentler coastal strolls in Norfolk and Kent, or more demanding hikes along the Devon coast. There’s even a Hadrian’s Wall itinerary that links into the wider coastal story in the north of England.

Since many of our popular tours already weave in and out of the new coastal route, ramblers can experience snippets of the Royally-approved route without embarking on, what can only be described, as an epic adventure that rivals Frodo Baggin’s trip to Mordor - distance wise, anyway…

North Yorkshire Coast & Country 

Combining Coastal Scenery with Moorland Landscapes and Classic Seaside Stops 

(Covers Section 1, Moderate: Grade 5)

This 5-night guided walking holiday in North Yorkshire is based in the coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay and combines scenic coastal, and moorland walks across the North York Moors and along the Cleveland Way. Explore dramatic cliffs and seaside towns such as Whitby, Staithes and Runswick Bay, as well as inland highlights including Roseberry Topping and the striking Hole of Horcum, with routes typically around 7–10 miles featuring varied terrain and steady ascents. This tour offers a mix of iconic landscapes, charming villages and rich history, with comfortable half-board hotel accommodation, transport to walk start points, and an experienced tour leader included throughout. 

Northumberland Experience; Coast, Castles & Gardens   

Blending Coastal Walks With Heritage Highlights

(Covers Section 1, Moderate: Grade 4)

This 5-night guided walking holiday in Northumberland is based in Alnwick and offers a varied mix of coastal, countryside, and cultural exploration, combining moderate walks (typically around 3–10 miles) with visits to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Hike along the Northumberland Coast Path past dramatic scenery such as Dunstanburgh Castle, follow sections of St Cuthbert’s Way, and explore the Cheviot Hills, while also enjoying sightseeing highlights including Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle, and the renowned Alnwick Garden. Blending invigorating walks with history, gardens, and coastal scenery, the trip includes comfortable half-board hotel accommodation, transport, and an experienced tour leader for a well-rounded and scenic Northumberland experience. 

Coast and Country Houses of Norfolk  

Coastal Walks With Culture Woven In

(Covers Section 3, Leisurely: Grade 3)

This 5-night leisurely guided walking holiday in North Norfolk offers a relaxed blend of short scenic walks (typically around 2.5–7 miles) and cultural visits, based in the village of West Runton near Sheringham. Designed for a slower pace, the trip combines coastal and countryside strolls with visits to elegant stately homes and National Trust estates, including Felbrigg Hall, Blickling Hall, and Holkham Hall, alongside time in charming seaside towns such as Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea. With highlights including sandy beaches, parkland walks, and historic gardens, the itinerary balances gentle activity with sightseeing, while comfortable half-board accommodation, transport, and an experienced tour leader ensure an easy, sociable, and scenic exploration of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Canterbury & Kent 

For Slower Paced Strolls Along the South East Coast

(Covers Section 4, Leisurely: Grade 2)

This 5-night leisurely guided walking holiday in Canterbury and Kent offers a relaxed mix of short walks, typically around 2 – 3.5 miles and cultural sightseeing, based in the historic city of Canterbury. The trip includes a guided tour of the city and its iconic Canterbury Cathedral, along with visits to coastal towns such as Broadstairs and Ramsgate, with cliff-top walks and fascinating WWII tunnels. Inland excursions include the historic Leeds Castle and the medieval town of Sandwich, combining gentle countryside walking with free time to explore. Blending history, coast, and culture at an easy pace, the holiday includes half-board accommodation, transport, entrance fees, and an experienced tour leader throughout. 

Hiking in Devon Weekend Adventure 

For Short & Challenging Sections Across the South West Coast Path 

(Covers Section 6, Challenging: Grade 6)

This 3-night guided walking holiday in North Devon is a challenging but rewarding weekend break based in Barnstaple, featuring two full days of coastal hiking along the Southwest Coast Path. Explore dramatic scenery including the rugged cliffs around Hartland Point, the picturesque village of Clovelly, and sections of Exmoor’s coastline ending in Lynmouth, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as seals. Walks cover around 9.5 – 11 miles per day with significant climbs and descents, offering spectacular views of one of England’s most striking coastlines, while evenings are spent in comfortable hotel accommodation on a half-board basis with transport and an experienced tour leader included. 

Sidmouth & the Devon Coast 

Dramatic Jurassic Coast to Dreamy Inland Stretches

(Covers Section 6, Moderate: Grade 5)

This 6-night guided walking holiday in Sidmouth offers a moderate-paced exploration of East Devon’s stunning coastline and countryside, based in the seaside town of Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast. Walks typically average around 7 miles with some ascents, taking in dramatic red cliffs, scenic sections of the Southwest Coast Path, and highlights such as Ladram Bay’s distinctive rock formations, as well as peaceful inland routes through rolling hills and picturesque villages. Combining coastal views with varied landscapes, the trip includes comfortable half-board hotel accommodation, transport to walk start points, and an experienced tour leader, making it a well-rounded and scenic introduction to the Devon coast. 

Hadrian's Wall National Trail 

Discover History in Every Step

(Joins Section 1 & Section 8, Moderate: Grade 5)

This 7-night guided walking holiday along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail is a moderate-grade, long-distance trek covering around 67 miles over six days, following one of Britain’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites from near Hexham to Bowness-on-Solway. Walking 11–15 miles per day, through rolling countryside and dramatic crags while exploring remarkably preserved Roman sites such as Chesters, Housesteads and Birdoswald forts, as well as the Carvoran Roman Army Museum and the historic city of Carlisle. Blending rich history with scenic frontier landscapes, the trip includes stays in two comfortable hotel bases on a half-board basis, transport between sections, and an experienced tour leader for an immersive coast-to-coast journey through nearly 2,000 years of history. 

As interest in UK walking holidays continues to grow, the official opening of a continuous national coastal trail gives walkers a reason to lace-up closer to home. And for those who want the reassurance of transport, route planning, sociable small groups and knowledgeable leaders, our collection of guided trips offer an easy way to enjoy the very best bits of the new trail, without losing yourself in the planning logistics. In fact, all you have to do is grab your gear and go! 

The King Charles III England Coast Path may be one of Britain’s biggest new walking stories, but it’s also a reminder that some of the best adventures can be stumbled upon one step at a time. 

Ready to experience the King Charles III England Coast Path for yourself? Browse our collection of guided walking holidays along England's coastline and find the perfect stretch to make your own.