The new road stretches from Old Passage near Aust just south of Old Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire to Wain Hill, Clevedon in North Somerset. This is the second stage of the road between Aust and Brean Down.

The first phase between Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare and Brean Down Fort in Somerset opens in June 2022. The remaining phases aim to be completed by the end of 2024, facilitating a continuous walking route to the Somerset coast and beyond.

This is the first part of the open road in South Gloucestershire and Bristol and the second in North Somerset.

• This 23 miles length of the King Charles III England Coast Path adds to the 12 miles already opened in this section

• Route highlights include excellent views of the Severn Estuary and its Welsh crossings contrasting with the industrial landscape near Bristol Harbour, and the quiet, rocky coastline between Portishead and Clevedon

This trail also forms part of the ‘North Somerset Tidal Trail’ sequel, which will eventually follow the length of the North Somerset coast.

This is the newest part of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coastline that will be opened by Natural England. The new 23-mile road stretches from just north of Severn Beach to Clevedon, one of Britain’s original seaside resorts with the famous Victorian Pier. This road is primarily along existing right-of-way with new additional access rights along the breakwater at Portbury in North Somerset.

Natural England has partnered with South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, local landowners and many other local partners to make the route accessible to the public.

Visitor Highlights

Local and visitor highlights of the stretch include:

• Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve on the edge of the Severn Estuary between Portishead and Royal Portbury Pier, includes wetlands and mangrove swamps. Larks and warblers can often be seen from the skin of birds, while otters can be seen in flocks of rhynes.

• Clevedon Pier, one of the earliest surviving examples of a Victorian pier.

• The Prince of Wales Bridge.

• The old Aust ferry slide.

• Wildfowl and waders on the estuary during fall and winter, including redshank, dunlin and black-tailed godwit.

• Wheelchair access at Severn Beach, Portishead and Clevedon Promenade.

Rachel Williams, Wessex Regional Director at Natural England said:

Today, we’re excited to open this new section of the King Charles III British Shoreline, over 23 miles of breathtaking views boasting some of the most iconic wildlife in our region.

We know that just two hours of exposure to nature a week can dramatically improve our health and well-being. The trail is a welcome addition to South Gloucestershire, the Avonmouth area of ​​Bristol as well as North Somerset and will provide both the local community as well as visitors and tourists from further afield with many opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature.

‘important step’

Councilor Mike Solomon, the cultural and recreational executive member of North Somerset Council, said:

Today marks an important step forward in opening up our beautiful coastline for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. I’m delighted to see this section officially open from Aust to Wain’s Hill in Clevedon, an Iron Age hill fortress dating back to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank council officials, local government partners and Natural England for continuing to work together to create the King Charles III English Coastal Road, an important project that continues to create exciting opportunities for tourism and our economy.

Councilor Chris Willmore, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, added:

I’m excited to see the official opening of the King Charles III England Coastal Road sequel, which will improve coastal access in our area, including wheelchair access.

The route includes a section from Aust to Avonmouth in South Gloucestershire, connecting the national coastal roads of England and Wales, and offering stunning views of the River Severn coastline, including the old Aust Ferry Slide and Severn Bridge.

When completed, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the longest continuous coastal road in the world. This National Trail will encircle the entire coast of England, passing through some stunning, dynamic and internationally recognized landscapes.

The King Charles III British Coast Road will give more people the chance to experience the natural environment, part of the government’s ambition to connect people to nature outlined in the 25-Year Environment Plan. Coastal communities and businesses will also benefit from increased visitor numbers to these areas.