Major Upgrades Complete on Marsland Mouth to Newquay Coast Path – See What’s Changed!

The long-awaited improvement works on the 75-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path from Marsland Mouth to Newquay are now complete and accessible. Walkers can now enjoy new steps, bridges, gates, and signage designed to enhance the experience of exploring this stunning section of the coastline.

New Upgrades for a Better Walking Experience

These improvements were made possible through the establishment of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP), which provided the opportunity to make much-needed enhancements to the South West Coast Path. The upgrades not only make the trail more enjoyable but also improve safety by realigning hazardous sections and taking walkers off busy roads where possible.

Natural England, working alongside recommendations from the South West Coast Path Association, has adjusted the route in certain areas to bring it closer to the sea. One notable change is at Penhalt Cliff, where the path has been moved from the road onto farmland, improving safety for both walkers and drivers.

Cornwall Council and Cormac Deliver the Project

Cornwall Council and Cormac led the delivery of these improvements in North Cornwall. Martin Alvey, Cornwall Council, highlighted the significant benefits of the project:

“We’ve been able to move inland sections closer to the coast, improve surfacing and drainage, repair paths and realign hazardous sections. It is fantastic to see completion of the Marsland Mouth to Newquay section and I’m sure it will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.”

New Open Access and Future-Proofing the Trail

For the first time, wider coastal access rights on foot have been introduced between the trail and the sea, including cliff tops and beaches. However, walkers are urged to exercise caution, as some of these areas are steep, unstable, and not always easily accessible. Local signage should be followed to ensure safety.

Additionally, legal provisions now allow the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, ensuring long-term access for walkers and protecting the investment made in the path.

Julian Gray, South West Coast Path, explained the importance of these new rights:

“The KCIII ECP creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature. It also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion, helping us continue to improve the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.”

More Improvements Coming in 2025

These recent upgrades are just the beginning. Further improvements along the South West Coast Path are planned for 2025 as part of ongoing works for the KCIII ECP. Once complete, the full route will span 2,700 miles, making it the longest way-marked continuous managed coastal trail in the world.

Walkers heading out on the newly improved section of the trail are encouraged to share their thoughts on the upgrades.

📷 Featured Locations Along the Upgraded Route:

• Porthcothan
• Stanbury Mouth
• Delabole Point
• Higher Longbeak
• Trevalga Cliff

For more updates on the South West Coast Path, visit @SouthWestCoastPath.

Photos courtesy of Cornwall Council