WORK has begun to create a record breaking 2,700 mile trail which will run the entire distance of England’s coastline.

The path, dubbed the England Coast Path, will be the world’s longest continuous coastal trail and will stretch around the entire English coastline.

Not only will this open up new paths, it will create new areas of open access land so people can freely explore headlands, cliffs and beaches, right up to the water’s edge.

Dorset already has the South West Coast Path, but as part of the project, improvements are being made.

In Dorset there are four stretches included in the project:

• From Portland to Lulworth, where work is complete and the path is now open for everyone to enjoy

• From Lyme Regis to Rufus Castle, where Natural England’s proposed route is being considered

• From Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge Bay. Ramblers’ volunteers are working with Natural England to discuss the best route that the England Coast Path should take

• From Kimmeridge Bay to Highcliffe, where Natural England’s proposed route is being considered.

Nicky Philpott, director of advocacy and engagement at walking charity The Ramblers, said: “This is a huge milestone in the story of the England Coast Path and one we should celebrate. Building sandcastles on the beach, dipping toes in the sea and taking a stroll along clifftops are favourite activities that cross generations and bring us all together.

“So it might surprise you that until recently, a third of England’s coastline was inaccessible. The Ramblers has long dreamed of a country where everyone can freely enjoy our beautiful coast, so we were pleased that after years of campaigning, in 2010, work started on the England Coast Path.”

Natural England has been working with landowners, local authorities and others to open up stretches of the path and Ramblers’ volunteers have worked tirelessly to walk and survey swathes of coast, mapping out the best route for walkers.

The Government hopes to complete the England Coast Path by 2020 and The Ramblers are keen to ensure that plans are put in place to maintain the path once it’s complete and has become a National Trail.

To find out more, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/EnglandCoastPath