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  • "'The path can also roll back as cliffs erode or slip, solving maintenance problems'
    I look forward to seeing this path moving itself (:o)) although I don't agree with the idea that land-owners rights to their own land should over-ridden unless adequately compensated by the tax-payer. I would have thought that those who have decided that they 'must' walk along the whole coastline already have enough places to be able to view the sea."
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New access rights open up Jurassic Coast path to Portland

3:09pm Friday 29th June 2012 in Local News Photograph of the Author By Rachel Stretton

SEAL OF APPROVAL: Minister Richard Benyon approves the first stretch of the path with Poul Christensen from Natural England and, left, Angus Campbell SEAL OF APPROVAL: Minister Richard Benyon approves the first stretch of the path with Poul Christensen from Natural England and, left, Angus Campbell

RAMBLERS can enjoy a rejuvenated stretch of coastal path on the Jurassic Coast as new access rights come into force today.

Improvements have been made to the area between Lulworth Cove and Rufus Castle on Portland as the first part of a national project to create a continuous path around the English coast.

Environment minister Richard Benyon travelled to Dorset in January to approve the plans for the Weymouth Bay stretch of path.

Signs and gates have now been put in place where needed.

The existing South West Coast Path has been moved closer to the sea in places, including at Bowleaze Cove and Hamm Beach, where it has been moved away from roads.

The path can also roll back as cliffs erode or slip, solving maintenance problems.

Dorset County Council has been working with Natural England on the project.

Council leader Angus Campbell said the new access rights will bring extra benefits for residents, visitors and businesses.

He added: “An improved alignment in places, coupled with the ability to roll back the path in response to erosion will add to the recreational, economic and health benefits that the path already offers.

“We are delighted this stretch has been established as the first section of the England Coast Path.”

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 guarantees the right of access for members of the public to beaches, cliffs and other land alongside the path for the first time.

Work will now get under way on the next stage of the path – from Portland to Lyme Regis – with landowners being consulted before improvements are carried out.

Other stages of the England Coast Path are being developed in Somerset, Cumbria, Kent, Norfolk, and the coast around Durham.

Mr Benyon said: “Opening up miles of English coastline like this will allow thousands of people to better enjoy this spectacular natural environment and support local economies through tourism.

“This is the first stretch of England’s coastline to be improved under the new coastal access provisions and it is now ready in time for the 2012 Games.

For route details visit www.naturalengland.org.uk

Two walks to celebrate opening of path

DORSET County Council’s countryside team have organised two walks to celebrate the opening of the path.

The first route begins at the Smugglers Inn car park, Osmington Mills at 11.15am and is around three miles long.

The second route is around 10 miles long and starts from the Rufus Castle Church Ope viewpoint, Portland, at 9am.

Both walks will take place on Sunday.

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