Burnham-On-Sea’s tourism industry could be set for a big boost with the opening of a new walking route along Somerset’s coastline next month.
The walking route between Minehead and Aust in South Gloucestershire will be launched in mid-March by Natural England as part of its England Coastal Path project. Initially, the section from Minehead to Brean will open with the remainder to follow.
“Walkers will soon be able to access some of the best coastal views in the West Country with the opening of this new route,” a spokesperson for Natural England told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“It’s part of the England Coast Path project which will enable people to walk about 2,800 miles around the whole of the country’s coastline. The whole route around England will be in place by 2020.”
The new route will include Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean and is expected to bring large numbers of extra walkers into the area.
“This is a great opportunity for Burnham’s businesses. The new route will bring a boost to accommodation providers and shops in the town, so the launch is definitely very welcome,” said a Burnham Chamber of Trade spokesman.
And tourism manager Ian Jefferies told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “This will be a fantastic opportunity for our area. I have already had enquiries from people keen to walk the new route and interest is really building.”
“In Devon and Cornwall, the coast path creates millions of pounds of extra revenue every year, so this is an opportunity. As an example, a luggage transfer service is being set up by a Burnham taxi service to help walkers get between B&Bs.”
Natural England and Somerset County Council spent more than two years meeting with landowners along the route to agree where the route should go.
Councillor Harvey Siggs says it will be the first time that a “continuous walking route” will be available along the whole of the county’s coastline.
“It will link with existing promoted trails such as the River Parrett Trail and West Somerset Coast Path as well as Steart,” he said.
“We expect the route to bring additional trade to local businesses throughout the year and along the whole route.”
The route, according to Natural England, will not only offer “spectacular sea views over the Bristol Channel” but give the public full access to the area’s beaches.
Also see:
Map showing England Coast Path progress so far
