David Howarth of Isle of Wight Ramblers shares this latest news. Ed
In March this year, King Charles III inaugurated the new 2700 mile national trail at an event near the Seven Sisters cliffs at the South Downs.
The path was named after King Charles to commemorate his coronation.
A royal audience for a local problem
Kate Ashbrook, vice-President of The Ramblers and General Secretary of The Open Spaces Society attended an event on 19th June 2007 at Dover when the Environment Secretary David Miliband announced that the government would legislate for coastal access and this was followed by the Marine and Coastal Access Act in 2009. She was invited to meet the King at the opening event on 19th March 2026.
Kate said,
“At some point there was a hush, so I took the opportunity to explain to the king that although the path was brilliant, there was a problem on the Isle of Wight.
“This concerned his family since his great great grandfather had given Osborne to the nation, and now it was proposed to prevent us from enjoying a route near the beach, instead sending us inland on a busy road.”
When the King queried why English Heritage was hostile to a coastal route, Kate explained that English Heritage had expressed concerns about security of the royal collection.
The King was relieved to hear from Kate that he was not the decision maker.
Where the path stands today
The King Charles III England Coast Path is now open along 80 per cent of the route and much work is taking place to complete the whole trail. On the Island, three of ten stretches have been opened and more expected soon.
Nine of the ten sections have been approved, but the East Cowes to Wootton section remains unresolved following significant objections and consultation responses.
It is for the Planning Inspectorate to now decide the next steps. The Ramblers Association are campaigning for an Inquiry where everyone can air their views.
The Osborne diversion dispute
Natural England, who devised the route, are proposing a two mile diversion away from the coast, along the A3021, avoiding most of the Osborne and Barton estates.
An important National Trail has important benefits for the Island. For residents, there is the opportunity to enjoy some 90 miles of coastal scenery. We know how important the great outdoors is for people’s health and wellbeing. Tourists will be drawn to the Coast Path, and this will generate opportunities for landowners and businesses to provide accommodation and facilities for holiday walking.
The Isle of Wight Ramblers wrote to all 164 candidates in the local elections to determine their thoughts. Several responded with supportive views.
The path to resolution
So after 17 years of negotiations, delays, and two local consultations, the end in sight, but there is one last hurdle to overcome. The Island will be the loser if a pragmatic solution cannot be agreed.
The organisation is now urging Natural England, English Heritage, local authorities and elected representatives to support a process to secure a fair balance between public access and legitimate land management concerns. After years of delay, there is now an opportunity to resolve this issue properly and deliver a coast path to be proud of.
