This page contains recent details about the state of the Coast Path or other related items of news. Grid References, where available, will be linked to website www.streetmap.co.uk to provide you with detailed OS maps in the absence of other map information.

2nd September 2008: Sandbanks Ferry

The vehicle and passenger ferry that operates from South Haven Point across the mouth of Poole Harbour to North Haven Point, Poole will not be operating for some eight weeks from 22nd September 2008. This extended period this year is to allow urgent repairs to be carried to the slipways.

As far as we are aware there will not be any alternative ferry for foot passengers. Walkers using this section of the Coast Path will need to make alternative arrangements to gain access to public transport at Swanage or Corfe Castle. With the ferry being out of action the normal bus service that uses the ferry as part of it route from Bournemouth to Swanage will not be operating. For this period a taxi, or a pre-arranged lift will be the main options (unless you want to walk)

9th July 2008: Inland Path Diversion

Inland Coast Path in Dorset. On Ridge Hill at SY657866 a short temporary diversion around a construction site comes into force from 7th July 2008. This is in connection with the construction of second covered service reservoir for the water supply to Weymouth area.

9th June 2008: Diversion at Bude Sea Lock

The sea lock at Bude (SS204106) is under repair and cannot be crossed. As you approach Bude from the South you have to go all the way up to the road bridge (and ditto as you leave Bude to head South).

19th May 2008: Landslip near Lyme Regis

There has been another landslip between Lyme Regis and Charmouth. The landslip didn't affect the South West Coast Path as the section here is already closed and diverted well inland due to an earlier slip.

An emergency closure has been put on the footpath which runs along the back of the beach between Lyme and Charmouth. Path managers in Dorset are looking to extend this to 6 months. The major concern is that because all this extra material has spilt across the beach it makes it more likely people will get cut off by tides.

13th February 2008: Diversion at Charmouth Dorset

Charmouth to Cain's Folly.
After less than two years since the reopening of this section of Coast Path eastwards from Charmouth towards Cain's Folly the path has been closed again because of an extensive land slide. Dorset County Council has put a temporary diversion in place and the route is described below. In addition to site notices, maps showing the diversion are to be provided at key locations within a week of the date of this report. In this case the unaffected paths either side of the landslip (at approx grid SY369930) will remain open to allow walkers to use those sections, which have now become cul-de-sacs.

Walkers are referred to the maps on the official SWCP web-site for more details.

Charmouth (Stonebarrow) Diversion
Leave the Coast path in Lower Sea Lane west of the footbridge over the River Char at GR SY3652 9320 and turn northeast along a tarmac lane called River Way and at the end continue along a gravel footpath to reach Bridge Road. Carry on northwards up this road to the junction with the main village road, The Street. Turn eastwards along The Street to Newlands Bridge and fork right into Stonebarrow Lane. Continue up this narrow lane for nearly three quarters of a mile (1150m) taking care of the traffic. At the top of this lane a car park is reached. Immediately turn sharp right to find a four directional signpost. Take a grassy track south-westwards towards the coast to rejoin the Coast Path at GR SY3787 9310.

7th February 2008: Exe Estuary Cycleway

Work is now complete on the Exmouth to Lympstone section and that is due to open at the end of February. Apparently it is already being very well used, particularly on sunny weekends. The Lympstone to Exton section, this is the bit that passes the marine camp, has been approved and work is due to start this summer. Still awaiting a final decision about the Exton to Topsham section, which will include a new footbridge over the River Clyst close to the RSPB reserve Bowling Green Marsh--this will now be the subject of a site visit by Devon County Council development control committee on February 13th. Work is also progressing on the Dawlish side, but it will be some time before the entire 15 mile route is open fully, 2011 is the earliest expected completion date.

25th October 2007: Minehead Path Start

The new route, lobbied for and part-funded by the South West Coast Path Association, has been installed and signed. We will now walk west from the celebratory marker, on the level, passing the quay and on to Culver Cliff. Continue on to Greenaleigh Farm and then follow a zig-zag path through the woodlands to link up with the existing route.

If you think you have avoided the steep walk up from Minehead beach on the old route, you have not because you still have to get up there.

Our thanks go to Exmoor National Park Authority for all the work done. Once the decision was made to install this realignment improvement the Park Authority did not waste time in getting it done.

25th October 2007: New Route at Porlock Marsh

Depending on the tide you may have a choice of paths from Bossington, both ending up at Porlock Weir. Consult tide tables printed weekly in the West Somerset Free Press, or look across Porlock Marsh as you descend Hurlestone Combe. If tides are low then either path is available but at high tides and during wet periods only the Village Route may be feasible.

The National Trust has produced a fine leaflet describing a circular two mile walk starting and finishing at Bossington Car Park. It takes you down to the beach, past the lime kilns and along the shingle ridge and back to the car park via an inland route.

The other route which opened in 2007 is to continue down the track to Bossington Beach and just after the Village Route turn left following the new signs to Porlock Weir. This route offers the benefits of allowing walkers to experience the dramatic landscape and ongoing changes resulting from the breach, without unduly affecting the nature conservation value of the area. Keep following the signs through new gates and over a bridge and after a short way heading inland and passing the remains of the old duck decoy building you will eventually turn sharp right towards Porlock Weir once again. The path is now crossed by several small streams that after heavy rainfall can become difficult to cross if you want to stay completely dry. Once on the beach the going can be tough on the pebbles but it is not a great distance before you turn left up steps that take you onto the road, unless you prefer to continue your beach walk as far as Porlock Weir.

30th March 2007: Path closure Porthpean to Charlestown

Watch out for diversions along this section due to cliff falls. Affected path lies between Grid Refs SX035510 and SX039515. Cornwall County Council are trying to negotiate a realignment. Please follow the diversion signs. A map showing the diversion is provided on the official South West Coast Path website

26th March 2007: Perranporth To St Agnes

Sadly, we have reports of motor cycle tracks along this section and trial bikes have been seen. In places the path is narrow with steep gradients. Keep a watchful eye for this sort of misuse. On a windy day it's possible that one may not hear a bike coming up on you.

19th March 2002: Babbacombe Steps/Portledge

A section of coast path has fallen between Westward Ho! and Bucks Mills. In fact it has slipped many times in recent years. "It seems a more radical approach is required" says Tom Hynes, Coast and Countryside Officer. "I'm looking at a possible new route with the National Trust". In the meantime diversion notices are in place.

2nd November 2001: Lyme Regis Golf Course

The diversion starts at the path junction in the wood at GR 3456 9330. Turn west on a path for 130 yards (120m) to a junction with a road named Timber Hill. Turn north on this road passing the golf course club house to join the A3052 road. Continue north on this road for about 110 yards (100m) and turn eastwards onto a public footpath (signposted to Fern Hill) across the golf course and bear north-east down through woods to rejoin the A3052 road. Turn south east down this road for some 550 yards (500m) to the roundabout with the main A35 road. Take the right hand fork, which is the local road into Charmouth, and follow it south-south-east downhill into the village for about 760 yards (700m) to the second road junction. Here turn right into Higher Sea Lane (which later becomes a footpath) and proceed south-east for about 650 yards (600m) to rejoin the Coast Path at GR 3580 9345) at the west end of the road called Old Lyme Hill continue north-eastwards on the road to reach the main road through the village. Turn right down this road and in 110 yards (100m) turn right into Higher Sea Lane (which later becomes a footpath) and proceed south-east for about 650 yards (600m) to rejoin the Coast Path at GR 3640 9305.

2nd November 2001: Seatown

A minor diversion occurs on the western approach to Seatown. At the path junction at GR 4158 9197 following the signed diversion north-east and then easterly down to a road (Sea Hill Lane). Here turn southwards down the road to rejoin the Coast Path at GR 4199 9175.