| New stretch of coast path is opened | |
|  | | Walkers on the stretch of coast path |
| | A stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path has been opened to the public. The section has fantastic views of the South Hams coastline. |
| | | There's a brand new walking route in Devon, with the opening of a scenic stretch of the South West Coast Path.
The two mile section is between Strete and Stoke Fleming in the South Hams, where previously walkers had to leave the coast and use the busy A379 road inland.
The route is along one of the most stunning areas of the coast path and has sweeping views of Start Bay.
 | | A section of the coast path between Strete and Stoke Fleming |
The coast path takes in Strete, Blackpool Sands and Stoke Fleming.
The opening of this part of the coastline follows an agreement between Devon County Council and the landowner, Sir Geoffrey Newman of Blackpool and Start Estate.
The work, funded by the Countryside Agency and managed by the South West Coast Path team, includes a new packhorse bridge and a flight of granite steps.
Pam Warhurst, deputy chairman of the Countryside Agency, said: "As a National Trail - and one of our most popular at that - the South West Coast Path should be of the highest quality from start to finish.
 | | The new path is already proving popular |
"The new route is part of our commitment to try and develop a better walking experience along the whole of the five mile stretch east of Slapton Sands - indeed it has long been our number one priority for the whole South West Coast Path."
This area is an important habitat for migratory birds and insects, and these habitats are being protected.
The next step is to carry out similar improvements on either side of the new section, where the route is still on roads away from the coast - talks have started with landowners to achieve this.
The South West Coast Path is the longest national trail in Britain and attracts thousands of walkers each year.
Article published 24th March 2005
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