A NEW walking trail – the Castles and Coast Way – has been opened to the public at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Shurton.

The 13-mile circular footpath runs from Nether Stowey to Stogursey and on to the coast at Shurton Bars.

It links the Coleridge Way to the England Coast Path National Trail, which will eventually run around the coast of England.

The trail originated from a request by members of Stogursey Parish Council to establish a promoted walking route in the area.

Cllr David Fothergill, leader of Somerset County Council, who cut the ribbon, was joined at the opening by Ramblers from West Somerset and Sedgemoor, and David Eccles, head of Stakeholder Engagement at EDF Energy.

The development of the trail was made possible through Section 106 funding for rights of way from EDF Energy.