Somerset County Council’s Rights of Way team has finished work on a new safe footway in Doniford – one of the last pieces of major work on the England Coast Path in Somerset.

It will enable users to walk safely from Doniford Beach to the bridge over the Swill without needing to go on the grass verge or in the road.

The work was completed with support from Natural England and the England Coast Path Establishment Scheme as part of the Rural Development Programme for England and was made possible with the co-operation of Doniford Farm Park and Historic England for works around the Doniford Stone Cross, which is a Grade II* monument.

“This improvement means that we now have a single continuous England Coast Path from Brean Down to Minehead,” said Claire Newill, Natural England’s Somerset manager.

“We know now more than ever just how important it is to get outdoors, to be active in green and blue spaces and how it boosts our physical health and mental wellbeing.

“We are delighted to have been able to work in partnership with Somerset County Council to create a safe walkway at Doniford, enabling more people to connect with our beautiful natural landscape and seascape.”

Cllr John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “It’s great to see the England Coast Path creating a safer walking environment for everyone in Doniford and nearby Watchet.

“This latest section of footway improves walking facilities around Doniford Farm Park and the England Coast Path, which is a popular area with locals and visitors alike.”

Somerset County Council works in partnership with Natural England to manage the England Coast Path in Somerset. The National Trail helps attract more visitors to the county and brings benefits for the local economy.

Anyone interested in helping look after the England Coast Path can sign up as a Trail Watcher, which will involve adopting a stretch of the trail.

This involves keeping an eye on a stretch that you regularly use and reporting any problems to help the county council be more responsive in keeping the trail well maintained and accessible.