THE county's first stretch of a new round-England coastal path has opened between Maldon and Salcott.

Natural England is establishing a 2,700-mile national trail around the entire English coast.

When completed, the trail will be the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world.

A 26.5-mile stretch running east from Maldon along the north bank of the River Blackwater has now become the 15th section to open.

It passes through Heybridge, Goldhanger, Tollesbury and on to Salcott.

Senior Adviser for the stretch Darren Braine said: “This section opening today marks a milestone for the delivery of the England Coast Path, starting the process of securing a right for the public to walk the entire length of the Essex Coastline, then on around England and eventually to return to where they started.

“This stretch will give walkers access to 26.5 miles of impressive coastline, enabling people to visit some wonderful nature conservation and built heritage sites along the Blackwater Estuary.

“We know that being outside in the natural world is really good for people’s health and wellbeing and I hope the path will bring benefits for generations to come.”

County Hall sustainable transport boss Lee Scott said: “We have some fantastic coastline in Essex and I’m delighted that we are opening up more of the coastline for people to enjoy.

"We are hoping to open up more sections of the England Coast Path in the future so more of us can enjoy being outdoors with friends and family.”

Proposals for routes from Burnham to Maldon and from Salcott to Jaywick are still to be decided by the Secretary of State which means coastal access rights have not yet commenced.