Sea Palling, start of the section of the Coast Path opened today. Photo: Paul Buckingham CC-BY-SA-2.0

A new section of the England Coast Path opened today.

Coastguards undertook a sponsored walk to celebrate new access rights along 41km (25 miles) of Norfolk shoreline.

Local MP Norman Lamb is due to officially declare the stretch of coast path open between Sea Palling and Weybourne.

Approval for the path was granted in April and work to implement the new route, including new signs and gates, has been taking place since then in preparation for today’s opening.

Walkers will be given new rights of access to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs.

The path will also now be able to ‘roll back’ if land erodes or slips – enabling a replacement route to be put in place quickly if necessary, solving longstanding difficulties with maintaining a continuous route along the coast.

When it is complete, the England Coast Path will be a waymarked National Trail around the whole English coast. Work is already underway on more sections around England and proposals are being developed in discussion with local authorities, landowners and businesses.

Following recent government funding announcements, the entire path is due to be completed by 2020. Stretches also opened in Cumbria and Durham earlier this year.

Andrew Sells, chair of the Government’s advisory body on the outdoors Natural England, said: “I am delighted that Norfolk’s first stretch of the England Coast Path is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“We thank everyone who’s worked with us to open up this new route, including Norfolk County Council and HM Coastguard, local landowners, businesses and other interest groups including a range of access and conservation organisations.

“Further sections will be opened up along Norfolk’s coast over the next couple of years, joining work in neighbouring regions. With new funding recently announced to accelerate the roll out of the England coast path it’s a hugely exciting time for England’s coastline.”

Environment minister Dan Rogerson said: “Norfolk has an incredible coastline, with beautiful beaches, dunes and cliff top views. Now that the first part of Norfolk’s Coastal Path is open, more and more people will be able to enjoy this breath-taking part of the country.

Toby Coke, chairman of Norfolk County Council’s environment, development and transport committee said: “Our existing network of footpaths and Trails already contribute millions of pounds to our economy each year.

“Our Norfolk coastline, which is some of the best coastline in the country, officially being designated as part of the England Coast Path can only boost visitor numbers further and benefit businesses along the route.”

The sponsored walk being held by HM Coastguard Norfolk teams on part of the new route is raising funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The Coastguard rescued 230 dogs from the coastline in 2014, and so far this year, Norfolk teams have been involved in the rescue of 15 dogs.

The Mundesley and Happisburgh coast guard teams will be walking from Sea Palling to Trimingham, and the Sheringham and Cromer teams walking from Weybourne to Trimingham with both teams due to arrive for the formal opening.

Tony Garbutt, North Norfolk manager for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency added: “The walk today will help build knowledge of the route and, raise enough money to sponsor a guide dog for each team as well as support a charity close to our hearts.

“Understanding our coastline and getting to know this new route is vital and will assist us in our work.” The Coastguards intend to walk the whole of the route that passes through North Norfolk in the coming months.