A NEW trail along the North Yorkshire and Teesside coast is being proposed as part of a national coastal walk.

Natural England is today (Thursday, March 25) publishing a report proposing the creation of an 111km route stretching from Filey Brigg near Filey, North Yorkshire to Newport Bridge near Middlesbrough.

If approved, it will become part of a new long distance national trail called the England Coast Path, which will allow people to walk 4,500km around the whole of the English coast. Natural England is working to complete the whole route within five years.

This route along the North Yorkshire and Teesside coast is the longest section of path to be developed so far. The first North-East section of the England Coast Path was opened last April, running along 55 kilometres of coastline between North Gare in Hartlepool and South Bents in Sunderland.

Much of of the proposed route uses the existing Cleveland Way, but plans also involve taking the route through the towns of Whitby and Scarborough – a move welcomed as a boost for local businesses.

Natural England’s report also suggests improving existing access to the coast by securing legal rights of public access for the first time to the area’s beaches and bringing some sections of the existing path closer to the sea, while allowing the route to roll back if the coastline erodes.

Over the next eight weeks people are invited to make objections or representations over the plans.

Owners and occupiers of the affected land can make objections about the report on specified grounds, which will be considered by a planning inspector before a final decision.

Natural England’s area manager David Shaw said: “We have had discussions with landowners and key organisation along the proposed route; their input has been essential and helped shape the draft proposals - we thank everyone for their time and input so far.

“Over the next eight weeks, we are inviting all organisations, farmers, local residents, visitors and businesses to have their say.”

Malcolm Hodgson, national trails officer for the Cleveland Way said: “The England Coast Path will use part of the existing Cleveland Way National Trail and the proposals include taking the route through the urban areas of Whitby and Scarborough for the first time – a plus for businesses in those towns.

“It’s important though that everyone with a view on where the route should go has a chance to see the plans and submit a formal response if they wish.”

Copies of the report and details of how to respond can be viewed in Redcar and Cleveland House, Middlesbrough Town Hall, as well as libraries in Scarborough, Filey, Whitby and Saltburn.