The very first stretch of the Natural England Coast Path has opened between Maldon and Salcott, , providing walkers with access to 26.5 miles of beautiful Blackwater Estuary coastline.

Now Burnham-on-Crouch has to wait on a government decision on whether to extend the pathway to the town.

Natural England has announced that coastal access rights started yesterday (Wednesday, 30 June) on 26.5 miles (42.7 km) of the England Coast Path on the Blackwater Estuary, Essex between Maldon and Salcott.

Natural England is establishing a 2,700 mile National Trail around the entire English coast and this stretch is the fifteenth to open. When completed, the trail will be the longest continuous coastal walking route in the world.

From Maldon the route passes by Heybridge to Goldhanger, passing Osea Island and on to Toleesbury. The stretch of coastal path winds up at Salcott, named after the huts that stored the salt harvested in the area since the Iron Age.

Senior Adviser for the Maldon to Salcott stretch, Darren Braine, said: "This section opening 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."

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, 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 to the adjoining stretches of Burnham-on-Crouch to Maldon and Salcott to Jaywick are still to be determined by the Secretary of State which means that coastal access rights have not yet commenced.

Visitors to these areas should familiarise themselves with public amenities such as parking and the current public rights of way in place before planning to continue their walk past the Maldon or Salcott ends of this stretch by checking local websites - Essex Highways at the link here and Visit Maldon District here.