Re-routed coast path officially open

A re-routed section of the South West Coast Path at Seaton was officially opened on Thursday 19th December.

The original route of the path was damaged in the landslip at Old Beer Road during storms in July 2012. The road has been permanently closed after a geotechnical review found that there was a high risk of further failure and the coastpath was diverted.

A permissive path has been developed on land made available with the kind agreement of Clinton Devon Estates through its woodland between the B3174 Beer Road and Old Beer Road. To acknowledge its help, the route is being named The Clinton Way.

Devon County Council Chairman Bernard Hughes OBE and Clare James of Clinton Devon Estates formally opened the path at 11am on Thursday. Councillor Bernard Hughes said:

“The South West Coast Path is an important asset for our county and I’m sure the local communities will be pleased that this section has been re-routed and re-opened. Our thanks must go to the Clinton Devon Estates for providing the land and working with us to make this route - The Clinton Way - possible.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:

“The old route of the coast path was a victim of last year’s floods and was an unfortunate disruption for people who use this popular route. This section of the South West Coast Path is enjoyed by locals and visitors for its stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and it’s good news for the local economy that we have this new route.”

Councillor Jim Knight, Devon County Councillor for Seaton Coastal, said:

“I was pleased to get this permissive path opened to assist everybody who had to walk around the sharp bends from Beer to Seaton and visa versa. This is a vital local route for Seaton and the neighbouring parishes - and it's a good place to walk off the excess Christmas fayre whilst enjoying the Christmas and New Year holidays, as is the rest of the county's fantastic rights of way network."