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Section of King Charles III path damaged by storms

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria
BBC/Federica Bedendo A composite image showing how the path between Flimby train station and the shore looks now on the left, versus how it looked in May on the right. The left image shows the path running alongside a wire fence has partially collapsed onto the beach. The vegetation around the path is yellow and brown and the sky is heavy and grey. The image on the right shows the path snaking through lush green grass. The sky is blue with large white clouds.BBC/Federica Bedendo
The path between Flimby railway station and the shore is part of the King Charles III coastal path

A section of the world's longest coastal path has been washed away by recent storms.

The King Charles III path, which stretches around the entire English coast, was inaugurated by the king in March and according to Natural England is the longest managed coastal walking route in the world.

Storm Austen and Boelo battered the country at the end of October, leaving damage in their wake, including a section of the footpath between the shore and the railway station at Flimby, Cumbria.

Cumberland council, which is responsible for maintaining the path, said work would start soon to clear more vegetation from the bank "re-establishing a clear walking corridor" along a 2,300ft (700 metres) section.

Images show the path, which is popular with dogwalkers, has partially collapsed onto the beach, leaving users with an option to walk closer to the station fence or step onto the sand.

Network Rail, which looks after the station, said there was no risk to the railway from the erosion, but the company would stay in touch with partner agencies if the situation changed.

BBC/Federica Bedendo Flimby train station pictured from the beach. A sand bank where a path used to be is collapsed onto the beach. The path has long overgrown yellow grass. The train station is fenced off by metal wire fencing on wooden posts and has a waiting shelter on one side. An overpass is also visible in the background. They sky is heavy with clouds. BBC/Federica Bedendo
The footpath is next to the railway station in Flimby, which overlooks the sea

Cumberland Council said it would also continue to monitor the route through the winter months and assess if any further work was needed.

A spokesperson said: "While sections of the seaward edge have been affected by erosion, a viable route remains available.

"The additional clearance will provide greater separation from the eroded areas and help maintain safe access for walkers."

They added they were not aware of any other sections of the King Charles III path in Cumberland being damaged.

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