Over the next six years there will be new and improved coastal paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, as well as better access to beaches and the seashore.

Together, the local authorities’ coastal access improvement projects will contribute towards the creation of an all-Wales coastal path by 2013. There will also be more circular routes, so that people can enjoy parts of the coast without re-tracing their steps.

Sustainability and Rural Development Minister Jane Davidson said:

Providing better access to Wales’ beautiful coastline is a priority for the Welsh Assembly Government. Achieving a coastal path along all of Wales is a firm commitment for me, and today’s announcement marks an important step towards that goal.

I want the countryside and the coast to be enjoyed by as many people as possible, and as part of this we will be looking at making access to the coastline statutory. The timing of today’s announcement could not be better as this week is ‘Use your Footpaths Week’.

All coastal local and national parks authorities have now received a share of the funding totalling £1,500, 975, with Gwynedd County Council receiving the largest amount as it has the longest stretch of coastline.

The Countryside Council for Wales, which administers the scheme on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, is pleased with the plans submitted by local authorities.

CCW Chief Executive Roger Thomas commented:

In the first year, coastal access project officers are being recruited and we can expect to see improvements to existing paths. There are very exciting proposals in the pipeline as we work towards an all-Wales coastal path.

Local authorities will consult closely with landowners, local communities and others with an interest to develop their coastal access improvement programmes.