Paul Theroux first traced the British coastline in 1982 for his book “The Kingdom by the Sea.” This year he returned to walk parts of the newly completed King Charles III England Coast Path, a continuous route along the country’s seashore. The path, which officially opened to the public in 2023, stretches over 2,700 miles from the Scottish border to the south coast. Theroux observed how the landscape and communities have changed over four decades, noting both development and decay.

He described the walk as a way to reconnect with the English shoreline and its people, much like his original journey. The path offers hikers a unique perspective on England’s coastal heritage, with access to beaches, cliffs, and historic sites. Theroux’s new reflections highlight the enduring appeal of coastal walking and the evolving character of Britain’s seaside towns.

The full article in The New York Times captures his impressions of the route and its significance as a national trail.