A 29-mile stretch of coastal path has officially opened - allowing walkers to explore scenery uninterrupted between Whitstable and Iwade.

The new section - taking hikers through Seasalter, down to Faversham and up to Conyer - is home to some of the richest habitats in the UK, with salt marshes and mudflats supporting huge colonies of birds.

The trail forms part of the 2,700-mile England Coast Path, which is eventually planned to cover the entirety of the country's perimeter and become the longest managed coastal walking route in the world.

This latest section is the fourth to open in Kent, bringing the county's total area covered by the trail to 173 miles.

It means about half of Kent's 350-mile coastline is now included in the path.

Jim Seymour, Natural England area manager, says the newest easy-to-follow route is an excellent addition to the national trail.

He said: "This new trail has a spectacular landscape and captures how important the north Kent coastline has been over the ages with many interesting and historic sites.

"At a time when the benefits of connecting with nature are clearer than ever, it’s fabulous that we are opening up this 29-mile walking route on the north Kent coast for people to enjoy.

"The nationwide promotion of the England Coast Path should also benefit the local economy. It will achieve this by bringing walkers past the many businesses on this route, to shop, for refreshments and to stay."

Starting in Whitstable, walkers can then head through Seasalter as they stroll beside the Thames Estuary next to the recently completed RSPB nature reserve.

They then head into the borough of Swale and begin to twist inland along Faversham Creek.

Swathes of land to the left will soon become the UK's largest solar farm, with 880,000 panels beginning to be installed in the coming months.

After arriving in Faversham and crossing the creek, walkers following the route are then taken back towards the coast to Oare.

From the Kent Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve on the marshes, the trail enters Conyer Creek,

Now less than one-mile from Sheppey, walkers pass the remains of the old ferry terminal for the island before reaching and crossing Milton Creek, near Sittingbourne.

The route leaves the coast near the industrial complex and port at Ridham, before returning to the seawall towards Kingsferry Bridge near Iwade, where the trail ends.

Mike Hill, KCC's cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said: "The opening of this section of the England Coast Path provides further opportunities for Kent residents and visitors to access the outdoors. And, connect with the wealth of nature and the heritage on their doorstep.

"It is a coast with a rich history in trade that supported the growth of towns such as Faversham and Whitstable - now firm favourites with visitors to the area."

The Whitstable to Iwade route is the fourth stretch in Kent to open, after Ramsgate to Folkestone, Folkestone to Camber, and Isle of Grain to Woolwich.

Isle of Grain to Otterham Creek is due to open in April 2023, followed by Ramsgate to Whitstable.