Sections of the Mount’s Bay Coast Path will closed this week with diversions in place, when work starts on a project to improve its resilience and accessibility for walkers and cyclists.

Set against the backdrop of St Michael’s Mount and Penzance Railway Station, the multi-use path is popular with residents and visitors, but prone to the elements with storm damage creating uneven surfaces and, at times, forcing the closure of some sections.

The upgrade will provide walkers and cyclists with a new resurfaced path and a new link to take the route away from Longrock car park. There will also be new benches along the path and improved access to the beach for people with mobility issues, as well as plans to develop an arts trail along the route which embraces the assets of the area, creating a unique experience for residents and visitors year-round.

Councillor Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning, said: “Mount’s Bay is one of the jewels in our crown, but the sea has not been kind to the coast path over the years. This investment will not only protect the path for many years to come, but also contribute to the regeneration of the Marazion and Penzance area by encouraging people to visit all year round. It is also a significant step in the realisation of the Bay-to-Bay multi-use trail proposal and support our efforts to get people walking and cycling more – improving their health and helping to cut Cornwall’s carbon emissions.”

Construction began today Monday, November 2, with the improvements being carried out in sections. Phase One works will run from the wooden pedestrian bridge at Eastern Green towards Penzance Railway Station. This will be followed by Phase Two which focuses on the section from Longrock car park to the public toilets on the way to Marazion. Weather permitting, these sections should be complete before Christmas. Whilst works are underway, in order to create a safe working environment, these sections will need to be closed to pedestrians whilst work is being carried out.

In the New Year Phase Three begins, again at the wooden pedestrian bridge, going in the opposite direction towards Longrock car park. At the same time Phase Four starts, which is the section from the public toilets to Marazion car park.

The improvements should be complete by the end of June 2021.