Consultation work has ended on the latest stage of the 2,700-mile pathway around the country's coastline.

The Whitstable to Iwade section of the England Coast Path will take in Faversham Creek, Hollowshore, Oare Creek and marshes, Conyer Creek, Little Murston and Ridham Dock.

It is estimated the north Kent section will cost £58,000 and will follow the existing Saxon Shore Way.

Natural England published its report back in June. The deadline for comments was last month. It is believed the route with new signage could be completed by next winter.

It is hoped the entire path around England will be finished by 2022.

Work on a 66-mile section from Camber Sands in East Sussex to Ramsgate including Dungeness, Pegwell Bay and the White Cliffs of Dover has already been completed.

One of the next stages in Kent will be to create a walk around the Isle of Sheppey coastline.

Natural England has begun speaking to landowners and interested parties. Its report is expected to be published this winter. Residents will then have eight weeks to comment.

There is another stretch to be finalised from Iwade to Grain.

Nicky Philpott, director of advocacy and engagement at walkers group Ramblers said: "This is a huge milestone in the story of the England Coast Path and one we should celebrate.

"Building sandcastles on the beach, dipping toes in the sea and taking a stroll along cliff-tops are favourite activities that cross generations and bring us all together.

“But it might surprise people to learn that until recently a third of England’s coastline was inaccessible to the public.

"The Ramblers has long dreamed of a country where everyone can freely enjoy our beautiful coast so we were pleased that after years of campaigning, work finally started on creating the England Coast Path in 2010.”

Natural England has been working with landowners, local authorities and others to open up stretches of the path. Ramblers’ volunteers have worked to walk and survey swathes of coast, mapping out best routes for walkers.

To find out more, visit www.ramblers.org.uk/EnglandCoastPath