From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, April 03, 2007

THE South West Coast Path near the village of Branscombe is returning to its normal route - in time for the Easter holiday.

Three temporary diversions had been in place following the grounding of the MSC Napoli just offshore. The last of these has now been lifted, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the spectacular scenery and spring wildflowers of the Under Hooken landslip. The official route of the Coast Path goes through this old, and now stable, landslip with its dramatic rock pinnacles.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Economy, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "It's terrific news that the footpath will return to its usual route in time for the Easter holidays. The coast path is an asset which attracts many people and it's great for the local economy that it will be business as usual at an important time. With good weather forecast and the annual influx of visitors expected it will be good to see that businesses in Branscombe will be able to welcome people over the coming holiday."

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is further proof that Branscombe is getting back to normal and a relief that it is in time for the Easter holiday. The ending of the diversion will be a welcome boost for the village, its residents and businesses as well as for visitors who will be travelling to the area for a short break."

A circular walk between Beer and Branscombe using the re-opened section of Coast Path is among nearly 60 routes described in full on the official South West Coast Path website, www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath. Walks on all areas of the Coast Path can be downloaded complete with a map - the perfect answer for an Easter excursion for all the family.

Notes for Editors:

Photographs of the South West Coast Path at Under Hooken are available on request from the South West Coast Path Team.

For further information contact Elaine Norsworthy, South West Coast Path Team, on 01392 383560 or swcpteam@devon.gov.uk

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, 01237 420553.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

The South West Coast Path is a National Trail created and mainly funded by Natural England and managed by highway authorities and the National Trust. It follows the coast for 630 miles (1014 km) from Minehead in Somerset to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset and is looked after by approximately 65 dedicated on-the-ground managers, who work to provide a route that meets National Trail Quality Standards.

There are 15 National Trails in England and Wales. These long distance routes offer liberating and rewarding natural adventures and are the nation's favourite walks and rides through the finest and most varied landscapes in the country.

The South West Coast Path Team co-ordinates the management and marketing of the South West Coast Path.

It is estimated that the South West Coast Path is worth around £300 million pounds to the region's economy (@2003).

Residents living in the four counties of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset take around 23 million walks on the South West Coast Path every year.

For further information about the South West Coast Path National Trail, visit: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath