Royal William Yard and South West Coast Path have stairs in their eyes!

A crucial gap in the South West Coast Path National Trail linking Devil’s Point Park to the Royal William Yard in Plymouth will be formally opened tomorrow (Wednesday 18 June).

A new stair case will take walkers through the existing defensive wall at Devil’s Point into the yard, giving them a connection all the way around the Stonehouse peninsula.

Not only will it enable walkers to enjoy the stunning views, it makes the most of Plymouth’s two outstanding natural and historical assets, increasing the enjoyment for both visitors and the local community.

Liz Wallis, from the South West Coast Path (SWCP) Association will cut the ribbon at the top of the staircase, which is being dedicated to the memory of her husband, Eric Wallis MBE, whose tireless work over 25 years as secretary of the SWCP Association had a huge impact on the development of the path.

Without his work and that of the other volunteers of the SWCP Association, the coast path would not be the asset it is today. A fund was established in memory of Eric who died in 2010, which provided £10,000 to the project. Andrew Lack, chair of the association, said: "The whole association is very pleased with the staircase and the huge improvement it brings to what was Eric's favourite part of the coast path. We all know he would be delighted with the new route."

Plymouth City Council managed the project which was funded by Natural England through a grant of £237,000. Urban Splash were appointed contractors and secured planning permission and listed building consent for the stairway.

Cabinet Member for Planning and the Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “This is a real step in the right direction! The staircase opens up Devil’s Point to walkers who may have missed out on this stunning corner. It also makes it easier and safer for visitors as they do not have to worry about traffic.”

Graham Bryant, project manager for the South West Coast Path said: “Royal William Yard and Devil’s Point Park are simply amazing locations and we are thrilled to see the two finally linked for walkers on the South West Coast Path.

“In 2011 an estimated 6.2 million people visited the South West Coast Path, bringing contributing £388 million in to the region’s economy. With all the businesses and great food places in the Royal William Yard, more people walking through will be good for business.”

Jim Smyllie, Natural England's Executive Director for People, Landscape and Biodiversity, said “National Trails such as the South West Coast Path are a huge draw for visitors and help support a wide range of businesses up and down the country. We’re delighted to be able to extend the South West Coast Path to Royal William Yard and Devil’s Point.

“They are both fantastic assets for Plymouth and this new link provides a great way for people to enjoy these wonderful locations and yet another reason to visit this world-famous trail.”

Adam Willetts from Urban Splash said: "Linking the yard and Western King has always been a long term aspiration of ours, and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners. We are really pleased to have delivered this simple contemporary design bringing these fantastic sites together for the first time, and allowing the yard with its cafes, food, shops, culture and history to become an exciting staging post on the South West Coast Path."

The Friends of Devil’s Point Park campaigned for this infrastructure for years and contributed £3,000 to the scheme. Richard Crocker, Chairman said: “We are delighted that after many years, at last this vital link has been created. The park at Devil's Point is a cultural asset of national importance and the new link will enable many more people to enjoy it."

To discover more about the fascinating history of the Royal William Yard and Plymouth’s waterfront people can find walks, with maps at www.southwestcoastpath.com/rwy.