A striking stretch of the South West Coast Path at Plymouth’s Royal William Yard has reopened following the successful completion of a one-of-a-kind repair project. The boardwalk – also known as ‘Admiral’s Walkway’ – is a suspended pathway that runs from the main entrance to Royal William Yard and wraps around part of the perimeter of the historic Grade I listed site, and it has now reopened to the public.

The sea had the final say on when the project could start and finish, with work timed around the lowest Spring tide times. Over the course of five weeks, the structure was fully reinforced with new materials, ensuring it is safe and fit for the walkers, visitors, and coastal communities who use and enjoy it.

Urban Splash – the regeneration specialist and developer of Royal William Yard – worked with Natural England and the South West Coast Path Association on the project, using a team of local specialist contractors to carry out the technically demanding project. The boardwalk’s restoration was funded through the King Charles III England Coast Path Establishment Fund.

Nathan Cornish, Director at Urban Splash, said: “Royal William Yard has two features that link it to the Coast Path – the award-winning Western King steps at Devil's Point, and the suspended boardwalk along the water's edge at the entrance. It's a site defined by the sensitive restoration of its historic buildings, and that same care extends to everything we do here. Getting this repair done properly, with quality materials and local expertise, means the boardwalk will be there for walkers and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.”

Lorna Sherriff, National Trail Officer at the South West Coast Path Association, said: “We’re delighted to see Admiral’s Walkway refurbished and reconnecting visitors with the harbour, Royal William Yard’s heritage, and the wider coastal landscape. Restoring this section means walkers can once again enjoy a truly distinctive waterfront setting, where natural beauty meets rich historic character. Our thanks go to Natural England for funding this work through the King Charles III England Coast Path Establishment Fund.”

A race against the tides

The project was driven from the outset and overseen by Mia Harnett, Estate Manager for Royal William Yard at Lambert Smith Hampton. Principal contractor Skeldons – jointly owned by Donald Hughes and Richard Skerton – led the works on site. The Devon-based firm has strong roots in the Plymouth area, working across commercial, residential and MOD sites. The project tested the skills and resolve of the contractors, working against some challenging conditions, with rain a constant companion earlier this year.

The scaffolding – installed by Plymouth firm JEM Scaffolding – extended the full length of the boardwalk. As the walkway overhangs the water, it had to be erected and dismantled within the narrow window of the month’s lowest tides. Any delay meant waiting for the next low tide: a pressure that demanded careful planning and an experienced local team.

The first stage of the project saw the removal of the old decking and bearers before the entire length of the existing steel structure was pressure washed. New bolts and hardwood bearers were fitted and hardwood decking installed, secured throughout with stainless steel fixings. Anti-slip GRP strips were applied across the surface for safety, and any worn or broken decking lights were replaced as the team worked along the run.

An eye-catching project

The project also drew plenty of interest from the local community. Passers-by regularly stopped to speak with the crew, curious about the work and keen to know when this stretch of the Coast Path would be back in use – a reminder of just how well-loved and well-used this section of the trail is.

Richard Skerton, Director of Skeldons, said: “This was one of those projects that gets under your skin – right from the start, with the tides and the weather setting the agenda and really challenging us! The team planned meticulously, worked diligently, and adapted to the conditions to deliver on time. The boardwalk, Royal William Yard, and the South West Coast Path are all local landmarks and it has been a privilege to be part of a project that safeguards these for the future.”

A path for everyone

The South West Coast Path Association, which cares for the Coast Path, has its headquarters based at Royal William Yard. The South West Coast Path is England’s original Coast Path and was designated as a National Trail almost 50 years ago, as well as making up a quarter of the longest waymarked managed coastal trail in the world, the King Charles III England Coast Path. The 630 mile South West Coast Path starts in Minehead in Somerset, follows the coastline around the South West peninsula and finishes at Poole in Dorset.

Royal William Yard occupies a central place on the route. The Grade I listed former naval victualling yard sits on the Stonehouse peninsula, and the Coast Path passes through the site along the waterfront boardwalk – connecting it to the wider trail network and to Devil’s Point beyond. With the boardwalk now restored, walkers can once again experience this distinctive stretch of the waterfront, where the working heritage of the Yard meets the open coast.