The potential opening date for a 125-mile coastal path which passes through the Furness Peninsula has been revealed.

Progress is under way to create a mammoth walkway between Lancashire and Cumbria, pedestrianising coastal paths which had previously been closed to the public.

The proposals cover a 125-mile stretch of coast between Silecroft and Cleveleys around the Duddon estuary and Morecambe Bay, including Cartmel and the Furness Peninsula.

These plans cover the final 71 miles of the England Coast Path to be published in Cumbria and the first 54 miles of the Lancashire coast.

The plans include 27 miles of new path, where people could not previously access the coast.

In Lancashire, the proposed trail continues around the dramatic limestone cliffs and headlands south of Silverdale, passing close to Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay RSPB reserves rich in wildlife including otters, bearded tits, marsh harriers, egrets and red deer.

In Cumbria, the planned route between Silecroft and Silverdale includes parts of the stunning Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site, circuits the lagoon at Hodbarrow and the sand dunes at Sandscale Haws, and introduces significant new access around the Furness and Cartmel peninsulas and the Leven estuary.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, revealed the plans are still up for consideration, with hopes of approval before the end of this year.

He said: "These parts of the coastal path are still with the planning inspectorate for consideration.

"I’m hoping they will pass before the end of this year and get approval from the Secretary of State shortly afterwards."

Mr Fell said the route is planned to open to the public in late 2022, which will be a 'real boon' to residents and walkers.

He said: "We’re likely looking at late 2022 for this route to open – which will be a real boon to residents and walkers as it will take people off the A590 onto a dedicated cycling and walking route.

"Some areas, not least around the Duddon Estuary, are still quite contentious and I’m working with my neighbour [Copeland MP] Trudy Harrison and local campaigners to find a more viable route than the one which has been put forward."

Figures released by Natural England last month revealed the huge popularity of England’s coastal paths, with 29.1 million walking trips made over a six-month period, boosting local economies and bringing health and wellbeing benefits to visitors.

The data revealed that visits boosted the economy by £350 million in 2017, with 97 per cent of people feeling refreshed and revitalised as a result of their visit.