Phoebe Shipton
May is National Walking Month and the unexplored East Kent coastline, home to some of the most beautiful natural attractions, is just begging to be explored by foot. The weather is warming up and the evenings are drawing out so now is the right time to discover this delightful corner of the Garden Of England. There are a plethora of routes crossing countryside and coastline and here are a pick of our favourite walks in East Kent. All can be accessed from staying at one of our gorgeous self catering holiday homes. If cycling is more your thing, then we’ve included a couple of our favourite cycle routes too.
Blue Plaque Trail in the heart of Deal
The Blue Plaque Trail is a guided walk around Deal featuring plaques to many of the fascinating residents of the town. Erected by the Deal Society, the plaques are for people who have had a significant impact on the town and in many cases, nationally and internationally, including Julius Ceasar, B. Priestley and the Royal Marines.
Distance 2.25 miles around the streets of Deal; 1 hour; Follow the trail. Stay at Smuggler’s Cottage in the heart of Deal’s historic Conservation Area.
South Foreland Lighthouse Walk
The South Foreland Lighthouse Walk starts at the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre, just outside of Dover. This walk offers incredible views over the Port of Dover and of the English Channel. This route along the edge of the North Downs, forming part of the Saxon Shore Way, leads to the Victorian landmark of the National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse. This lighthouse is open to the public and has a wonderful vintage tearoom.
Distance 4 miles. Stay at Trinity Cottage a spectacular holiday home nestled in the trees of the Foreland Valley at St. Margaret’s Bay perfect for large groups.
The Chalk and Channel Way – cycling
The Chalk and Channel Way passes through the Kent Downs, an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. Linking the coastal towns of Dover and Folkestone, the route will take you close by Dover Castle and past a series of artworks that have been installed along the way.
Distance 8.8 miles; easy ride – 1 hour and 30 minutes; mixture of on and off-road; parking in Dover and Folkestone; part of National Route 2 of the National Cycle Network. Detailed map and guide
Stay at Cliffeside Cottage in the seaside village of Kingsdown where there is plenty of outside space for storing bikes.
The Viking Coastal Trail – cycling
The Viking Coastal Trail is a circular cycle route taking in the coast of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate before heading into the countryside through surrounding villages. Cycle past sandy bays, seaside towns, the Turner Contemporary as well as Ramsgate harbour, past the chalk stalks of Botany Bay, picturesque churches and ancient Minster Abbey.
Distance 32 miles but can be broken down into shorter routes; easy ride – 5 hours and 30 minutes; mixture of on and off-road; parking available along the route; Regional Cycle Network 15. Detailed map here. Stay at Stable Cottage located in Sandwich Bay where there is plenty of space for bikes.
Local bike hire in Deal Mike’s Bikes.
