Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route

We were staying in Swalecliffe for the weekend, just outside of Whitstable in Kent, and the plan for the first day was for me to pop out early doors and get a walk in before meeting the rest of the family in Whitstable for Oysters and chips later on. It was great to get my Scarpa walking boots back on again for this walk in Kent, with all the rain I was anticipating quite a muddy walk but it was fairly dry underfoot for most of the way. In fact, my boots came back cleaner than they went out! It was a glorious day, perfect for walking; clear blue skies and a slight breeze so I just kept to walking trousers and a short sleeve t-shirt, packing a fleece in my rucksack in case it got a little chilly later.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route Map

I had been recommended the Crab and Winkle Way by a few friends at work as a good walking route as it’s known for being a really good Kent walk. I roughly plotted a route that would take me from Swalecliffe, straight up St John’s Road passed Chestfield and Swalecliffe Station, through Chestfield and up Chestfield Road where I was to join a footpath on my left hand side through a delightful residential area. I followed this small road all the way round to the right hand side crossing over a road and in to Chestfield Golf Club following the waymakers in a straight line all the way up through Shrub Hill and Radfall to the road where I walked left in to Thornden Wood keeping right until a crossing of paths where I then turned right following the track as it then went round to the left to join Thornden Wood Road.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route – Thornden Wood

I turned right up Thornden Wood Road passing the car parks on either side of the road walking left in to the woods by the footpath sign post as the road bent to the right. I then followed this track, turning right at the junction of tracks in to an area called The Radfall where I continued my walk all the way along the same track until I reached the road at Tyler Hill. I then turned left and followed the track that ran parallel to the road all the up until I re-joined the road through a courtyard of wooden pleated houses and a small footpath. I then walked left up the road passing a pub on my right hand side turning right across the road through another footpath that walked around a small car park where I then crossed over the road and down a track by the footpath signposts through a gate and in to fields.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route – Kent Countryside

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route

I then walked straight ahead crossing a few fields to join the Crab and Winkle Way cycle route by Blean Church (which I incorrectly tweeted as being in Bean… oops!) I then turned right and followed the Crab and Winkle Way and Cycle Route 1 signposts and waymakers all the way back down to Whitstable Station. I crossed over the railway bridge and then straight down Cromwell Road to the harbour area where I waited by the lifeboat station for the rest of the family to arrive.

6 delicious Oysters and some delightful crinkle cuts chips later we meandered our way back along the Saxon Shore Way coast path to Swalecliffe with my walking route covering a good 15 miles and taking about 5 hours.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Whitstable Crab And Winkle Way Walking Route – Whitstable Irish Oysters

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route

After a great nights sleep at the Southcliffe Hotel I awoke to torrential rain and the screech of seagulls. However, after breakfast the weather cleared and it actually turned out to be a rather glorious day for a walk in Kent. I sketched out a 10 mile walking route from Folkestone heading straight up to the North Downs joining a circular walk around the downs and back through Folkestone to get the train back to London.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route Map

From the hotel I walked right along The Leas turning right up Clifton Road where I then turned left along Sandgate Road past the Holy Trinity Church walking right up Earls Avenue turning left at the footpath on the bend of William Avenue around Cheriton Road Sports Ground following it left and then right in to Fairway Avenue walking right up Cherry Garden Avenue. I followed The Countryside signposts that read Follow The Kestrel To The Downs crossing over the A20 and M20 walking left to then follow the edge of the Eurotunnel railway tracks and fencing by the open gate and stile.

I walked along this track until it’s end where I then walked through the gate to continue my walk by the side of Ashford Road and underneath the railway lines and A20 emerging the other side where I turned right by the footpath signpost for the Elham Valley Way. I then walked left at the next Elham Valley Way signpost to join School Lane walking right up Newington Road turning right through the gate signposted the Elham Valley Way to walk up parallel to the road turning right to follow the pathway all the way until a gate and stile in to the “corridors to the countryside”. I know it’s only a gate but I thought this really signified a traditional Great British landscape of lush green countryside, no wonder they call it the Garden of England!

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route – Garden Of England

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route – Looking to the Folkestone White Horse

I walked through the gate and cut across the field to find a stile to Hill Lane walking right to Danton Lane all the way to a Crete Road West where I caught my first glimpse of the White Horse. Now I really had the sense of being in the Kent countryside and looked forward to the rest of the walk with anticipation. I continued along the road until I found a right hand turn in to the North Downs Way turning left and then crossing above the White Horse where I then looked back to see it. At the end of Crete Road West I walked right in to Castle Hill following the North Downs Way Folkestone (A260) 1 Mile signpost walking left around Castle Hill, Caesar’s Camp Ring and Baileys, which offered great 360 degree views over Folkestone and Kent.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route – Folkestone White Horse

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Folkestone White Horse Walking Route – Caesar’s Camp

I continued my walk back up to rejoin Crete Road West where I spotted a track before the road on my right hand side heading down the side of Sugarloaf Hill. I then followed the steps all the way down following the main track to a gate where I walked right and then straight across to Churchill Avenue where I walked right before turning left down a track behind the buildings of an industrial area. I then checked the trains times to see there was a London train in 36 minutes, I checked my distance to the train station and it said the station was 30 minutes away. I upped my pace turning left on to Park Farm Road following it round to the right all the way down to join Radnor Park Road where I climbed uphill to the roundabout by the entrance of Folkestone Central Railway Station with 10 minutes to spare! This walk covered 10 miles taking me 3.5 hours, it’s a great walk and I really look forward to more walks in Kent.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover To Folkestone Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover To Folkestone Walking Route

I have been working in Sandgate, Folkestone, for the last few months and have been itching to get out for a walk in the area. Every day my train enters the Garden of England and as I look up at the North Downs I can hear them calling me! This weekend I decided to leave work on Friday and get the train to Dover Priory, then walk back to Folkestone along the coastal path. On Saturday I plotted out a 10 mile walk to visit the White Horse Folkestone and Caesar’s Camp up on the North Downs, which I’ll post as my next walking route.

As I had plenty of time I had a bit of a meandaer at the beginning of this Kent walk trying to find some good views of the Kent coast but you can just get straight in to the coastal path by heading down to the cliffs, turn right and then keep walking until you reach the Martello Towers at Folkestone.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover To Folkestone Walking Route Map

My walk started at Dover Priory Railway Station where I exited to the main road turning right and crossing the road up to turn left in to Clarendon Road where I walked up taking a left up the lane to a pathway that climbed up to North Military Road over to a gate where I continued to climb up through woodlands to the top of the hill. I then walked right along the track to rejoin North Military Road where I walked left up the road to the next set of signposts taking me left in to more woodland and an area known as Western Heights, with a fairly decent view of Dover Castle and docks.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover to Folkestone Walking Route – Looking Back To Dover

I then turned right down steps following the path as I continued my walk turning right uphill in to the woodland turning right to then rejoin North Military Road again through a small car park. It was here that I just missed my next pathway so after a short walk down the road I turned back up North Miltary Road to the signpost by the Dover Immigration Removal Centre where I joined the North Downs Way signposts.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover to Folkestone Walking Route – The North Downs Way Capel Le Ferne

Keeping to the North Downs Way signposts I then continued my walk until I turned left to briefly join Kings Rope Walk keeping ahead to cross over the A20 using the underpass to the next signpost for the North Downs Way Capel le Ferne.

I then climbed up to Shakespeare Cliff following this pathway across Samphire Hoe through The National Trust Round Down to Abbot’s Cliff following the signposts for the North Downs Way until I reached the white house. The lane was leading me down to the road so I thought I’d walk around the house to try and join a path on the cliffs but I couldn’t get down there so I walked back down to the B2011 road and turned left. With the caravan park on my right hand side I then walked down a path to a stile and back to the coastal path around another caravan park and views down the cliffs to the sea.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover To Folkestone Walking Route – Cliffs Near Folkestone

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover to Folkestone Walking Route – Martello Towers Folkestone

Continuing to follow the North Downs Way I then joined Old Dover Road to the Cliff Top Cafe and after a while walked right and then left along the pathway to the Battle of Britain Memorial where I had a quick look around before continuing my walk along the North Downs Way to Capel le Ferne where I eventually turned right to join Dover Hill by the Valiant Sailor pub. I then left the North Downs Way to walk down the hill turning left at the next track in to woodlands which lead me to Dover Road where I walked left down to Harbour Way and Radnor Bridge Road where I then walked down to the beach turning right along the Marine Parade passing the Cliff Lift to the Lower Leas Coastal Park. I then walked back up the zig-zag path to the road where I then walked right to find my bed for the evening, The Southcliffe Hotel, after an exhausting 10 miles and 3.5 hours.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Dover to Folkestone Walking Route – Southcliffe Hotel Folkestone

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route

My second Kent walk over our Easter stay in Broadstairs could not have been any more different to the Herne Bay walking route from the previous day. The skies were clear blue, there was a lovely crisp breeze and it was a beautifully warm day. I took the train from Broadstairs to Sturry, which only took 38 minutes, where I had planned to start the walk I had plotted out on my map. From Sturry the general idea was to follow the Stour Valley Walk along the River Stour and then a section of the Saxon Shore Way to discover Richborough Castle Roman Fort ending the walk at the very picturesque town of Sandwich covering about 17 miles and taking me about 6 hours.

As the ground was so dry and the route was fairly flat I decided to stick with the Salomon walking boots starting the walk off wearing a lightweight walking jacket with my waterproof jacket in my rucksack just in case. After an hour of walking the lightweight walking jacket became too hot so I put that in my rucksack too and it was lovely walking along the River Stour in just a t-shirt enjoying the fantastic weather. For the rest of Easter the weather was awful so I was lucky to get a good day to complete my longest walking route.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route Map

From Sturry Railway Station I turned right down towards the village turning left at the signpost for Fordwich and the Town Hall turning left as Fordwich Road went left to King Street to join the Stour Valley Walk through Fordwich, which is Britain’s smallest town. I then walked right at the Fordwich Arms and left in to School Lane following this track all the way to Higham Farm through Trenleypark Wood and the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (NNR) following the yellow Stour Valley Walk waymarkers.

At the end of the Trenleypark Wood I climbed quickly uphill to a stile across fields following the Stour Valley Walk waymarkers with great views of Stodmarsh Valley on my left hand side where I then kept left on to Stodmarsh Road turning left at the next Stour Valley Walk signpost over a stile and keeping right along the gorse lined embankments to rejoin the road at the end of the field in to Stodmarsh. I then walked left after the Red Lion pub at the next Stour Valley Walk signpost to the entrance to the Stodmarsh NNR car park keeping to the left hand track by the Stour Valley Walk waymarker following the track as it went right continuing to follow the Stour Valley Walk waymarkers eventually leaving Stodmarsh NNR at Grove Ferry Inn.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route - Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve

I then walked right at the next Stour Valley Walk signpost turning left at the Public Footpath signpost by the metal gate turning right following the Stour valley Walk waymarker then left at the next Stour Valley Walk waymarker between fields following all the Stour valley Walk waymarkers to then cross the footbridge on the right signposted to the Historic Church in Stourmouth. I kept straight ahead over the footbridge to a wooden gate and the next Stour Valley Walk waymarker turning left on to Church Lane and then turning right in to the Stourmouth Historic Church continuing to follow the Stour Valley Walk waymarkers.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route - Stourmouth Historic Church

At the farm I turned left at the Stour valley Walk signpost following the road where I then turned left at the t-junction where I then left the Stour Valley Walk and headed up to Plucks Gutter turning right at the Public Footpath signpost just before the Dog and Duck pub through a metal gate to the Pumping Station keeping straight ahead keeping to the left to join the track close to the edge of the River Stour to now join the Saxon Shore Way. This was an enjoyable and relaxing stroll following the River Stour as it meanders through Kent passing Redmarsh Moorings where I saw some canoeists on the river.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route - River Stour

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route - River Stour Canoeists

I then walked underneath the railway bridge with the wind turbine on my left hand side continuing to follow the River Stour passed an old building and in to some trees before entering the woodland at Richborough Castle Roman Fort. I then crossed the stiles and railway tracks up to the Fort for some pictures.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Sturry To Sandwich Walking Route - Richborough Castle Roman Fort

I then doubled back on myself to rejoin the Saxon Shore Way by the River Stour passing some moorings to continue following the Saxon Shore Way and rejoining the Stour Valley Walk signpost turning left at the road, then left and then right crossing the road to Butts Lane walking by the river bank by the cricket pitch, which was extremely picturesque and a great place to watch a match, crossing over the next road to Rope Walk with the river now on my right hand side. I then walked right at the road passing the petrol station turning left in to St George’s Road and then right to Sandwich Railway Station catching a train back to Broadstairs.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Herne Bay To Margate Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Herne Bay To Margate Walking Route

We were staying in Broadstairs over Easter and planned a family trip to Herne Bay to try out some highly recommended Fish and Chips at Dean’s Plaice. Whilst the food was excellent we all thought £8.45 for Haddock and Chips was a bit too steep, bearing in mind you can get it at the award winning Pete’s Fish Factory in Margate for £4.95. Fish aside, Herne Bay was the start of my walking route back to Margate and as they went off in search of tea and cakes I went off in search of the Reculver Towers and Roman Fort.

It was a blustery day and the wind was blowing in my face for the whole 12 miles back to Margate. Coupled with mainly walking along sea walls it wasn’t the most exciting walk for long stretches but Reculver Towers and the Roman Fort more than compensated for a slightly dull walking route. In better weather I think this walk would have been completely different with the sun beating down on your face and a lovely sea breeze keeping you cool. I chose my Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX walking boots as I knew there was a lot of road and sea walls making it unnecessary to wear my favoured Scarpa walking boots. The Salomons are far more comfortable on these types of flat, dry walks. I also had to wear my Bear Grylls Gore-tex walking jacket which normally lives in my rucksack but needed something windproof for today as it was also freezing cold.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Herne Bay To Margate Walking Route - Oyster Bay Trail To Reculver

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Herne Bay To Margate Walking Route - Reculver Towers and Roman Fort View From Herne Bay

From the memorial outside Dean’s Plaice I turned right and walked along the sea wall with Reculver in view ahead following the Oyster Bay Trail signposts to Reculver forking right at Bishopstone up the wide lane to the Oyster Bay Trail To Reculver and the Saxon Shore Way signposts. I then turned left at the next Oyster Bay Trail signpost in to Reculver Country Park continuing to follow the Oyster Bay Trail waymarkers to Reculver keeping straight ahead on to Haven Drive turning left at the bend following the Reculver Country Park signpost across the picnic area turning left at the Oyster Bay Trail signpost. I continued my walk following the Oyster Bay Trail as it opened up in to stunning views of the Kent countryside on my right hand side with Reculver Towers ahead of me.

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Herne Bay To Margate Walking Route - The Front of Reculver Towers and Roman Fort

Walks And Walking - Kent Walks Herne Bay To Margate Walking Route - Behind Reculver Towers and Roman Fort

At Reculver Towers and Roman Fort I followed the Viking Coast Trail Roman Fort Wall signpost in front of the King Ethelbert Inn walking with the Roman Fort Walls on my left hand side to behind Reculver Towers to the Roman Fort Wall East gate signpost where I then joined the Wantsum Walk along the Northern Sea Wall to Minnis Bay.

I then walked passed the Victorian Bathing Pool on my left hand side up the parade and turned left at the signpost to Grenham Bay turning right to walk along the sea wall underneath the chalk cliffs following the Viking Coast Trail signposted to Margate climbing up the steps at the end of the sea wall at Epple Bay. I then walked left to Westgate-On-Sea keeping left back on to the sea wall at the next Viking Coast Trail signpost to Margate where I then found a black metal signpost which marks the 1000th mile post of the national Cycle network. I continued to follow the direction of this signpost along the Viking Coast Trail signpost to Westbrook Bay and another Victorian Bathing Pool on my left hand side as I reached Margate turning right at the statue before the roundabout to Margate Train Station and a good 12 miles and 3 hours and 45 minutes later.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Elham Valley Way Walking Route

Guest Post by Michael Smith, Editor of A Walk in the Garden seasonal Kent countryside magazine.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Elham Valley Way Walking Route

The Elham Valley way weaves through the heart of the Kent Downs. Starting from City of Canterbury and finishing 22 miles to the south in the picturesque coastal town of Hythe, following the course of the Elham Valley Railway.

In 1881, the Elham Valley Light Railway Company were granted permission to build a line from Folkestone to Canterbury, serving the villages of Lyminge, Elham, Barham, Bishopsbourne, and Bridge. In 1887 the Shornecliffe to Barham section was opened and was soon followed by the completion of the railway to Canterbury in 1889. The prominence of the Elham Valley line came when it was used as a diversionary route in 1915 after a landslip at Folkestone Warren blocked the mainline to and from Dover. Used in both World Wars for storage and a huge railway mounted gun that could fire shells over 12 miles, which was kept hidden in Bourne Park Tunnel. After being returned to public service in 1946, the railway could not compete commercially with the road transport and was closed in 1947. Three stations still exist today, Lyminge public library and two private residents Bishopsbourne and Bridge. A railway museum at Peene contains many artefacts of the railway’s past as well as a working model of the Elham Valley Railway.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Elham Valley Way Walking Route - EVW Heading to Elham

Starting by the Cathedral in Canterbury, the city streets soon give way to quieter suburban roads and then open countryside tracks that lead to small villages of Patrixbourne and Bridge. A short distance along the route from Bridge is the grand 2000 acre estate of Bourne Park, a famous guest being Mozart in 1765. Just past Bourne Park is the village of Bishopsbourne. This village was home of Richard Hooker, who in the 16th century played a signiciant role in the development of the Anglican Church. Bishopsbourne Paddock was a cricket ground for Bourne Park and staged many first class matches from 1766 to 1790.

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Elham Valley Way Walking Route - EVW Patrixbourne

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks Elham Valley Way Walking Route - EVW Covert Wood

Past the outskirts of Barham, the ancient woodland, Covert Wood provides an inspiring view across the valley before descending in to the tree lined country lane. Leaving the wood and heading downhill, the Elham Valley Way crosses over the busy country road and rises sharply again up the valley side. There are many opportunities for distant and panoramic views from the regular vantage points to Elham. Proudly holding the title of Kent Village of 2011, this idyllic village dates back as a settlement to the Neolithic age, with finds dating back over ten thousand years.

Heading south to through Lyminge and the Etchinghill Golf Course, the Elham Valley Way heads up Tolsford Hill which is one of the highest points in Kent, giving stunning views from Ashford to Rye across the Romney Marsh and out to the world’s busiest shipping lane, the English Channel. Back downhill, the descent is consistent to Peene along the actual route the trains would have taken. Across the M20 motorway, the Elham Valley Way leads to Dibgate Camp, an Army training facility, before crossing Sene Valley Golf Course. The final descent in to Hythe offers a final vista over the Romney Marsh before reaching Hythe.

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Walks And Walking – Kent Walks – Margate Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Kent Walks – Margate Walking Route

We were staying in Broadstairs for a long weekend so decided to walk to Margate one day. We waited until the tide went out so that we could walk along the beach from Viking Bay in Broadstairs to Joss Bay and enjoy the interesting geology of the white chalk cliffs and the flint nodules that scatter the beach like dinosaur bones.

Standard walking clothes for today; walking trousers, walking boots, t-shirt and a waterproof jacket in my rucksack.

From our apartment we walked down to the gardens to see the Victorian Bathing Pool that is revealed at low tide. We continued along the pathway to pass the many bars, pubs and restaurants to where the path narrows passed the amusements and gift shops to the bright blue and well signposted Viking Coastal Trail where we turned right and headed downhill towards the beach and Bleak House.

This walk is more commonly known as the Thanet Coastal Path but it looks as though the Viking Coastal Trail is a more recent addition as a well maintained cycle route. If the tide is in then you just follow the Viking Coastal Trail by turning left uphill and then right and continue to follow the signposts until you get to Joss Bay.

Walking along the sea wall until it came to an end we walked on to the sand and seaweed strewn coastline just passed the pathway up to the road cut in to the cliff face. Along this stretch of cliff there are many supports, secret doorways, tunnels and bricked up entrances that lead in to the cliff face. It might just be me but I thought that nodule of flint sticking out of the chalk cliff looked like a screaming mans face.

Margate Walking Route the cliffs between Broadstairs and Joss Bay

Maybe the spirit of a pirate smuggler embedded in to the cliff for all eternity as penance for all of his sins… or not.

Continuing along the beach walk we entered Joss Bay, a delightful beach area and a hidden treasure (He says continuing with the pirate theme). Joss Bay gets its name from Joss Snelling, the notorious local smuggler, who was born in 1741. He lived to 96 and in his time was once introduced to Princess Victoria in 1829 as “The Famous Broadstairs Smuggler”.

We then walked up the pathway to join the road at the Viking Coastal Trail sign and in full view of the North Foreland Lighthouse behind us on the left. We turned right to follow the Viking Coastal Trail signposts on the Thanet Coastal Path and after a while we then got a great view of the Kingsgate Castle by the sign for Kingsgate Bay which was built in 1760 and is now made up of privately owned residential housing.

We then passed the Captain Digby pub which actually fits in really well with the general ambience and architecture of the area. The pathway follows the edge of the car park and then alongside the golf course with the flint tower fort then coming in to view. As we made our way up we found a pathway to our right hand side whereby you can walk between the cliff edges down to the beach which, for me, made the best photograph of the day.

Margate Walking Route Tower Fort at White Ness

The tower is at the tip of White Ness on fort hill, just outside of Botany Bay and the gateway to Margate, England’s earliest seaside resort. Botany Bay is another beauty spot which leads on to Foreness Point. A Foreness is a geological term for when sand dunes form on top of the cliff which is then covered by soil and plant life to form an interesting seam in the cliffs. Well, I think that’s what the description is but vandals had scratched some of the words out so it’s only a (poorly) educated guess that’s what it actually means.

Palm Bay is the next bay on the trail and as we walked closer and closer to the sign Mary made a joke by saying “I really want a cup of tea, if only there was a cafe nearby” which made me laugh for a good few minutes. Check out the link to the  photographs at the bottom of this article!

As we settled ourselves after such hilarity we then followed the trail to Walpole Bay and the much larger Victorian Bathing Pool set in to Walpole Rocks. We then entered Margate with the Lido sign was in full view but the bathing pool below was in a dire state of repair. We then walked by the Winter Gardens, passing the Lifeboat Station and the Turner Gallery until we found Peters Fish Factory.

We stopped here for some fantastic fish and chips before heading back to follow all of the Viking Coastal Trail signposts all the way back to Broadstairs which took us a total of 4 hours and 13 miles for the whole walk.

To view all 22 of the photographs from this walk please click here: Margate Walking Route

A Few Photos of Ramsgate and Broadstairs in the Spring Sunshine

A Few Photos of Ramsgate and Broadstairs in the Spring Sunshine

Here are a few photographs of Ramsgate and Broadstairs in the April Spring sunshine. As you can see it was a glorious day for walking in the Kent sunshine. We walked along the coastal pathway from the Port of Ramsgate Royal Harbour Marina, along the cliffs to Viking Bay in Broadstairs spotting the ever present lifeboat as we go!

Ramsgate in the Spring April 2011

The Cliffs Between Ramsgate and Broadstairs

Ramsgate Lifeboat April 2011

The Viking Bay Beach At Broadstairs April 2011

 

Walks and Walking – Walking from Broadstairs to Ramsgate

Walks and Walking: Walking from Broadstairs to Ramsgate, 2 Miles Easy Walking in Kent.

This isn’t the most wildly exciting of Kent walks, especially as it is also my first blog post, but it is a walk nonetheless! It is however, a very windy walk, so whilst you can keep your walking boots at home for this one, I recommend a windproof jacket…. and shield your eyes from the sand that blows in your face!! That’s the natural variety of walking in the UK.

It is a very simple coastal walk along the sea wall from Broadstairs, through the King George VI Memorial Park and then along the sea wall to Ramsgate so you really don’t need any sort of map for this walk.

Broadstairs is a coastal town on the Isle of Thanet, East Kent, and is situated between Margate and Ramsgate. The town’s crest motto is “Stella Maris” which means “Star of the Sea”. The name, which coincidentally was the name of a house I lived in on the Isle of Wight (small world), was derived from a former flight of chalk steps in the chalk cliff, which led from the sands up to the 11^th Century shrine of St Mary on the cliff top.

Once in Ramsgate we had Fish and Chips at Peters Fish Factory.

Ramsgate is a seaside town and was very popular in the 19^th century as a member of the Cinque Ports confederation. It has one of the largest marinas on the English South Coast and the port has provided cross channel ferries for many years. In February 2011 there was some redevelopment work along the sea wall with art provided by the local residence, I thought the best one was this: