There are two significant climbs, one out of Dover and the other out of St. Margaret's Bay. Otherwise, the terrain is level or gently undulating. The last quarter of the walk is totally flat, along a tranquil coast path behind the pebble beach of Deal. Though less dramatic than the White Cliffs, this section of the walk is full of historical and natural interest, passing Walmer and Deal castles, and a stunning display of coastal flora on Deal’s shingle beach.
“When using mobile phones on this walk, check they haven’t switched to a French network, as happens routinely at St. Margaret’s Bay, for example. Depending on your contract, you may incur roaming charges, and your phone may also switch to French time (one hour ahead of the UK).”
Extension to Sandwich - here is how I experienced it last time I walked this: “Initially the beach is quite narrow just to your right, with the waves crashing a mere 20m away, then - once out of Deal – the route follows a longer stretch on the shingle seawall, with a links golf course on the left. You continue on tarmac from the Sandwich Bay Estate onwards, always with fine views of the Isle of Thanet and the (white) cliffs of Ramsgate ahead. Turn left along the Saxon Shore Way across the very scenic Royal St. George's Golf Course (well waymarked) and then cross or walk along several waterways, streams and ditches. Pretty and quiet, certainly very quiet compared to the hubbub that is Deal.” There are two sensible left turns into Sandwich from the coast, either along the Saxon Shore Way (as described above) or further along with the Stour Valley Walk.
3 comments:
Don't rely on the Coastguard - most of the seating is outside (not ideal in cold weather) and the pub can get busy
Two SWC walkers alighted at Dover Priory, stunned that no one else would get up in the dark for an early high speed train to a far flung port on a day of sub zero temperatures and rail strikes. So off we set to find the coastal path, pondering the UK's town planning along the way. A pale sun shone through cloud and mist onto the sea (pretty cool).
It didn't take long to walk up to the cliff tops (to find a new NT path) where the mist remained all day (despite full sun forecast for late morning). But it was atmospheric, providing glimpses of the White Cliffs and waves below, ghostly outlines of hills, a few other walkers and the lighthouse.
We reached St Margaret's Bay at midday and opted for the Coastguard pub, instead of risking hyperthermia from picnicking. Luckily, it was empty, served good food and had a real fire. It started to get busy as we left around 1300 (so Rich is correct in anticipating that). We enjoyed the next section of coastal path and beach before reaching Deal, passing two castles and some unusual Holm Oaks (?) which seem to be colonising the shingle. Time allowed for tea and cake (rather than ext to Sandwich) at the end of the pier in its café, before a short walk to catch the 16.28 train home.
*Two also swam.
No, not the walkers this time, but a couple of locals at Deal beach. In fact, other swimmers were seen at St Margaret's Bay. So we weren't as crazy as some.
quiet
N=2 w=Mist
Yes, they are holm oaks.
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