T=swc.51
L=swc.51
#2026-07-22T10:04
People have requested a swimming walk, so here’s one with two opportunities for sea bathing. The first is at Sandgate followed by Mermaid beach, which is considered safer by previous posters.
In the morning the walk passes Saltwood Castle the former home of the diarist and all round bad boy Alan Clark and of his father Sir Kenneth Clark of Civilisation fame.
The walk itself is relatively short at 7 miles (11.2km)
A recommended extension around Folkestone harbour takes the length up to 8.3 miles (13.4 km)
Toughness 5/10 Two steep climbs in the forenoon then more or less flat.
Trains. Catch the 10.04 Dover Priory train from Charing Cross calling at Waterloo East 10.07, London Bridge 10.13 reaching Sandling at 11.36
You can shave 36 minutes off the journey time by catching the 10.40 high speed train from St. Pancras (Stratford International 10.48) and changing to the above train at Ashford (11.18/11.25)
This will be more expensive.
Return trains to Charing Cross are .05 and .35 hrs and to St Pancras at 15.56, 16.05, 16.54, and 17.05
Buy a return to Folkestone Central.
Lunch can be had from many outlets along the seafront as soon as you reach Sandgate.
https://www.theshipfolkestone.com/ got good reviews for its open air deck overlooking the sea.
Tea There’s a Co-op near the station providing supplies for the homeward journey and many pubs and restaurants in Folkestone should you decide to remain for an evening meal.
3 comments:
Can you put this lovely popular walk on again in 3 / 4 weeks time pls 🙏
Well I did come along and do some of this walk but was an hour behind you lot.Wonderful.Kent walk but scramble up the escarpment somewhat testing . Best Jane
n=8 in w=warm-and-partly-cloudy-weather. Most stopped at The Ship and we await their report. Two of us picnicked in Shorncliffe military cemetery on a bench with far views to Dungeness.
Most swam at Mermaid beach though one continued to Folkestone's only sandy beach beyond the Pier.
Among the pubs visited were Brewing Brothers by the Harbour Arm, Kipps, and the Samuel Peto (a Wetherspoons former Methodist chapel , named after the builder of Nelson's column.)
The scramble pointed out by Jane is indeed a problem. Short but steep, it has been virtually enclosed by bracken. The soil underneath is entirely sand and is eroding quickly. Reaching the top the path is very narrow and continues along the side of a steep sandy hill which is fast being eroded by rabbits.
Looking at the map, I think an alternative rout could be taken from Saltwood village.
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