13.9 km (8.6 miles) 5/10
If you've been to Folkestone you may have noticed lots of public artworks around. Every three years they are refreshed under the aegis of the Folkestone Triennial with various related events going on. Today I propose going down there and doing the relatively short Folkestone circular (an option on the Folkestone to Dover walk SWC 13) leaving time to walk round the artworks. There are 74 works on display this year; a map and a number of suggested walking routes are available here on the Triennial website.
If you don't want to look at the artworks you could do the main walk to Dover (14.8 km/9.4 miles).
Swimming may be possible at the Folkestone Warren (tide permitting - there are underwater rocks) and Sunny Sands beach.
Or you could skip the walk altogether and do a guided tour of the artworks or go to one of many fringe events.
Trains: To give enough time to do the Triennial justice or have lunch in the Royal Oak (see below) get the 1007 High Speed from St Pancras arriving at Folkestone at 1102. The 1004 direct from Charing Cross gets in at 1143 and obviously gives you less time there. I'm posting the walk a bit early in case anyone wants to try and get an Advance ticket. Otherwise if travelling high speed, make sure you get a super off-peak return to Folkestone.
Return trains at 50 (High Speed), 05 and 35.
Lunch: From the intro page “This is a good walk to bring a picnic. There are places on the clifftop and the Warren seafront is also an option. You may be able to get a light lunch at the Cliff Top Cafe, 7.9 km/4.9 miles into the walk. Otherwise the only lunch option is the Royal Oak (01303 244 787), situated 6.8km (4.2 miles) into the walk. A somewhat basic pub serving a caravan park, it serves food 12-2.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12-4pm Sundays, and is open all afternoon for drinks.”
Tea: The Harbour area has various pubs, including the quayside Ship Inn and a smart fish and chip shop, as well as a kiosk cafe with a deck jutting out over the harbour. The refurbished Harbour Arm (the former ferry port) has even more bars and restaurants, with good sea views. In the Old High Street on the walk back to the station there is the Steep Street Coffee House, open to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. I like Kipp's Ale House (corner of Old High Street and Bayle Street) but it doesn't open till 4.30. For all these options, note that Folkestone station is about a mile's walk from the harbour.
L=swc.13.c and choose the Folkestone Circular option.
