Unforgettable 10-mile coastal path crossing 3 castles is a perfect winter walk
Spanning ten miles in all, the route features breath-taking sea views and fascinating historic landmarks to visit along the way (Image: Getty Images/Libin George)
Despite the chilly weather and shorter days, there are still plenty of reasons to embrace the great outdoors this winter.
Kent residents are truly spoilt for choice with an array of scenic walking routes to enjoy.
As we approach the festive season, filled with indulgent treats and hearty meals, planning some exercise to counterbalance the seasonal feasting is a wise move.
Kent boasts a stunning coastline, and one particular walking route allows you to take in three of its most iconic landmarks in quick succession.
The trail spans 10 miles – or 16 kilometres – following the south-eastern corner of the coast, over the renowned White Cliffs of Dover, offering views of not just one, but three different castles.
This one-way route from Dover to Deal may be challenging, but the rewards are certainly worth it.
Catch a glimpse of the remote South Foreland Lighthouse (Image: Getty Images/Libin George)
Expect breathtaking sea views, walks over the unique chalkland and fantastic photo opportunities of some of Kent’s most famous landmarks.
Taking approximately three to four hours to complete, this route is perfect for those who are comfortable with longer walks.
This journey can easily fill the majority of your day, allowing time to explore each castle and perhaps enjoy a picnic – weather permitting, reports Kent Live.
Once you reach the end, there’s a regular 20-minute train service between the two towns to save your legs the return trip.
Start at the White Cliffs Visitor Centre near Dover Port and head north-east along the coastal path, leaving Dover Castle behind.
There’s simply no denying the beauty of Dover’s famous white cliffs (Image: Getty Images/Lefthome)
Exit the castle via the north-west exit and follow Castle Road, turning right at the sign for the Blériot Memorial.
Continue through the woodland before veering left to the memorial where you’ll find a granite aircraft outline in the grass, marking Louis Blériot’s landing spot from his historic 1909 English Channel flight.
Follow the path back to the main road, continue along Castle Hill Road and cross the bridge over the A2, where you can glimpse St Mary in Castro church within Dover Castle’s grounds.
Continue down the road into the White Cliffs of Dover car park and follow the marked England Coast Path.
You’ll pass the South Foreland Lighthouse and have views across the English Channel – on a clear day, you might even see France.
Setting off from Dover Castle, the trail takes between three and four hours to complete (Image: Getty Images/ValeryEgorov)
Starting from the lighthouse, follow the path adjacent to the landmark heading inland before taking two right turns to join the marked Saxon Shore Path. Continue downhill to St Margaret’s Bay, a hidden gem of a beach that remains stunning throughout the year.
In the village of St Margaret’s at Cliffe, you’ll find the former holiday home of James Bond author Ian Fleming – a distinctive white building with green shutters. As you pass The Pines Garden Tea Room on your left, continue up Bay Hill through the heart of the village.
Upon reaching a sharp left-hand bend in the road, take the footpath through the bushes which leads to a viewpoint over the bay and a kissing gate at the hilltop.
Next, you’ll encounter the towering Dover Patrol Memorial, a Grade-II listed obelisk designed by Sir Aston Webb to commemorate the Dover Patrol of 1914 to 1919 and subsequent lives lost in World War II.
Located roughly halfway through the journey, this is an ideal spot for a break and some refreshments. Once rested, continue past the monument through an open-sided gate, returning onto the coastal path.
The Dover Patrol Memorial is handy waymarker along the route (Image: AFP via Getty Images/BEN STANSALL)
Proceed past the golf course and beyond the clubhouse to reach Kingsdown seafront where you can see Deal Pier. Follow the seafront, passing the Zetland Arms until you reach Walmer Castle.
This imposing castle, dating back to the reign of Henry VIII, boasts over eight acres of award-winning gardens for visitors to explore.
Walmer Castle, with its festive events and activities, is welcoming visitors on select days this holiday season, full details on which can be found here.
Walmer Castle gardens (Image: undefined)
This year, new areas of the castle, including the private rooms of the Lord Warden and the Queen Mother’s quarters, were opened to the public for the first time.
Following a leisurely stroll along the seafront path through Walmer town, you’ll reach Deal. The trail ends at the historic Deal Castle, where the intriguing grounds and tunnels are worth exploring if you’re up for more walking.
Deal train station, less than a 10-minute walk from the castle, offers easy access back to Dover. Alternatively, the regular 81 Stagecoach bus service operates between the two towns, taking around half an hour.
