Public Transport
Starting and finishing at different
stations, this walk is an ideal choice for access by train or bus.
Places of Interest
A Hawkshill Common is an area
of open land offering fine views out to sea – on clear days you can
see France. The common has several memorial benches, including one for
Charles Wake, the first chairman of the White Cliffs Ramblers, who died,
aged 85, in 1999, shortly before our Group’s 10th anniversary.
B The Dover Patrol Memorial
at St Margaret’s marks the work of the Dover Patrol in defending the
Channel in both world wars. A similar memorial is at Cap Blanc-Nez
across the Channel in France – which, on a very clear day, can be seen
from the St Margaret’s one.
C St Margaret’s Bay, just
off route, is well worth a visit. Its attractions include – a short
distance on your left at the bottom of the steps - a house once lived in
by Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books. There is also a pub (The
Coastguard) and an outdoor snack bar.
D Features of the Pines
Garden, at St Margaret’s Bay, include a cascade and adjoining lake, a
statue of Sir Winston Churchill – who regularly visited the Dover
coast, which was nicknamed Hellfire Corner during the last war – and
the Pines Calyx building, which has won awards for its
environmentally-friendly design.
E The South Foreland
Lighthouse was built to guide shipping through the Strait of Dover and
the Downs, a stretch of water between Deal and Dover where over the
centuries ships have taken refuge from rough seas.
F The Gateway to the White
Cliffs visitor centre, managed by the National Trust, has some excellent
displays illustrating the geology and history of the White Cliffs.
Overlooking the Port of Dover on Langdon Cliffs, it also offers some
superb views – which you may wish to enjoy while taking some
refreshments from the centre’s café.
G Dover Harbour is one of the
busiest passenger sea ports in the world, and the gateway to Europe.
Cruise ships regularly call in at the port’s cruise terminal, built on
the site of Dover Marine Station, and can make a very impressive sight.
Our book of Ten
Favourite Walks in the Kent Countryside has routes for ten more
walks like this one.
Ramblers' volunteers in
Kent work tirelessly to ensure that our paths are as well protected
and maintained as possible. Of course we also organise led
walks but most of our members are independent walkers who simply
want to support our footpath work. Please join
us and become a supporter too. You need us and we really
need you.
If you find that the directions and map
for this walk are incorrect in any way, please report the problem to info@kentramblers.org.uk.
Map based on Ordnance
Survey mapping released into the public domain under the OpenData
agreement.
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