Walking and Cycling
The Iconic White Cliffs of Dover
We are lucky to have the most beautiful
stretch of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as
voted by the nation. Dover’s iconic White Cliffs were a clear
winner with 22% of the votes cast.
Explore walking and cycling up on top of the
famous White Cliffs with its dramatic views of the Channel, Coast
and Countryside. There are six Circular Walks ranging from 1 mile
to 6 miles starting at either the
National Trust Visitor Centre or the extensive fortifications
at
Dover’s Western Heights.
Samphire Hoe, beneath the cliffs, is made up from the
material dug to create the channel tunnel. The site is beautiful
and has been planted with Wildflowers and grasses and is a stunning
location for bird watching, sea angling, walking or just enjoying
the peace and quiet.
Walk The South Foreland Heritage Coast
From the starting point at the National Trust
Visitor Centre on Langdon Cliffs you can enjoy a 10 mile walk to
the town of Deal.
The walk passes the National Trust
South Foreland Lighthouse from where Marconi made the first
shore to ship wireless transmission in 1898. Follow the signs into
the village of St Margarets which during the period between the
wars was a heyday for people such as Noel Coward and the Royal
family.
Continue along the cliff path passing the
Dover Patrol Memorial, which commemorates the Dover Patrol during
the two world wars. Approaching the village of Kingsdown there is
access down from the cliff top via steps to the bottom. Follow the
road towards the village and seafront from which point you can pick
up the coastal path into Deal.
Places to visit on this walk
Duration 1 Day
Walk the Western Heights Fortress
Western Heights Local Nature Reserve and
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) surround the extensive
fortifications dating from the earthworks 1779, 1804-1815
fortifications and from the 1850's.
There are fine views over the English
Channel, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover. Access via
South Military Road (A20 Western Hieghts roundabout) or via Cowgate
steps along the North Downs. Discover the history and wildlife of
the site on three waymarked walking routes, contained in a free
colour leaflet. Good place to see chalk downland wildflowers and
wildlife.
There are 3 clearly marked circular walks to
help you explore the history and wildlife of this area. You can
follow each route separately or join them together for a longer
walk (approximately 4 miles) 3-3.5 hours. Footpaths may be muddy
and are steep in places
Duration Half a day
Samphire Hoe
During the construction of the Channel
Tunnel, the area was known as the ‘Lower Shakespeare Cliff Site’ It
was renamed Samphire Hoe in 1994 due to the plant Rock Samphire
which grows on the Hoe. William Shakespeare mentions the plant in
his play, King Lear.
The site is accessible for all, providing gentle and
interesting walks- the further you go from the car park, the more
wild the site becomes.
Samphire Hoe is also part of the Sustrans
NCN Route 2 for Cyclists.
Duration half a
day.
