Walk the CHALKUP21 trail

Covering a route between Capel-le-Ferne and Deal, this is an inspiring walk along spectacular coastline passing fine examples of 21st-century art and architecture. Follow the CHALKUP21 trail and immerse yourself in some of the area's incredible cultural heritage.

Experience Deal, Dover

More detail about this walk:

Discover 21st century art and architecture along the Strait of Dover. Dover Arts Development's CHALKUP21 is a 17-mile (27-km) trail that stretches from 'The Wing' at the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne along the coast to Deal Pier and can be walked or cycled in either direction.

It includes some fine examples of coastal architecture built along the Dover Strait this century, many of which have achieved prestigious industry awards. All of the trail buildings/artworks are linked by areas of natural beauty, be it among the rare plant species of the newly created chalk meadows at Samphire Hoe, on the iconic White Cliffs with breath-taking views of France across the English Channel or the coastal path along the beach to Deal.

The grey stone and granite Battle of Britain Memorial in front of The Wing - the memorial's visitor centre.
The Battle of Britain Memorial's visitor centre, museum and cafe are housed in 'The Wing', designed by Folkestone architectural practice Godden Allen Lawn in the shape of a Spitfire wing.

The trail includes nine architectural gems: 

  • 'The Wing' at Capel Le Ferne
  • Samphire Hoe Education Centre
  • Tonkin Liu's 'Three Waves' on Dover seafront
  • Dover Sea Sports Centre
  • The North Downs Way START/FINISH line on Dover seafront (where you can also see a new addition, Alma Tischlerwood's 'We Are All Winners')
  • 'Gateway to the Cliffs', the Dover totems, on the path from the town up to the top of the cliffs
  • The National Trust's White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre
  • The Pines Calyx at St Margaret's Bay
  • Deal Pier Café
Cycling along Dover Seafront alongside the architecture of the promenade, Dover Castle on the cliff in the distance.
'Three Waves' on Dover seafront was designed by Tonkin Liu Architects: “Each wave only touches the shore once; a wave to follow, a wave to rest on and a wave to light your way.” It received a Concrete Society Award in 2011 and was one of six exceptional structures across the South East at the Royal Institute of British Architects 2011 Awards. (Photo credit: Click2Cycle, Dover)

This coastal trail was imagined by Dover Arts Development to raise awareness of the fine examples that have been built along the Strait of Dover this century. It encompasses two of the finest long-distance trails in the country, the North Downs Way and the King Charles III England Coast Path and passes through the Kent Downs National Landscape, the chalk grassland of the North Downs escarpment and along Kent's Heritage Coast and down to the sea along the shore to Deal Pier. 

The aim is to inspire a range of creative responses such as videos, photographs, drawings and poetry. Whether you're a creative person, an architect or simply someone who enjoys a good long walk, CHALKUP21 will give you an awareness of the cultural spaces that surround us and form our communities. 

If you take photos along the route to post on social media, please use the hashtag #CHALKUP21. 

Deal Pier and beach, looking out to sea with a spectacular sunrise sky of yellows, pinks, blues and purples.
Deal Pier Cafe (at the end of the pier) was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. It is home to Deal Pier Kitchen, a great place to refuel after a long walk! (Photo credit: Steven Collis at Allfields Photography.)