Walking in White Cliffs Country

Explore this beautiful corner of the English coastline on foot. From the King Charles III England Coast Path across the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to heritage trails in our historic towns there are routes for all abilities.

With almost a quarter of the region an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the whole area full of heritage landmarks, White Cliffs Country is an ideal destination for walkers. Dover also prides itself on being a Walkers are Welcome town.

There are walking trails to suit all ages and abilities - from a challenging, cross-country hikes to easy routes along the seafront. Explore using signposts and maps or hire a knowledgeable guide to show you the hidden bits and reveal unexpected stories. 

Click on the walks listed below to find out more detailed information and visit Explore Kent's website where you can download detailed guides to walks in the area. 

A couple with a baby walking arm in arm through the colourful streets of Deal's conservation area.
Explore Deal's conservation area on foot to discover all the nooks and crannies of the once-infamous streets!

Discover miles of marked walking trails and themed routes including:

  • King Charles III England Coast Path - the National Trail that will eventually cover all 2,795 miles (4,500km) of England's coast and be the longest marked walking trail in the world. The Folkestone to Ramsgate section, passes through White Cliffs Country and along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.
  • The North Downs Way - one of the country's most accessible trails covering 153 miles (246km) through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here, the route follows the ancient pilgrim way, Via Francigena.  
  • Via Francigena - starting from Canterbury Cathedral and ending in Rome, the first two stages of this 10th-century pilgrim route take you 20 miles (33 km) along the North Downs Way through beautiful countryside to Dover. 
  • The Saxon Shore Way - this long-distance route follows Kent's ancient coastline for 160 miles (257km) from Gravesend to Hastings, and hugs the coastline through White Cliffs Country. 
  • CHALKUP21 - discover 21st-century art and architecture along this 17-mile (27-km) trail from Capel-le-Ferne to Deal.
A meadow in the foreground with a circular building with green roof and green trees behind.
The Pines Calyx at St Margaret's Bay on the CHALKUP21 walk is an exemplar of low-carbon design, blending centuries old construction methods with 21st-century technologies.
  • Dover Bluebird Heritage Trail - follow pavement markers around Dover on this fully accessible, self-guided trail to discover the town's historic buildings, sites and monuments. Download a free guide or collect one from the Visitor Information Centre at Dover Museum.
  • Stour Valley Walk - a 58-mile (93-km) route through the Low Weald and North Downs taking you through Sandwich and ending at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve.
  • Goodnestone Walk - a 4.5-mile (7.4-km) circular walk through fields and woodland starting and ending at the lovely village of Goodnestone.
  • Flights over the Fairways - a 5.3-mile (8.5-km) circular walk from Sandwich following part of the Saxon Shore Way, across Royal St George's Golf Course, past Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory and small farms and back to Sandwich.
  • Miners' Way Trail - starting in Sholden, this walk takes you past Betteshanger Park, through the pretty villages of Finglesham and Eastry to Shepherdswell, past remains of old coal mines opened in the 1920s rush for ‘black gold’. Pick up a guidebook from the Visitor Information Centre in Dover.
  • Frontline Britain Trail - learn about the role of St Margaret's during World War II on this 4-mile (6.5-km) way-marked circular route past the Dover Patrol Memorial and South Foreland Lighthouse.
Four walkers walking towards the white South Foreland Lighthouse on the right of the picture.
South Foreland Lighthouse is a landmark on several White Cliffs Country walks. It is home to Mrs Knott's Tearoom, a welcome pitstop to refuel with tea and cake.
  • South Foreland Lighthouse Walk - begin at the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre and follow the coastal path to the South Foreland Lighthouse at St Margaret's Bay. You can make this a circular trip and walk back to Dover, following the clear paths, or continue along the coast path to Kingsdown, Walmer and Deal. 
  • Kingsdown to Walmer - a circular walk that follows part of the England Coast Path, leaving Deal and passing Walmer Castle to Hawkshill Freedown, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with national importance.
  • Western Heights Walks - three waymarked walks that can be joined together for a longer walk. There is the Drop Redoubt Circular Walk, the Grand Shaft Circular Walk (both around three-quarters of a mile) and the Citadel Circular Walk which is around 2 miles. Pick up a leaflet at the Visitor Information Centre in Dover.

Royal Geographical Society walks

There are also three Royal Geographical Society walks in the area. The Key to the Kingdom, Invasion Coast and Saved Haven. All walks are free to download as PDF booklets or MP3 audio walks.

Find out more

Our Visitor Information Centre at Dover Museum stocks copies of our Walking & Cycling with Maps leaflet and other guides, or you can download a copy here. 

Main photo: Walking on top of the White Cliffs ©National Trust Images/Solent News and Photography Agency.

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