Dover to Folkestone - A grand day out

From Napoleonic forts to cliff top cafes, totum poles, the Battle of Britain Memorial, modern art and seaside fish and chips - join this walk for exhilarating views, a little bit of history and a grand day out. At 10 miles, this walk punches way above its weight for what it fits into a relatively short distance.

Starting at Dover Priory Station, we’ll first head to Drop Redoubt Fort. Built during the Napoleonic Wars to protect Dover from French invasion, the Fort was also a key defensive site in both world wars. We will walk through and around the Fort as we head to the coast path. Note, the path takes us through a narrow and low-ish tunnel for about 20 metres (where stooping will be required) - you may wish to use a torch at this point.

Leaving the Fort area behind, we’ll walk past the remains of an early 12th century church built by the Knights Templar (and rediscovered by military engineers in the early 19th century). After the church we’ll shortly be alongside the sea, where we’ll encounter some impressively steep inclines before we reach flatter land on the cliff tops. 

We’ll stop for a picnic lunch on the cliff tops at around the five mile mark - please bring something to sit on as the grass may be damp and there are no benches. And although, at the time of writing (Tuesday 29th August), rain isn’t forecast you may need a windcheater as the cliffs can be quite blowy. Please bring a packed lunch as there are no cafes at this point.

After lunch we’ll head towards Capel Le Ferne where we’ll stop for refreshments at the aptly named Cliff Top Cafe which has amazing views over The Channel to France (Google says the cafe is permanently closed but I think this may be wrong given it was full of life three weeks ago and served a very decent cuppa). If open, the cafe also has a loo. 

At Capel Le Ferne, we’ll also see the 2.4 metre (8 foot) totem pole which mysteriously appeared on the coastal path a few weeks ago. Appearing to be dedicated to Perkunas, the Baltic god of thunder, its creator remains a mystery with local speculation ranging from art pranksters to aliens. In Capel Le Ferne we’ll also pass a thought-provoking cliff top seating area which is host to numerous memorial benches - here, we'll take a moment to read the lovely (and often inspiring) inscriptions and reflect upon (in the words of James Taylor) “what might have been and what has come to pass” as we look over to France, and reflect what very nearly came to pass if it hadn’t been for some very, very brave people who gave their everything to help protect the life we know and enjoy today. We will then follow the path as it winds its way through the Battle of Britain Memorial. Upon arrival at the Memorial we’ll pause for 20 minutes to explore this remarkable place. On the reccie, I found the Memorial incredibly moving - in particular the wall inscribed with the names of those who died in the Battle. The photograph of Goebbels standing in France and watching the UK under attack is chilling. There are also another set of loos at the Memorial, as well as a viewing platform (on the reccie I also bought a fab poppy-inspired scarf from the shop, so there is also the chance for a bit of retail therapy).

After the Memorial, we’ll begin the final stage of the walk to Folkestone. The plan at this point is to follow the coastal path and begin the descent into Dover through an area known as Little Switzerland - this is for its steepness I think but in reality it’s more like walking through a rain forest. Although steep, the path does zig zag and, in most places, there is a handrail. But caution is advised and a walking pole may be useful as the path is chalk and can be slippery in places. Descending the cliff - there is another pleasant cafe area - which we won’t stop at but we might take advantage of for the loo. If raining, we won’t descend via Little Switzerland - on the reccie Carol and I discovered an alternative route via the North Downs Way (albeit it is still steep).

We then begin the final mile-ish into Folkestone - passing the first of a series of 74 Martello Towers - again built during the Napoleonic Wars. We will also pass the first of many Folkestone art installations - which I initially thought was a lighthouse horn (it looks like a lighthouse horn!) but is in fact inspired by the Sound Mirror on Abbots Cliff outside Dover (which acted as a siren to warn of attack in World War II). We will also pass a recent statue that is reminiscent of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid. As we arrive at the Old Quay for those who would like to stay for a bit of socialising, weather permitting we’ll have a fish and chip supper on the beach or, if raining, there are the options of the Ship or Harbour Inns on the Old Quay. Should you wish to head off upon arrival in Folkestone, the station is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Old Quay and is signposted.

Date: Sunday 3rd September

Start Place: Dover Priory Station

Finish Place: Folkestone 

Transport: Buy a day return ticket to Dover Priory (the outward train will go through Folkestone) as per:

• London St Pancreas International - 10.07am (arrives Dover Priory 11.14am)
• Stratford International - 10.14am (arrives Dover Priory 11.14am)
• Using the highspeed train is the only option from central London for this walk on 3rd September - an offpeak day return bought on the day should cost around £25 return with a railcard (based on recent previous experience)

Start Time: 11.30am (but please try to go to the loo on the train, especially as there are only two cubicles for women at Dover Priory Station and there can be queues)

Estimated Finish Time: About 5pm depending on weather, the speed people walk and allowing for a few stops along the way for lunch, a cuppa, the Battle of Britain Memorial and a few of the other points of interest

Distance: 10 miles

Gradient: There are some steep climbs at the start of the walk and a steep descent at the end

Difficulty: Moderate - NOTE: at times we’ll leave the coastal path to follow the North Downs Way given the crumbling cliffs and the proximity of the coastal path to the cliffs in places. However, this won’t affect the views as the paths run pretty much parallel in the places we need them to

Type: Linear

Drop out points: None

No booking required

Dogs: Dogs are welcome but they should be kept on a lead whilst on the narrow cliff path itself. This will protect not only walkers who are nervous of dogs - whilst closer to the cliff edge - but also your dog. Dogs will also need to be on a lead at the Battle of Britain Memorial - however, there is a great photo opportunity for them beside the statue of Bob the Squadron Dog. Any dog who comes on the walk will then have to endure me making a massive fuss of them on the beach at the end :-) 

Please contact Liz Hickson on 07803 373701 with any queries (please use text and not WhatsApp (as my phone is playing up).