Folkestone to Dover Walk

The Putting Down Routes team and project partner Black Girls Hike are delighted to invite you for an unforgettable clifftop walk in Kent.

We'll enjoy stunning views over Folkestone, The Warren Country Park, Samphire Hoe Nature Reserve, and Dover as we hike along the North Downs.

As we continue, we'll find the Abbot's Cliff Sound Mirror, built in 1928. Its concave shape allowed it to detect the sound of approaching planes, serving as an early warning system in the First World War.

Keep climbing, and we'll be treated to views over Samphire Hoe Nature Reserve. This unique area was created from chalk dug out during the Channel Tunnel construction and opened in 1993. Today, it's home to 200 plant species and 220 bird species.

Before we reach Dover, we'll descend Shakespeare Cliff. This impressive cliff is believed to have inspired a passage in Shakespeare’s King Lear, written when he often visited Dover.

Event Theme:

🌳 Countryside Walk

🏖 Coastal Walk

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

⏰ What is the duration of this event? 5 hours with breaks

📏 What is the distance of the walk? 15.4km

🔄 Is this a circular or linear walk? Linear - we start in Folkestone and end in Dover

🧭 Where is the meeting point? Bus stop outside the station. (Exit station, walk down the slope. Turn right, bus stop is just beyond the bridge). What 3 words: bumping. sensual.racetrack

👩🏿 Who can attend this walk? Is this walk open for all to attend? Is this walk for a particular community of people, if so, who? Are family and friends able to attend these walks?All are welcome although this is a safe space for Black/Mixed Race cis and trans women and non-binary people of Black African and/or Caribbean descent who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of Black women. We are not a BAME, POC, BIPOC,WOC, Politically Black or Ally organisation.

👩‍🦽 Is this walk suitable for those using wheeled mobility aids? Or for those with buggies? No

👨‍🦯 Is this walk suitable for those with those with other physical, learning, or mental health needs? No

🚸 What ages is this suitable for? 18+

🚂 Is this walk accessible via public transport? Yes - by train to Folkestone Central Station

For rail enquiries visit the National Rail website or For rail enquiries call 08457 48 49 50.

🅿 Is there parking? There is limited parking at Folkestone Central Station.

🏞 What is the terrain like on this walk? Mostly grassy footpaths but there are some uneven, rocky paths on the route. There are some steep hills and this is a very long walk sp a good level of fitness is required as well as good walking boots.

🚽 Are there toilets nearby? There are toilets at the station and we will make a toilet stop on the route.

☕ Is there somewhere to get refreshments? Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. We are not planning to stop at a shop/cafe.

🪑 Is there seating options along the route? TYes, we will rest on the grass along the way.

🙏 Is there an opportunity to break for prayer if needed? Yes, talk to one of the leaders and we will take appropriate breaks for prayer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

📷 Photos or videos are taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes across the Kent Downs National Landscape, Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark and North Downs Way National Trail. Images will also be shared with Sustrans and Kent Community Rail Partnership. Please notify the walk leader of your preferences and complete the consent form here.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This event is part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project.

The Putting Down Routes project seeks to encourage new audiences from under-represented communities to the North Downs Way National Trail, as well as upgrading and enhancing parts of the trail so they are more accessible to a wider range of people.

The project aims to position the North Downs Way National Trail as a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.

Putting Down Routes is a collaborative project between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Downs Way National Trail, working with partners Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels. Putting Downs Routes is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Folkestone, Meetups in Folkestone, Sports events in Folkestone.