Time to celebrate summer with a coastal walk, and this one is exceptionally beautiful. From the train station in Dover we will find the old winding roads to the steps up to the castle. We will take a moment to catch our breath and to enjoy the view over Dover harbour with the ferries buzzing in and out. Our path keeps climbing up, until we find ourselves on top of the famous white cliffs, from which we will get stunning views of the English Channel. If the weather is good, we might even see the French coast from Boulogne to Dunkerque. Our walk will lead us past St Margaret’s bay with an impressive lighthouse, Kingsdown beach, Deal Castle and Walmer Castle.

The whole walk is about 11 miles, but if you are not quite up to doing the whole distance, you could catch a train back to London from Walmer, and you could even catch a bus from St Margaret’s to either Dover or Walmer to get to the the train.

How to get there:

We will meet at 8.45 by Northern line entrance of Elephant and Castle station, where we aim to take the Northern line to Kings Cross. From there we will walk to St Pancras station, aiming to catch the 9.34 train to Dover.

If this is easier for you, you can also meet us at St Pancras. We will meet you around 9.20-9.25 by the gate to platform 12.

If you do aim to meet us there, please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that so we don’t get worried!

Buy your tickets in advance to save money.
Buy a super off peak day return to Deal. If you don’t have a network rail card, you can get a group save ticket with a mimimum of two two other walkers and save 30% ! Feel free to use the comment section below to hook up with others…

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 11 miles/ 18 kilometres. We will walk on a variety of terrain, with some uneven grassy paths and some hilly bits. The paths can be muddy. Please bring good footwear.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy your lunch outside. Bring plenty of water! There are a few café’s and pubs along the route, so if the weather isn’t attractive enough to eat outside, we could stop at one of those to eat inside and warm up.

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe. Please check the forecast and bring your waterproofs and (waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile.

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 11 miles (or is happy to find their own way home from Walmer or St Margarets.
Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊
Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some.

Cost:

£10
If you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.)
If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me the MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: