Alert

Updated 4th February

Part of this route, near at the eastern end of Samphire Hoe has eroded from the cliff fall on 3rd February. Part of the England Coast Path that runs along the edge of the cliff between Round Down and Shakespeare has collapsed and is no longer useable. It is extremely dangerous.

For your safety, if you are local and visiting the cliffs for your exercise please can you maintain a safe distance from the cliff edges and follow any local signage that is in place.

Please also be prepared when out walking currently. The ground conditions remain very wet and poor, therefore please keep to the Public Rights of Ways and follow the Countryside Code – Click here to view.

Kent Coast Path: Folkestone to Dover

Explore the artworks and culture of Folkestone and walk along the finest stretch of the England Coast Path, enjoying views to France on a clear day. Visit the Battle of Britain Memorial and pass through Dover’s stunning Western Heights

On this walk you will start in the hustle and bustle of Folkestone Harbour, explore the eclectic harbour arm by grabbing a coffee or some delicious food from one of the many independent eateries before setting off along this stunning stretch of coast line.

Next pass the East Cliff and Warren Country Park an important area in the South of Britain for wildlife, landscape, geology and history. See if you can spot a fossil at low tide. Be prepared for a lengthy but very rewarding walk up some steps to reach the top of the cliffs.

Along the top of the cliffs take in the view, one of the best in England and visit the Battle of Britain War Memorial. Continue along the Abbots Cliff path and take a look at the The Abbots Cliff Sound Mirror. Below Abbots Cliff is Samphire Hoe Country Park which is a unique man-made park, made of chalk marl from the Channel Tunnel excavations.

Walkthrough Western Heights. The vast defences were designed to protect Dover from French Invasion. As you carry on through Western Heights, view Dover’s “upside-down castle”, Drop Redoubt which is one of two forts on the Western Heights.

Dover Castle on the Eastern Heights is a spectacular view!

Route Overview

The icons below highlight the distance, difficulty and theme of this itinerary.

Distance

14.5km

Grade

Challenging

Landscape

By Water

Starting Point

Folkestone Harbour

Time

Allow up to 4 hours

Accessibility

11 Sets of Steps, 11 Gates

Kent Coast Path: Folkestone to Dover

Every step of the journey has been carefully planned to help you make the most of your walking adventure. Click on the blue tabs below for more information.

Travel

To/from Folkestone: The nearest train station to Folkestone is Folkestone Central and served by the Southeastern railway, this station is on the high speed route from St Pancras. Please check routes at https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/

Please note the walk from Folkestone Central to Folkestone Harbour is an extra 1.6km.

To/from Dover: The nearest train station to Dover is Dover Priory and served by the Southeastern railway. Please check routes at https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/

Use buses 102 and 91, but be aware some services may go inland.

Folkestone bus station is a short 1km walk down to Folkestone Harbour.

Check kentconnected.org for timetables and services.

Folkestone is situated on the South coast of Kent, along the M20.

There is ample pay and display parking in Folkestone town, near the harbour. Park near the harbour and return by train or bus once you have finished you walk.

Car Park:

Folkestone Harbour Arm CT20 1QH

Tram Road Cap Park CT20 1QP

 

Maps and Guidebooks

Explore Kent has produced a detailed leaflet for this walk, produced in 2019.

Available to download or request a hard copy from Explore Kent.

Food & Drink

Numerous, small independent eateries in Folkestone, along the Harbour Arm or up in the Old High Street which is home to many cafes.

Refreshments and facilities at the Battle of Britain Memorial, a cafe is along the capel-le-ferne cliff top and numerous pubs, cafés and restaurants in Dover.

Itinerary Map

View information on the map by ticking the boxes in the Map Filter. Drag the map and use the zoom tool to navigate.

Wedi’i ychwanegu at eich Cynllunydd Taith isod

Cyfrifiannell pellter

Pellter a fesurwyd: - Milltiroedd (- km)

Cael proffil graddiant llwybr

Cynhyrchu
Hidlwyr Map
Hidlwyr Map

Customise your trip with our filters.

Hidlwyr Map
Hidlwyr Map

Ewch o un opsiwn i’r llall isod i ddangos y marcwyr sydd ar gael.

Cyffredinol Marchogaeth Beicio

Llety

Pwyntiau o ddiddordeb

Gwasanaethau

Llwybrau

Llety

Pwyntiau o ddiddordeb

Trafnidiaeth

Llety

Pwyntiau o ddiddordeb

Trafnidiaeth

Mae'r proffil o uchder eich teithlen yn cael ei greu pan fyddwch yn defnyddio’r cyfrifiannell pellter (uchod) i dynnu llinell.