Dover to Deal

The walk: Start from the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre. Walk the coast path along the White Cliffs passing through St Margaret's Bay and onward to the sea front at Kingsdown. Walk along the sea front of Walmer and Deal. Return by train to Dover Priory.

Map

NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

Why do it: Iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Views over Dover Harbour and across to France on the proverbial clear day. NT Fan Bay Deep Shelter (if open). NT South Foreland Lighthouse. St Margaret's Bay. Dover Patrol Memorial. Shingle flora on Kingsdown Beach. Walmer Castle (last home of the Duke of Wellington - see the original Wellington Boot). Deal Tudor Fort. Deal town - unspoilt by modern high rise, and home of trendy food outlets. Deal Pier.

Views over Dover Harbour

Distance: 10 miles (excluding any walk back to the start from Dover Station)

Logistics: Park at the NT White Cliffs Visitor Centre (NT Members free). Walk to Deal. Get the train back to Dover Priory Station. Walk back to the start (or get a taxi). Check the closing time of the car park: you should have plenty of time in summer, but might have to time it carefully on darker winter afternoons.

Challenges:

Paths on the chalk clifftops may be muddy and slippery after rain.

There are mobile phone 'not spots', and you may find your phone logged on to your provider's French services. Apart from the risk of unexpected roaming charges, you may be moved to continental time, disrupting the sequence of any photos you take, and causing you to miss your train. Set your phone to use time as determined by your GPS location.

Refreshments: Cafe at NT Visitor Centre and South Foreland Lighthouse. Kiosk and cafes in St Margaret's Bay. Bluebird Cafe next to Dover Patrol Memorial (possibly closed: check web). Zetland Arms pub on Kingsdown Beach. Numerous cafes etc along the Deal Sea Front. Cafe on Deal Pier.