The Walk: Start by taking the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RHDR) from New Romney to the Dungeness Terminus, then walk back along the shoreline of the massive shingle beach, before cutting across the sandy bay to Littlestone, a short way from where you started (low tide necessary).
 |
| RHDR 'Doctor Syn' at Dungeness station |
Route
NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.
You could just follow the official England Coast Path (ECP) along the Dungeness access road to the Pilot Inn, then on beside the coast road, but it is nicer IMHO to make the most of the proximity to the sea. (For a cycle ride along the coast road, see this post.)
From the Dungeness terminus of the RHDR, walk due South along the Nuclear Power Station perimeter road to the massive shingle beach. Walk Eastwards at first, but soon turning Northwards as you round the cuspate headland. It is slightly less arduous to walk close to the waterline where the shingle is less deep.
As you come level with the Pilot Inn, at low tide, it is with some relief that you reach the massive sandy beach and can walk across the sand more or less directly to Littlestone (the Littlestone Water Tower is a prominent landmark to head towards), and you can come ashore at the Littlestone Lifeboat slipway.
 |
| On the beach, Littlestone Water Tower ahead |
Why do it?
A ride on the RHDR.
 |
| On the RHDR approaching Dungeness |
The bleak shingle landscape of the Dungeness shingle headland, with two lighthouses and the dystopian backdrop of the Nuclear Power Stations (which are both being decommissioned).
 |
| Boats on Dungeness beach |
The sense of remoteness on the huge sandy beach (bleak in winter, out with the bait diggers, but in summer it is popular with kite fliers and land yachters).
 |
| Bait diggers |
Logistics:
Free parking at New Romney RHDR station. Check the RHDR website for the latest train times. Operation is seasonal. The standard ticket is a return, but be sure to ask for a cheaper single (around £10).
If you don't want to use the railway, or it isn't operating, then it might be best to park (free) at Dungeness, walk to Littlestone, then either walk back along the ECP, or get a 102 bus to the Pilot Inn and walk back to your car along the access road.
Distance: 6.5 miles from Dungeness Station back to New Romney Station.
Challenges:
The shingle beach of Dungeness is quite hard going. It seems that even at low tide, there is never a firm beach exposed.
 |
| On Dungeness Beach |
Low tide is essential for the sandy beach walk. The window 2 hours either side of low tide should be adequate. The rising tide will cover the flat beach very rapidly, and will be accelerated by strong winds and low atmospheric pressure, so keep an eye out and head for shore if you feel in danger of being cut off.
 |
| Sandy beach emerges at low tide |
Note that whilst mainly firm, the sand can be quite wet: be sure to work round any soft patches.
Matching weather, daylight and tide (and the RHDR timetable if you use that option) means you have to plan this walk carefully.
Refreshments:
Cafes at New Romney and Dungeness Stations.
Britannia Inn next to the New Lighthouse at Dungeness.
Pilot Inn.
Nearby Walks:
For an overview map of all my walks along the coast, see this page.
To the West: Camber Sands to Dungeness via Lydd Ranges
To the East: New Romney via Littlestone to Dymchurch Redoubt;
For a cycle ride along this coast, see this post.
More Photos
Gloomy November Day
 |
| Doctor Syn coaling at New Romney |
 |
| New Romney Station |
 |
| Train ready to depart |
 |
| Old Lighthouse, Dungeness |
 |
| Dungeness Nuclear Power Stations |
 |
| Power station perimeter road |
 |
| Dungeness Beach map: you may walk along the shore, but you can only cross the fragile foreshore (red area) by designated boardwalks |
 |
| New Lighthouse and Power Stations |
 |
| One of the boardwalks crossing the foreshore |
 |
| Fishing boat |
 |
| Shingle galore! |
 |
| Once past the Pilot Inn, the sandy beach begins to emerge at low tide |
 |
| Coming ashore at Littlestone lifeboat slipway |
 |
| Looking back from the slipway |
 |
| Littlestone foreshore |
Comments
Post a Comment