Itinerary
Day One
Having settled into your comfortable accommodation, have a read through your walks pack and enjoy dining at the White Cliff Hotel's excellent restaurant.
Day Two
The Vale of Elham awaits you, one of the Kent's loveliest, set in unspoilt East Kent hills, an area of outstanding beauty with sweeping downland slopes and extensive views. Two circular walks are centred around the delightful downland village of Elham, lined with wonderful old timber-framed buildings. The morning walk takes you to the east of the village through a landscape that is shallow, green and gentle, the Nailbourne stream intermittently flowing through it. After lunch at a remarkable 15th C Inn, once the HQ of the Duke of Wellington and a refuge for King Charles II, you can if you wish continue walking to explore the western side of the valley with its combes, ancient hamlets and farmsteads and little valleys moulded from the downs themselves. Finish with a walk around the village itself, perhaps visiting the church or enjoying a cream tea at the teashop. (two 4-mile/6.4 km walks; easy with very few gradients)
Day Three
The White Cliffs of Dover, gateway to England, an iconic image maybe, but this heritage coastline has some of the best coastal cliff walking imaginable. In summer clouds of butterflies dance over a multi-coloured carpet of flowers while skylarks sing overhead and Exmoor ponies graze freely. Contrast this with the distant port of Dover, a seascape dotted with ferries, cargo ships, fishing boats, pleasure craft and, on the horizon, the French coast just 21 miles distant! The lighthouse provides more spectacular views, the Bluebird Cafe delicious refreshments. There’s more to come: beautiful gardens complete with lakes and waterfalls, a fascinating little museum and poignant Dover Patrol Memorial. An ancient church, former homes of Noel Coward and Ian Fleming - all are packed into this one wonderful day out. The routes are both circular, both starting from St Margaret’s, providing an option if required to walk just one. (two 4-mile/6.4 km walks; easy walking)