A historic hike along breathaking coastline — Saxon Shore Way

Taking you to a 12th-century castle, a 16th-century fort, and a nature reserve that is a haven for birdlife, this first stage is a wonderful introduction to the Saxon Shore Way.



To make the itinerary work, this stage is short at 9.1 miles (14.6 km). With almost no ascent or descent, it is a leisurely… read more

This stage crosses the heart of the Hoo Peninsula and introduces the majestic River Medway as it rolls towards the Thames.



You start by following county lanes out of Cooling, after which you pass through a farm and step straight into RSPB Northward Hill Nature Reserve, a haven for birds overlooking the… read more

This stage explores the diverse habitats of the Medway Marshes, where stunning wildlife displays are never far away.



You start outside St Mary Magdalene Church, which dates to the 13th century, and hike northeast to Gillingham Marshes, on the Medway.



You take the footpath east past Cinque Port Marshes… read more

Atmospheric shipwrecks, lonely marshes, and excellent bird watching opportunities combine on this spellbinding stage.



Start by following the Swale, a tidal channel of the Thames Estuary, to Milton Creek. You then make a full loop of the creek, passing through Sittingbourne.



You rejoin the Swale and follow… read more

From tidal marsh to golden coastline, this stage takes you to the seaside via a historic church with celebrity connections.



Start by walking northeast along Oare Creek to Faversham Creek, which you follow right back to Davington (less than a mile from where you started).



Here, you find the Church of St… read more

This hike-of-two halves takes you from bustling British seaside into a serene patchwork of marsh and farmland.



From Whitstable, you simply follow the coastline east for the first 8 miles (12.9 km), where you experience lovely views.



Along the way, you pass the classic seaside town of Herne Bay, which has… read more

This stage explores one of the most symbolic Roman sites in Britain, visits the historic town of Sandwich, and brings you back to the coastline.



For the most part, this hike follows the course of the River Stour through farmland intersected with dykes. With almost no ascent or descent, you should find… read more

‘There’ll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover,’ is the Vera Lynn refrain that will echo in your mind as you explore one of England’s most iconic landmarks.



The trail heads east from Sandwich to join the coastline at Sandwich Bay. You then follow the England Coast Path national trail south past… read more

With more climbing than any other stage on the Saxon Shore Way, this challenging hike should test your mettle.



From Dover, you rejoin the England Coast Path as it rises over Western Heights and then descends to Shakespeare Cliff.



You continue along the cliffs and, a short time after passing Samphire Hoe… read more

Roman ruins and ancient woodland filled with rare wildlife combine on this enchanting hike.



From Saltwood, the trail climbs gradually through farmland and woodland past Lympne Castle (which only opens as a wedding venue unfortunately) and onto Portus Lemanis.



Also known as Stutfall Castle, Portus Lemanis… read more

The penultimate stage takes you to the historic town of Rye, where half-timbered medieval houses with quirky names are ten-a-penny.



With a manageable distance and a near entirely flat terrain, you should find this a leisurely hike.



From Hamstreet, the trail follows the rough course of the Royal Military… read more

The final stage brings you back to the ocean for an epic finish along the white cliffs.



A hike-of-two halves, this stage begins along level and leisurely terrain before transforming into a challenging scramble over coastal cliffs and into coves.



From Rye, you emerge into pretty drained farmland and soon… read more