1,000 Miles of King Charles III England Coast Path Reached as Ramsgate to Whitstable Opens
25th October 2023
The opening of a new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path marks a huge milestone, not just for Kent but for the whole country!
The new 25-mile continuous walking route in north east Kent forms part of a National Trail which will eventually stretch 2700 around the entire English coast. This new section brings the total miles of coast path opened so far to over 1,000.
This easy-to-follow walking route takes you along some of Kent’s most beautiful coastline. There are many Blue Flag Award-winning beaches and incredible views from the clifftops. It joins up with other open stretches of coast path at either end, Ramsgate to Camber and Whitstable to Iwade.
Jim Seymour, Natural England Deputy Director said:
“It’s really exciting that this spectacular coastline with it chalk cliffs, wintering birds and popular seaside towns, takes the completed path to 1,018 miles.
“At a time when the benefits of connecting with nature are clearer than ever, it’s fabulous that so much of the King Charles III England Coast Path is open for people to enjoy.
“This stretch should also benefit the local economy in north east Kent by bringing walkers past the many local businesses on this route; to shop, for refreshments and to stay.”
Explore the KCIII England Coast Path Ramsgate to Whitstable:
This stretch starts in the seaside town of Ramsgate, which has the UK’s only Royal Harbour, and the UK’s largest network of civilian wartime tunnels. Follow the Grade II listed cliff stairs up to the clifftop, then through the King George VI Memorial Park with its 19th Century Italianate Glasshouse and tearoom, and where you will hear the ring-necked parakeets.
At Broadstairs you pass the promenade overlooking popular Viking Bay and go downhill towards the harbour. Here you will see Bleak House, Charles Dickens’ holiday home, sitting above the clifftop.
Walking along the clifftops you will see the North Foreland Lighthouse built in 1691 as you near Joss Bay. There is a new footpath as you reach Kingsgate, and you will see Kingsgate Castle and Kingsgate Bay with its majestic chalk arch. The path then follows the clifftops towards Botany Bay, famous for its chalk stacks.
The path continues to Margate, one of the old seaside resorts in the country and home to the Turner Contemporary gallery. You pass one of the oldest- surviving amusement parks in the country which features a Grade II* listed wooden rollercoaster.
The trail passes quieter sandy beaches at Westgate and Birchington and then follows the Northern Sea Wall. This stretch is flat bordered by shingle beach and grazing marsh and you can see coastal and marshland birds including marsh harriers.
You then you go past Reculver Towers, one of the earliest Roman Forts built against Saxon raids. Between Reculver Country Park towards Herne Bay, the path follows clifftop grassland which provides spectacular views out to sea.
The trail then reaches Herne Bay with its historic pier, picturesque seafront, and distinctive 80-foot Victorian clock tower. Continuing past Tankerton, and the pretty multi-coloured beach huts, you arrive at Whitstable, a picturesque seaside town, famous for its oysters.
Self-guided Trails Ramsgate to Whitstable
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