Walking The Saxon Shore

The Saxon Shore Way is named after the line of historic fortifications that defended the Kent coast at the end of the Roman era from Saxon invaders and provides some of the finest coastal walking in England. An unrivalled diversity of scenery includes the White Cliffs of Dover, and panoramic views over Romney Marsh from the escarpment that marks the ancient coastline between Folkestone and Rye. The route is also rich in historical sites and literary associations. Here the Romans invaded Britain and, later, St. Augustine landed to bring the Gospel to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom which would later fall to the Normans who, in their turn, erected great fortresses like Dover Castle to defend their conquests. It follows the coastline of the South East as it was about 1500 years ago, long before the North Kent Marshes or the Romney Marsh came into existence, when the cliff lines to north and south extended further into the sea and when the Wantsum Channel provided a thoroug fare for boats between the Isle of Thanet and mainland England.

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Travel to Kent and spend the first night in the Canterbury area.

Day 2 :
We will meet you after breakfast and set you off on your walk along the Saxon Shore. Today you follow the river Stour downstream to the medieval port of Sandwich, where you spend the second night. 12 miles.

Day 3 :
The Stour flows into the English Channel below Sandwich and you follow the coast south and westward through Deal and Walmer, passing the place where the Romans first landed when they made their conquest of Britain. The path ascends onto the White Cliffs of Dover and then you spend the third night in the village of St. Margarets near South Foreland. 11 miles.

Day 4 :
The trail continues across the White Cliffs passing through Dover and along the top of the North Downs above Folkestone. Overnight near Folkestone. 12 miles.

Day 5 :
The Saxon Shore descends from the North Downs and crosses the neighbouring Greensand ridge to reach the vast flat expanse of Romney Marsh. The fifth night is spent on the Marsh, near the seaside town Dymchurch, much associated with smuggling. 11 miles.

Day 6 :
The trail follows the former coastline on the northern edge of the marsh, ascending and descending the line of low cliffs and passing some remote villages. The sixth night is spent near the village of Appledore. 11 miles.

Day 7 :
Beyond Appledore the path crosses the former sea bed to reach the Isle of Oxney. On the far side of this former island it descends the cliffs and follows the Royal Military Canal into the ancient town of Rye, where you spend the seventh night. 11 miles.

Day 8 :
If time permits you may continue your walk through Winchelsea and across the Fire Hills to the end of the Saxon Shore in Hastings (11 miles). Transfer either directly from Rye or from Hastings back to Canterbury, or to Hastings or Rye railway station.

Highlights

The scenery that has inspired poets (most famously William Wordsworth) and painters. If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights. Mail Us !

Details

Price

£475 per person.

Single supplement: £95

Included

7 nights B & B, luggage transportation, guidebook and maps, transfers where mentioned in programme, back-up service.

Not Included

Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.
Departure dates 2008: any day April-October subject to accommodation availability

Difficulty Of The Walk

Mainly easy but moderate over the white cliffs and greensand where there are some steep ascents and descents.

Group Size

This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.

Additional Information

Accommodation

A mix of B&B, pubs and small hotels. Usually private bathrooms are obtained but this is not guaranteed. Up grades may be possible in the towns and we will be happy to obtain individual quotes when required. On the first night (Canterbury), people arriving by car will normally be accommodated on a farm located about 6 miles out of town and close to the Saxon Shore Way. We will then be able to arrange for you to park there for the duration of the holiday. If this accommodation is not available, it may be necessary to stay in Canterbury itself, where cars may be parked long term in the city's secure Park and Ride locations at a cost of £3.00 per day. Clients arriving by train would best be accommodated in Canterbury and would be transferred to the beginning of the walk on Day 2. The remaining nights are spent in varying locations from small towns to remote countryside.

Getting There

AIR
The nearest airports are London (Gatwick) and Southampton.

RAIL
The nearest station is Canterbury, approx. 1 hour and a half from London.

SEA
The nearest ports are Dover and Folkestone, from where trains connect to Canterbury.

What To Take

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

When To Go

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

Insurance

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.