Dovdea one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This is a very enjoyable and interesting walk with lots of stunning coastal scenery, heritage, (including three castles and two lighthouses), and even a bit of traditional British seaside. Highly recommended, although it is quite long and a little difficult in parts. It is a mixture of footway, well-made paths, and rough cliff-top footpaths. There are also gates and steep steps in a couple of places, so it is not suitable for wheeling along its entire length.

From Dover seafront, the route basically follows the England Coast Path and Saxon Shore Way all the way to Deal, and it is very well signed. From the end of Dover seafront the route goes along East Cliff and up the steep Dame Vera Lynn Way, which ends in a long flight of steps and another steep climb. Once at the top, it follows the main route through the National Trust's White Cliffs of Dover. There are several minor paths along the cliffs which could be followed, all with excellent views over Dover Eastern Docks and the busiest part of the English Channel. All the paths converge at Langdon Hole, where the National Trust has recently upgraded the main footpath all the way to the South Foreland Lighthouse just outside St Margaret's.

At St Margaret's Bay, the route diverges briefly from the England Coast Path/Saxon Shore Way (which go down to the beach - pub, cafe and toilets), and continues at the upper level towards the Dover Patrol Monument. From here the path swoops down and then back up to the golf course at Kingsdown Leas, with impressive views north along the coastline to Deal, Sandwich Bay, and Thanet beyond. There are some steep and irregular steps behind the clubhouse, which lead down the the beach road at Kingsdown. From here it is level all the way to Deal.

There are lots of places to rest along the way, with refreshments and public toilets at Dover, White Cliffs, South Foreland Lighthouse, St Margaret's Bay, Kingsdown, Walmer and Deal.

I walked this route from Dover to Deal. I found the gpx a bit imprecise for my liking, and the route made a few choices that I wouldn't have! If you walk this route, you shouldn't have any trouble, and it's a perfectly good route, but I've uploaded DovDea two that should be a bit more precise to follow.

Very easy and clear to follow, breath taking views all around, lots of variety along the path. Getting onto the walk is somewhat hard to find in Dover, and is best approached from the seafront and beach at Dover. There are several paths along the way that take you up or down the hill but still in the same direction. The only caution is the cliff edges, take care with children and do not walk too close to the edge. Public loos are available at the National trust visitors centre cafe, at saint margarets Bay beach and a few in Deal town centre. It can be windy so bring an extra layer and a hat as it is quite exposed.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.