FREE HIKE ~30km (19 miles) - Folkestone to Deal - Fit-Hikers Only

GRADE: Level 5/5 - STRENUOUS with several ups and downs.
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Take on a challenging 30 km coastal adventure from Folkestone to Deal, following dramatic clifftop paths along the English Channel. This strenuous point-to-point hike passes the White Cliffs of Dover, historic landmarks, and sweeping sea views with France visible on a clear day. With a lunch stop in Dover, a break at South Foreland Lighthouse, and a well-earned pub finish near Deal station, this is a full day of distance, elevation, and iconic Kent coastline.
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** IMPORTANT**
Please read the event requirements carefully before signing up. This hike is not suitable for beginners and requires a good level of fitness. Participants must wear appropriate hiking clothing and footwear. Proper hiking boots or walking shoes with ankle support and good grip are mandatory. Trainers are not permitted. Anyone unable to maintain the advertised group pace may be asked to continue independently.
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OVERVIEW
**** Distance: ~30km (~19miles) - Point-to-Point Walk
Difficulty: Strenuous
⛰️ Approx. ~750m ascent and descent
⏱️ Walking time: approx. 7.5 hours
Total time: approx. 9 hours (with various stops along the way)
Pace: Steady and sustained with limited waiting. Moving average around 4.2 km/h, closer to 5.5 km/h (3.4 mph) on easier sections, slower on climbs and descents.
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⚠️ TERRAIN
Exposed clifftop coastal paths across chalk grassland and gravel tracks, with sustained hills and uneven footing. Sections can become muddy and slippery in wet conditions, so proper waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential.
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MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
10:00 Folkestone Central Train Station
10:10 Start from Folkestone Central Train Station
End 19:00-19:30 at Deal Train Station
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Note: With a steady group pace, minimal stopping and waiting time, and good group dynamics, we could reach the end point around 18:00 to 18:30.
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LONDON GROUP TRAVEL (OPTIONAL)
Buy a return from London St Pancras International to Deal via Folkestone Central, £28.70 with network railcard discount.

08:30 Main ticket office London St Pancras International
08:45 Walk to platform board the High-Speed train 15 minutes before departure
09:07 Train departs
10:02 Arrive at Folkestone Central Train Station
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↩️ RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON
19:28 From Deal, arrive London St Pancras International 20:54
20:28 From Deal, arrive London St Pancras International 21:54
Journey time 1hr 26 minutes
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ABOUT:
Starting from Folkestone, a coastal town in Kent, this point-to-point hike offers scenic views of the English Channel along the way. There are public toilets on the way where we stop for lunch in Dover and a tea break at the South Foreland Lighthouse. We begin our hike at Folkestone Central Train Station and conclude at a pub near Deal Train Station.
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DESCRIPTION:
The hike begins in the coastal town of Folkestone. This route offers stunning panoramic views of the English Channel. We stop for lunch in Dover, a major ferry port. After lunch, we continue our hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, you may even spot the cliffs of France. We pause for a short break at the South Foreland Lighthouse, a National Trust site. The view from there is spectacular and provides a great photo opportunity. On route, we see several castles and historical monuments (see the highlights). After the lighthouse, we continue our hike towards St Margaret's Bay, passing a number of places such as Kingsdown and Walmer. We finish our walk at the Deal Train Station, where our walk concludes at a welcoming pub close to the station, and we can relax and reflect on the day’s journey.
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HIGHLIGHTS:

• Folkestone
• Saxon Shore Way coastal section (Folkestone to Dover)
• White Cliffs of Dover
• Dover Castle views
• South Foreland Lighthouse
• St Margaret's Bay
• Dover Patrol Memorial
• Walmer Castle and Deal Castle
• English Channel views with France visible on clear days

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This hike's question for you:
Question: If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
If you know the answer, come tell me, and you will get a chocolate. Chocolate will be given to the first three people who come and give me the answer.
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WHAT TO BRING:
- Packed lunch, snacks, and sufficient water
- Proper hiking boots with grips. No trainers
- Weather-appropriate layers and proper waterproofs
- Fully charged phone
- Personal medication and basic first aid
- Trekking poles recommended for slippery ascents and descents
- Head torch
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RSVP & ATTENDANCE
RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration.
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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STAYING TOGETHER
Please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions.
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⬅️ EXIT POINTS
Dover during the lunch break
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CONTACT:
Message the event host, Saeideh, directly via Meetup with any questions. Secondary contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety. Neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.