Deal to Folkestone ~31km (~19 miles)

GRADE: Level 5/5 - STRENUOUS with several ups and downs.
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⚠️ This challenging hike is suitable only for fit hikers.

Take on a challenging 31 km coastal adventure from Deal to Folkestone, 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 at South Foreland Lighthouse in Dover and a well-earned pub finish near Folkestone Central station, this is a full day of distance, elevation, and iconic Kent coastline.
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IMPORTANT
Please read the event details carefully before signing up. This hike is intended for experienced hikers and requires a good level of fitness.
Please come prepared with suitable hiking clothing and footwear. We strongly recommend proper hiking boots or walking shoes with good grip and ankle support. Trainers are not advised.
The group will aim to maintain the advertised pace. If you find you are unable to keep up, you may need to continue the hike independently.
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OVERVIEW
Distance: ~31km (~19miles) - Point-to-Point Hike
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 5 km/h (~3 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
📍 09:30 Walk starts from Deal Train Station Car Park (as soon as check-in is complete)
🏁 18:30-19:00 Walk ends at Folkestone Central Train Station
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 TRAVEL
Buy a return from London St Pancras International to Deal via Folkestone Central, £28.70 with Network Railcard discount.

• Take the 08:07 High-Speed train from London St Pancras International to Deal → Train arrives at 09:30 at Deal Train Station

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DESCRIPTION:
The hike begins in the coastal town of Deal. We pass through places such as Kingsdown, Walmer, and St Margaret Bay. En route, we see several castles and historic monuments (see the highlights). We stop for lunch in Dover, at South Foreland Lighthouse, a National Trust site. The view from there is spectacular and offers a great photo opportunity. After lunch, we continue our hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, you may even spot the cliffs of France. This route offers stunning panoramic views of the English Channel. We finish our hike at Folkestone Central Train Station and relax at the Park Inn with a drink.
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HIGHLIGHTS:

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

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Riddle me:
🍫🍫🍫 Question: What do the numbers 11, 69 and 88 all have in common?
If you know the answer, come tell me, and you will get a chocolate. Only the first three people will receive one.
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🎒WHAT TO BRING:
- Packed lunch, snacks, and sufficient water (at least 2L), suncream, hat
- Proper hiking gear
- Fully charged phone
- Camera (optional)
- Personal medication and basic first aid
- Trekking poles recommended for slippery/steep ascents and descents
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✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
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👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a friendly, social hike where we walk together and enjoy the experience as a group.
Please stay with the group rather than walking ahead independently, as the aim is to connect, share the journey, and help maintain safety and group cohesion.
Participants should choose events suitable for their fitness level and be able to maintain the advertised pace. The overall pace and schedule will not be adjusted for individuals.
A back marker may not always be present, so participants should keep others in sight and remain within a reasonable distance of the group.
To help keep the group together:

• Faster walkers should wait at junctions.
• If someone ahead is moving significantly more slowly, feel free to pass and rejoin the main group.
• Organisers may pause at suitable points to regroup.

While reasonable efforts will be made to keep the group together, it is neither practical nor safe to stop frequently for individuals unable to maintain the required pace. In such cases, participants may need to continue at their own pace or make their own onward arrangements.
If you choose to move ahead of the group, fall significantly behind, or leave the group structure, you will be considered to be continuing independently and responsible for your own route, decisions, and safety. If you do so without informing an organiser, it will be assumed that you are managing independently.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
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CONTACT:
Message the event host, Saeideh, directly via Meetup with any questions.
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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.