A Hilltop Walk to the Seaside (21 miles/Strenuous)

Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the Met Walkers website

A brisk walk along the North Downs, offering stunning views across East Kent and then the English Channel (if its a clear day France can be seen) and then finally descending to the seafront and Harbour Arm at Folkestone. The walk is mainly along the top of the ridge, but there are a few individual steep climbs, making up a total ascent of just under 700 metres.

Bring a packed lunch. The lunch stop will be at the village of Lyminge at around 11 miles distance where there is a pub for drinks only. Plenty of pubs / bars / eateries to choose from in both of Folkestone's Harbour Arm and Old High Street at the end. The official end of the walk is 1 mile from Folkestone Central Station (included in total distance).

Travel: The longer (but cheaper option) is the 8:34 from London Charing Cross (Waterloo East: 8:37, London Bridge: 8:43, Sevenoaks 9:07, Ashford International 9:57) arrive at Wye at 10:03.

Or the quicker (but more expensive) option is the 9:07 high-speed service (HS1) from London St Pancras (Stratford International: 9:14) which arrives at Ashford International at 9:45, and then join the Ramsgate service (the 'longer' service detailed above) which departs Ashford International at 9:57. If getting this high-speed train, make sure to buy a ticket that is valid on HS1.

Buy a return to Wye; a single from Folkestone to Ashford International will also be required for the return journey - though the trains are still direct from Folkestone to London Bridge, Charing Cross or St Pancras.

Grading: Strenuous.
For an explanation of the gradings, please see the FAQ - please consider both the length and grade when choosing a walk.

Finish point: Folkestone
More info: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/hilltop-walk-seaside