The newest section of the King Charles III England Coast Path between Ramsgate and Whitstable has been completed and officially opened by Natural England today (October 25).
The route is 25 miles long and forms the latest stretch of what will be a 2,700 mile King Charles III path. The opening of this stretch marks completion of 1,000 miles of the route so far.
It includes the 19-mile coastline around Thanet, the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in Britain and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
The route will eventually help connect the country’s entire coastline into one long National Trail. The walk will take people through the many coastal towns, cities and ports which have shaped this island nation.
Excitingly for the first time in the history of public access, legal rights of public access will be secured to typical coastal land including beaches, dune and cliffs, allowing walkers to access some places they’ve never been before.
‘Exciting’
Jim Seymour, Natural England Deputy Director said: “It’s really exciting that this spectacular coastline with it chalk cliffs, wintering birds and popular seaside towns, takes the completed path to 1,018 miles.
“At a time when the benefits of connecting with nature are clearer than ever, it’s fabulous that so much of the King Charles III England Coast Path is open for people to enjoy.
“This stretch should also benefit the local economy in north east Kent by bringing walkers past the many local businesses on this route; to shop, for refreshments and to stay.”
The stretch starts in Ramsgate and takes you past the entrance to the wartime tunnels as you walk beside Ramsgate Main Sands. Following the Grade II listed cliff stairs up to the clifftop, you pass the rock gardens and then go through the King George VI Memorial Park with its 19th Century Italianate Glasshouse and tearoom, and where you will hear the ring-necked parakeets.
Along the chalk clifftop to Broadstairs, part of the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in Britain, you can see France across the channel on a clear day. At Broadstairs you pass the promenade overlooking Viking Bay and go downhill towards the harbour. Here you will see Bleak House, Charles Dickens’ holiday home, sitting above the clifftop. At Broadstairs Harbour you could spot turnstones, a bird well known to this part of the coast, which return each winter.
Carrying along the undercliff promenade beside Stone Bay beach, one of Thanet’s award winning beaches, the trail goes up to the clifftop again. You walk along the clifftop and will see the lighthouse built in 1691 as you near Joss Bay.
There is a new footpath as you reach Kingsgate, and you will see Kingsgate Castle and Kingsgate Bay with its majestic chalk arch. The path then follows the clifftops towards Botany Bay, famous for its chalk stacks.
The path continues to Margate, passing Turner Contemporary and Dreamland, and then on to Westgate and Birchington and the Northern Sea Wall. This stretch is flat bordered by shingle beach and grazing marsh and you can see coastal and marshland birds including marsh harriers.
New fencing has been installed around the saline lagoons next to the sea wall to provide safer nesting and roosting spaces for birds such as avocet and ringed plover. And newly installed information panels help identify the wildlife. You then you go past Reculver Towers, one of the earliest Roman Forts built against Saxon raids.
Between Reculver Country Park towards Herne Bay, the path follows clifftop grassland which provides spectacular views out to sea. Sand martins that nest in the holes in the cliffs at Bishopstone can be seen flying above the path.
The trail then reaches Herne Bay with its historic pier, picturesque seafront, and distinctive 80-foot Victorian clock tower. Continuing past Tankerton, and the pretty multi-coloured beach huts, you arrive at Whitstable, a seaside town, famous for its oysters.
Clair Bell, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services said: “The opening of the Whitstable to Ramsgate stretch, the latest section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, provides further opportunities for Kent residents and visitors to access the outdoors and connect with the wealth of nature and heritage on their doorstep. It also provides the opportunity for businesses to promote their offer to users of the National Trail.
“This section of the coast offers some of Kent’s finest beaches and heritage including Botany Bay, the remains of St Mary’s Church at Reculver, the Royal Port of Ramsgate and the Turner Contemporary gallery at Margate. There are a host of opportunities and interesting diversions for residents and visitors alike. The commencement of access rights offers the chance to explore new areas of the coast, boosts the local economy and contributes to the health and well-being of residents.”
