Walks in Kent - Kingsdown & Walmer

Route Overview

This short walk not far from the villages of Walmer and Kingsdown offers some fine views from Hawkshill Freedown. The Freedown is a public area of open grassland offering fine views across the surrounding countryside, the English Channel and on a clear day, the coast of France. Hawkshill was once a World War I aerodrome and now the site of a memorial to pilots who flew from here and were killed fighting in France.The walk also passes Walmer Castle which dates from the 16th century. The castle formed part of a line of defence along the edge of the downs. Now owned by English Heritage, the castle is home to a collection of memorabilia from the Duke of Wellington.

Distance - Full

2.2 miles / 3.52 km

Distance - Short

2.2 miles / 3.52 km

Typical Time - Full

1 hours 30 minutes

Typical Time - Short

1 hours 30 minutes

Start Point

Near Walmer castle

End Point

Near Walmer castle

Start point grid reference

TR378501

End point grid reference

TR378501

Type of Route:

Circular

Level of walk:

Easy

Route Features

Accessibility / Facilities

Begins near parking
Ends near parking

Terrain

Fields
PROW (Public Right Of Way)

Route Description

1. From the car park near Walmer Castle, follow the path towards the beach and turn right on the surfaced path that runs along the sea front. 2. After passing Walmer Castle on your right, turn right to follow waymarker arrows across a grassy area towards the road. 3. Cross the road and follow footpath up gentle slope, running to side of house. 4. On reaching the end of the path, it opens out into an area of open access land known as Hawkshill Freedown. From here, turn left along the boundary on the left hand side following a grassy path. There are numerous opportunities along this stretch to take a rest on one of the benches and take in some great sea views. You are not restricted to follow any particular path across Hawkshill Freedown as it is an area of open access land, so feel free to explore the area. 5. Continue through gap, following waymarker arrows. On your immediate right there is a small war memorial. Follow the enclosed path bordered by hedges. Again, there are good views across the rolling countryside and to the sea beyond. 6. At this point the path opens out into a field. Follow path downhill towards the road. Near the bottom the path takes you through a gap and into an area of woodland. 7. Continue along the woodland path and bear left at a large tree. Turn left along a surfaced alleyway and follow downhill for around 100 metres before passing through cycle barriers and onto Cliff Road, in Kingsdown. 8. Cross road into Boundary Road and head towards the sea front. At the end of Boundary Road, turn left, following signs to join a surfaced path on the Saxon Shore Way. Along this section there are some great sea views and many places to access the beach. 9. Continue following the path along the Saxon Shore Way, the path here changes to become a combined cycle path and walkway. Up ahead, there is an excellent view of Walmer Castle on your left as you retrace your steps back to the car park where you started.

Terrain Details

Field paths and surfaced paths. Gentle slopes.

Additional Info / Warnings

Stiles: 0 Gates: 0 A photo guide for this route is available from www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

Access Info / Public Transport

Road Map: Multimap website www.multimap.com. Search for “Walmer”. By Car: From A2 at Dover take A258 to Walmer/Kingsdown. Follow signs to Walmer Castle. Parking: Parking is available near the castle in Kingsdown Road. Train: Nearest station: Walmer (1.5 miles). National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950Bus: 84 (Sandown – Kingsdown). Hourly Mon-Sat. Traveline: 0870 6082608

Services / Amenities

Toilets: None on route. Refreshments: Shops and pub in Walmer.

Map