Enjoy coasts, cliffs and café culture on this glorious stroll along the coast of Thanet
Information:
Location: Ramsgate (CT11 8LS)
Distance: 5 miles/ 8km
Time: Allow 3 hours
OS Explorer Map: 150
Terrain: Mainly flat
Parking: Pay and display parking at the marina
Route:
Choose a clear day and enjoy strolling along the coast of Thanet on this fantastic cliff-topping Active Ramsgate walk, taking in the glorious sandy beaches and charming cafes which line this beautiful stretch of coastline towards nostalgic Broadstairs.
1) Starting from Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour your walk will take in a selection of elegant restaurants, cafes and pubs overlooking the inner yacht marina. Heading towards the promenade you will pass the old Harbour cliff lift.
2) As you continue along the promenade you may catch a glimpse of the offshore wind farm, visible on a clear day. Once the road starts to climb, keep to the right and continue to wander along the sea wall.
3) Ahead is the Sea Garden which reflects its coastal environment, having once been the site of the marina swimming pool and boating lake. A bench provides the perfect excuse to sit and enjoy dramatic sea views.
4) After 200 metres you will reach a switch path up to the clifftop. During high tide, follow the route to continue along to Broadstairs, returning to the beach at Dumpton Gap. At low tide, wander along the sea wall and take the ramp down to stroll along the sandy beach.
5) Continue along this clear bank of sand, skirting the backdrop of white cliffs and chalk rocks. Follow the enclosed section of the bay, before climbing the slope past vibrant wooden beach huts, up to the sea wall at Dumpton Gap.
6) Rounding the final bend into Louisa Bay, stunning views of Broadstairs stretch out ahead of you. Reaching the Louisa Bay Café, follow the ramp uphill, before passing under the footbridge and taking the steps up to the clifftop. At the top of the steps, turn left and head into the attractive Victoria Gardens, where you can enjoy striking sea views.
7) Heading along the promenade you will find a number of interpretation panels and benches where you can sit and soak up the views across Viking Bay. The promenade is lined with independent restaurants and cafes, a fantastic excuse to stop and enjoy a well-earned rest.
8) As the path slopes down, turn right at the junction with Harbour Street and continue downhill. Turn right onto the pier and enjoy the view across Viking Bay with an ice cream from the Kiosk.
9) Head back towards Victoria Gardens to the steps by the footbridge, continue along the bridge and head towards the top of the cliff.
10) From the cliff-top path you can continue straight on, or, providing the tide is out, return along the beach. The cliff path soon turns into short grass, where you can choose to head towards the converted lighthouse.
11) From the lighthouse, join the surfaced path and continue through the glorious King George VI Memorial Park and take the chance to discover the intriguing Italianate greenhouse. From here, follow the path at the top of the East Cliff as it rambles back towards Ramsgate Harbour.
To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling and country parks in Kent, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent. Follow @explorekent on Twitter.
