Coastal Walks 2

Details:

The idea is to walk a stretch of the Kent/Sussex coastline 5 to 7 miles, hugging the coastline where possible.

Usually we drive to the starting point, park then walk having a refreshment stop en-route. At the end of the walk there is usually a choice of Pub/Cafe or of course you may wish to take a packed lunch, returning to our vehicles via public transport.

The intention is to car share where possible. Petrol expenses are calculated to U3A guidelines and shared between the passengers.

We traditionally walk on the second Friday of May/June/July/August and September. 

Contact: Email the group leader(s) at coastalwalks2@tonbridgeu3a.uk 

Group Leaders:  Marion and Richard Clarke

Our June Coastal Walk took us from Dymchurch to Hythe, beginning, as many good walks do, with coffee at Gingers in Hythe before catching the bus to our starting point. Although the day was warm and rather humid, the weather stayed dry, making ideal walking conditions as we set off along the sea wall. Dymchurch has a surprisingly rich history. It was once home to artist Paul Nash, playwright Noel Coward and The Railway Children author Edith Nesbit. Passing the first Martello Tower, we soon came across two fascinating plaques. One commemorated the tragic accidental grenade explosion shortly before D Day that killed and injured 22 soldiers. The other explained the origins of the expression ‘scot free’, referring to a medieval tax - a scot - raised to maintain the sea wall, that only applied to properties below sea level. Properties above sea level did not have to pay the tax so were ‘scot free’. “ The sea breeze finally rescued us from Dymchurch’s notorious black flies! ” 

Towers, tales... and tiny tormentors! The route passed several of the famous Martello Towers, including one cared for by English Heritage and another now converted into a private home. Not everything we encountered was quite so historic! Thanks to the humid conditions, we also discovered Dymchurch's infamous tiny black flies! Sue appeared to be their favourite target, quickly attracting an enthusiastic swarm. Fortunately, a stronger sea breeze arrived later and scattered our unwelcome companions, allowing everyone to continue in rather greater comfort. Along the way we enjoyed magnificent views across to Hythe, Sandgate and Folkstone, with Lympne Castle clearly visible on the ridge beyond. 

A landscape shaped by history Continuing towards Hythe, we passed the Hythe Ranges, which have been used for military live firing for more than 200 years. We reached the peaceful Martello Lakes before crossing the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Sue was popular with the flies! A footpath took us along Herons Way to the Royal Military Canal, where we stopped to look at a modern interpretation of a Second World War sound mirror. Two members of the group decided to spend a little longer exploring Hythe before we all reunited for well-earned refreshments and an excellent lunch