Folkestone to Dover Hike

Hello again, fellow adventurers. Today, I’m taking you on a trip. Prepare yourselves for a tale of coastal escapades as we embark on a thrilling hike from Folkestone to Dover along the enchanting English Channel. Brace for breathtaking views, surprising turns, and a fair share of daring moments – this story is a rollercoaster of adventure!

Setting Off from Folkestone

Our journey commences in the delightful coastal town of Folkestone in Kent. With just a short hop on the southeastern train from London, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip. I kicked off my adventure by strolling from Folkestone train station to the Zig Zag Path, and enjoyed a charming walk along the pebbled beach until I reached the Folkestone Harbour. It was time for a pitstop for a fresh coffee and pastry to fuel my trek. Let’s Amore Sicilian Bakery, located in the former Signal Box in the old Folkestone Harbour station, is a great place to grab a bite.

The Unmarked Trail

Now, here’s where the adventure takes the first unexpected turn. There isn’t an official hiking trail from Folkestone to Dover, at least not one that’s waving a flag and saying, “Come this way!” Armed with Google Maps (not always the wisest guide, as I discovered), I walked from the Warren towards Martello Tower No. 1, and then ventured onto a footpath along the coastline. Picture this: a gravel path surrounded by overgrown bushes. Not the most inviting start, I admit. I often wonder how far I’m pushing my luck by putting myself alone in desolate areas. Yet, with a dash of hesitation and a sprinkle of determination, I forged ahead, hoping for the best.

A picturesque trail along the coastline between Folkestone and Dover. Yellow, brown and red grass everywhere. Blue waters of the English channel, blue skies and white cliffs on the horizon. — Folkestone to Dover Hike

Downhill to Sea Level

The path, however, had its own plans. Instead of leading me to the clifftops like I envisioned, it spiraled downhill, bringing me almost to sea level. A wide, flat, rocky path stretched along the coast, with towering cliffs on one side and the deep blue English Channel on the other. It was a picturesque but sun-drenched microwave of an experience, leaving me with a valuable lesson: always carry a hat on a sun-soaked adventure. It wasn’t a hot day as such, but the sunrays reflected from the water and white cliffs with no shade in sight had me moments from a heat stroke.

A path on the trail between Folkestone and Dover. White, tall cliffs on the horizon. — Folkestone to Dover Hike

Wide concrete path on the coastline between Folkestone and Dover. Blue sea on the right, while cliffs on the left. — Folkestone to Dover Hike

Unexpected Obstacle – The Metal Ladder

As if that wasn’t enough, the path threw in a surprise – a metal ladder leading to a beach a few metres below. An unexpected obstacle, but one that added a fun twist to the hike!

A path through the beach between Folkestone and Dover. Metal ladder connecting a stone path with the beach a few metres below it. — Folkestone to Dover Hike

Samphire Hoe – A Hidden Gem

Continuing along the beach, my footsteps led me to the hidden haven of Samphire Hoe, a nature reserve created by the construction of the Channel Tunnel. This unexpected gem proved to be a delightful surprise. Cows and sheep grazed against a backdrop of stunning scenery, featuring a wooden lighthouse and a small café. It was also the first busy area since I left Folkestone, with quite a lot of visitors attracted by the views and a convenient car park.

Cows grazing at the foot of white cliffs between Folkestone and Dover. — Folkestone to Dover Hike – Samphire Hoe

An old, blue, wooden lighthouse between Folkestone and Dover. Sunburnt grass around it. Blue sea on the horizon behind it. — Folkestone to Dover Hike – Samphire Hoe

Reaching the top of the cliffs

With no beach accessible towards Dover beyond Samphire Hoe, where the sea met towering cliff walls, my route took a turn. I found myself following a road leading to the reserve’s car park, complete with a sidewalk – rarely used by walkers, I reckon! The road ascended through a tunnel, emerging on the other side of the cliffs, near their summit. And there it was – the grand reveal of the breathtaking views that stretched across the south-eastern English coastline. As I ventured along the clifftop path, the scenery unfolded, carrying me to the outskirts of Dover. Each step offered a fresh perspective of the coastal beauty, making it an unforgettable part of the journey.

A breathtaking panorama from the top of a cliff on the trail between Folkestone and Dover. Brown, autumnal grasses covering the hills. Blue waters of the English Channel. — Folkestone to Dover Hike

The Final Scare and Guardian Angel

The journey towards Dover brought its final heart-in-your-throat moment. Trekking along a busy road, a stranger – a guardian angel with a dog – warned me against taking a certain path. It seems the sidewalk led through a tunnel frequented by rough sleepers on drugs. A timely piece of advice that spared me an unpleasant encounter!

A Bonus Hike and the Homeward Journey

The hike from the Folkestone Warren Nature Reserve to the centre of Dover took me about 3 hours and was challenging at times. But wait, the journey didn’t end there! A bonus hike on the cliffs to the east of Dover added a final dash of thrill, but that’s a story for another blog post. As the day wound down, I hopped on a southeastern train, and within an hour, I was back in the heart of London, relishing the memories of a day packed with surprises, scares, and spectacular landscapes.

Stay tuned for more adventures – there’s always another trail, another story, waiting just around the corner!