Folkestone to Dover with ESEA Outdoors UK

In a collaboration between the Putting Down Routes team and ESEA Outdoors UK, we are offering an amazing gentle paced clifftop walk in Kent.

Folkestone to Dover leads you to the start/end of the North Downs Way, a national trial that stretches across 153 miles across the South East of England, connecting the Kent Downs to Surrey Hills.

This walk offers breathtaking coastal views, taking us from the town of Folkestone to Dover, passing Abbotts Cliff Sound Mirror, aerial views of Samphire Hoe Nature Reserve, and descend Shakespeare Cliff, where it has believed to have inspired a passage from Shakespeare’s King Lear.

This walk is open to anyone who identifies as East or South East Asian and is being led by the amazing volunteers at ESEA Outdoors UK.

Limited tickets with funded transport available. Details TBC.

Event Theme:

🌳 Countryside Walk

🌊 Coastal Walk

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⏰ What is the duration of this event? This event will be approximately 7 hours with breaks.

📏 What is the distance of the walk? 18km (11.2 miles)

🔄 Is this a circular or linear walk? Linear – we will start in Folkestone and end in Dover. Link to the route can be found here: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1933765357?share_token=aIYksp5PgzMB1vxgV6VS55hC7UMK1tTOBzk0D0PNVAM1l0yBxh&ref=wtd

🧭 Where is the meeting point? This will be provided in your event confirmation email.

👩🏻 Who can attend this walk? This is a space for anyone who identifies as East or South East Asian.

🦽 Is this walk suitable for those using wheeled mobility aids? Or for those with buggies? No.

👨‍🦯 Is this walk suitable for those with those with physical, learning, or mental health needs? No.

🚸 What ages is this suitable for? All ages 18 and above are welcome.

🚂 Is this walk accessible via public transport? Yes, this walk begins at Folkestone Central Train Station which is also well served by buses. The walk ends at Dover Priory Station.

🅿 Is there parking? There is limited parking at Folkestone Central Station.

🏞 What is the terrain like on this walk? Mostly grassy footpaths but there are some uneven, rocky paths on the route. There are some steep hills, but this is a gentle paced walk, and we will intentionally take many breaks. This is a very long walk - a good level of fitness is required as well as good walking boots that you are comfortable wearing.

🚽 Are there toilets nearby? Yes, we will be stopping by public toilets within Folkestone as well as making a toilet stop on the route.

🐕 Is this walk dog-friendly? Yes, but dogs will need to be kept on a lead when we are walking in the towns.

☕ Is there somewhere to get refreshments? Please bring plenty of water, a packed lunch, and snacks with your for the route. However, we will stop by a Tesco’s at the beginning of the route to give you an opportunity to buy lunch and there is also a café approximately 7km into the walk but please note that it only takes cash.

🪑 Is there seating options along the route? Yes, we will be taking of breaks throughout the route and will be resting on the grass along the way. There are also some benches scattered along the cliff edge to enjoy the views.

🙏 Is there an opportunity to break for prayer if needed? Yes, talk to one of the leaders and we will take appropriate breaks for prayer.

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📷 Photos or videos are taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes across the Kent Downs National Landscape, Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark, North Downs Way National Trail and ESEA Outdoors UK. Please notify the walk leader of your preferences and complete the consent form here.

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This event is part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project.

The Putting Down Routes project seeks to encourage new audiences from under-represented communities to the North Downs Way National Trail, as well as upgrading and enhancing parts of the trail so they are more accessible to a wider range of people.

The project aims to position the North Downs Way National Trail as a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.

Putting Down Routes is a collaborative project between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Downs Way National Trail, working with partners Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels. Putting Downs Routes is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes.

Host or Publisher North Downs Way National Trail