Put your best feet forward today on this, the first day of the 2014 White Cliffs Walking Festival.
Organised by the White Cliffs Ramblers – the branch of the national Ramblers organisation covering south Kent – the festival will feature 32 walks over seven days.
The stunning view of St Margaret's Bay
Today at 10.30am, sees the opening ceremony on Dover seafront near the North Downs Way plaque and the Channel Swimming Monument. This will immediately be followed by two of today's three walks.
sets off from the opening ceremony at 10.45am. Led by Jill Roche, it is a circular walk to Dover Castle and the Bleriot Monument. You will learn about the epic Bleriot 20 minute flight across to cross the Channel. Enjoy the great views over the harbour and across to France. The walk is 5 miles (8KM)The Bleriot Walk
www.stagecoachbus.com: Catch a bus to Capel-le-Ferne and meet your fellow walkers in time for the start at 10.45am. You will return via the Battery site, Battle of Britain memorial site and back to Dover along the White Cliffs. There will be a lunch stop at the Cliff Top Cafe, or take your own packed lunch. This is a classic 6-mile (9.6km) cliff walk led by Les Preston giving superb views. For bus times see:The White Cliffs Walk
Earn your dinner by taking part in the Fish & Chips walkthis evening from 5.30pm. Led by East Kent Mercury editor Graham Smith, you will meet at Walmer Station and walk to Dover via the White Cliffs. You'll dine on fish hips in Castle Street, Dover, (Cost £4.70) and return by your choice of train, bus or taxi at your own expense. This is a superb 10-mile (16km) walkalong the cliffs with a setting sun and the twinkling lights of Dover and Calais like you've never seen them before.
For the full schedule of walks, pick up a brochure at the Mercury office, Tourist Information office, and other shops and venues across Deal. Alternatively visit: www.whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk
