* OPTIONAL EARLIER FINISHES
Embrace the vibrancy of summer with this glorious coastal hike from Whitstable to Margate, with optional finishes at Herne Bay and Birchington-on-Sea.
We’ll meet at Whitstable train station at 10:00 am, then head into town to grab a coffee and a pastry from one of the many lovely cafes. Making our way through the picture-postcard seaside enclave, we’ll hit the seafront, passing the bustling market harbour and heading out towards Tankerton slopes.
As we leave Whitstable behind, the path will quieten and, before too long, we’ll reach the grassy peninsular of Swalecliffe — rounding the bend to see Hampton nestled into a pretty curve of coastline. Once past Hampton, Herne Bay with its abandoned pierhead comes into view. At around 10 km from Whitstable, Herne Bay is one of the options for an earlier finish.
For those keen to keep going, we’ll follow the coast up and out through Herne Bay Downs and onward to Reculver Country Park, boasting imposing 12th-century towers and a Roman Fort — perched on the clifftop. This is an ideal lunch stop if the weather is good. So bring a picnic and we’ll spread out on the soft grass to refuel for the next leg.
After Reculver, there’s a long stretch of coastal path with sweeping countryside and sea views that will lead us into Birchington-on-Sea — our next option for an earlier finish. After that, we’ll follow the coast past Epple, West and St Mildred’s Bay before reaching our final stop at Margate’s buzzing promenade. Here, for those who’d like, we can have a bite to eat and drink in one of the town’s many pubs*.
This is a moderately challenging hike, length-wise, although it’s relatively flat. Comfortable trainers or trail shoes should be fine unless it’s been very wet, in which case, mud-appropriate boots might be better.
As it’s a summer hike, make sure you can carry at least 2 litres of water with you. There are plenty of places to fill up en route but some stretches are dry. And, as always, be prepared for wet weather and mud.
* Please inform me by email if you’d like to stay for dinner/drinks afterwards as I’ll need to book a table. Dinner isn’t included in the hike.
To sign up, add to basket and checkout.
Please Note
When signing up to hike with Moved, you accept responsibility for your own health and wellbeing. If you have any injuries or medical issues, please be confident that you can either complete the hike or make your own way to an earlier finish.
Hikes are photographed so that we can grow our beautiful community. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let me know.
