North Downs Way : Sandling to Folkestone or Dover Walk

A dramatic ridge walk along the North Downs Way, overlooking the English Channel.

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date	Post	#	Weather
Sun, 10-Jul-22	Sandling to Folkestone (or Dover) on the high road or low road	6	hot sun
Sun, 09-Aug-20	Late Start: High road or low road? Sandling to Folkestone (or Dover)	12	very hot and sunny
Sat, 31-Aug-19	On the Pilgrim's trail...from Sandling to Folkestone or Dover	11	sunny intervals and breezy
Wed, 11-Oct-17	Folkestone Triennial: Sandling to Folkestone or Dover (North Downs Way) [First Posting]	2	overcast and windy but dry

Sunday 10-Jul-22

Sandling to Folkestone (or Dover) on the high road or low road 6

Stargazer

SWC 93: On the Pilgrim’s trail to Folkestone or Dover

Distance: 11.1 miles/17.9 km to Folkestone OR 13 Miles/21 km to Dover

Difficulty: 7 out of 10 to Folkestone OR 8 out of 10 to Dover

OR t=swc.93

SWC 51: A relaxed sunny Sunday by the sea

Distance: 8.3 miles/13.4 km to Folkestone, which can be reduced to 7/11.2 if not going into Folkestone Harbour OR extended to 13.5 or 14.1 miles/21.7 or 22.7 km by adding the Folkstone Circular (SWC) as suggested in the walk instructions

Difficulty: 5 out of 10

Transport: Take either the 9:43 AM Dover train from London Charing Cross (9:50 London Bridge) (no change) OR the 10:12 AM Dover train from London St. Pancras (10:19 Stratford International), changing in Ashford onto the Charing Cross train (arrive 10:50 depart 11:05) arriving in Sandling at 11:16. Return trains from Folkestone are on the hour and from Dover at 49 past the preceding hour for the fast train (and 11 past the hour in Folkestone and on the hour from Dover for the slow train).

So, as it happens, we have two walks that cover the ground from Sandling to Folkestone….both with their own charms…..One take the high road on the dramatic downs along the North Downs Way and the other a more relaxed route across some downland with nice views before dropping to the sea front for loads of swimming opportunities….The two routes share just a brief outbound stretch….but you could always reconnect in Folkestone….

In Folkestone, it is well worth exploring the harbour arm – in particular, the Gormley sculpture on the lower deck. For the more energetic, you can carry along into Dover past a number of interesting WW2 installations – this option is easier on the high road, as you will already be on the ridge….

More information on SWC 93 can be found here. As the instructions are sparse, it may be useful to print the map and/or download the GPX file. More information on SWC 51 can be found here and its extension around Folkstone on the Folkestone Circular with SWC 13 here.

Lunch: On the high road: The Gatekeeper Inn in Etchinghill (about 5.5 km/4 miles into the walk), food served Sunday 12-3pm. Booking advised!

On the low road: Earl of Clarendon on steps leading to the sea or about half a mile further on the Ship Inn on Sandgate high street/sea promenade.

Tea: Plenty of options in Folkestone…..the refurbished harbour arm in particular has a number of interesting hostelries…Fewer options in Dover, but there are a number of cafes and pubs speckled around….

Enjoy the walk and/or swim whichever you choose!

Stargazer

Tue, 12-Jul-22

A select 6 alighted from the train onto the Sandling platform under hot sun . It only took us a minute or 2 to determine we were all keen for a day of swimming in the sea, rather than an arduous walk along the North Downs, so we all set off on the low road...Approaching Sandgate was like being transported to the south of France...blue sea, tropical plants, tiled villas....In fact, the air was soooo clear, you actually could see details of the French country side across the channel...really stunning...Down the steps to the sea we went desperate to take that first plunge into the sea...and magical it was....cooling and calming....five had lengthy swims followed by a stint lying on hot shingle -- almost like a hot stone massage, while one went ahead and secured a table at the Ship Inn....Eventually we dragged ourselves from the beach to join our companion for a very tasty meal, most continuing with the French fantasy by having moules.....After lunch, we lost one to the beach at Sandgate....the other 5 carried on to the Mermaid beach where 4 had a second lengthy swim and one carried on to Folkestone....The final four did a circuit around the Folkestone pier arm, impressed with further new tasteful development before heading for the 7pm train....3 had planned to take the fast train but 2 of those found the hordes spiling into an already busy 6 coach train untenable...so opted to join our slow train companion 10 minutes later on the rather civilized slow coach. A great day at the seaside in good company!

Sunday 09-Aug-20

Late Start: High road or low road? Sandling to Folkestone (or Dover) 12

Stargazer

SWC 93: On the Pilgrim’s trail to Folkestone or Dover

Distance: 11.1 miles/17.9 km to Folkestone OR 13 Miles/21 km to Dover

Difficulty: 7 out of 10 to Folkestone OR 8 out of 10 to Dover

SWC: 51: A relaxed sun day by the sea

Distance: 8.3 miles/13.4 km to Folkestone, which can be reduced to 7/11.2 if not going into Folkestone Harbour

Difficulty: 5 out of 10

Transport: Take the 10:37 AM Dover train from London St. Pancras (10:44 Stratford International) , changing in Ashford (arrive 11:14; depart 11:37) arriving in Sandling at 11:48. Return trains from Folkestone are on the hour and from Dover at 49 past the preceding hour – same train passes through both stations.

So, as it happens, we have two walks that cover the ground from Sandling to Folkestone….both with their own charms…..One takes the high road on the dramatic downs along the North Downs Way and the other a more relaxed route across some downland with nice views before dropping to the seafront at Sandgate for loads of swimming opportunities….The two routes share just a brief outbound stretch….but you could always reconnect in Folkestone….

More information on SWC 93 can be found here. As the instructions are sparse, it may be useful to print the map and/or download the GPX file. More information on SWC 51 can be found here (with detailed instructions).

Lunch: Probably best to bring a picnic – but both options do have lunch recommendations in the walk notes….

Enjoy the walk whichever you choose!

T=swc.93

Brian

Mon, 10-Aug-20

12 at Sandling split into 9 for the Low Road and an intrepid 3 for the High Road. A steep climb up Tolsford Hill by the 3 in very hot and sunny weather was rewarded with a cooling breeze and a beautiful hilltop walk (with one other steep climb) interrupted by an alfresco lunch. We walked along the top of the Downs all the way to the Valiant Sailor with great views over Folkestone and the Channel Tunnel terminus. After a welcome drink, 1 elected to carry on to Dover, the other 2 took a bus down to Folkestone, 1 to rejoin the Low Roaders, the other to catch a train. A great day.
Stargazer

Mon, 10-Aug-20

To add from the low-roaders, I think most headed for the coast along this varied (and blessedly somewhat sheltered) route with one thought in mind given the temperatures....breaking up into smaller groups along the way...
Upon arrival at Sandgate, one went to the pub, one carried directly on to Folkestone and most others found their way to the beach and were welcomed with a very high tide of clear, cooling water with gentle swells....some had lunch, some had another swim and some had both....During all this activity, we were joined by two others for a swim...
We eventually managed to pull ourselves from the beach and carried along towards Folkestone -- some headed straight there, some had tea at the Mermaid cafe and some had a swim at the mermaid beach...Back in Folkestone, one regrouped with a "high roader" for a final swim and little jaunt around the harbour arm before catching the 19:00....
10 swimmers in total....not sure how many total swims....but quite a few....

Saturday 31-Aug-19

On the Pilgrim's trail...from Sandling to Folkestone or Dover 11

Stargazer

SWC 93: Sandling to Folkestone or Dover along the North Downs Way

Distance: 11.1 miles/17.9 km to Folkestone OR 13 Miles/21 km to Dover

Difficulty: 7 out of 10 to Folkestone OR 8 out of 10 to Dover

Transport: Take the 10:09 AM Margate train from London St. Pancras, changing in Ashford (arrive 10:47; depart 11:02) arriving in Sandling at 11:13. Return trains from Folkestone are on the hour and from Dover at 49 past the preceding hour – same train passes through both stations (Dover then Folkestone 11 minutes later).

This walk mostly follows the well way-marked North Downs Way with fine views throughout. For those wanting a shorter walk, you can descend the ridge into Folkestone for a swim or just to explore the harbour arm – the Gormley sculpture on the lower deck of the harbour arm is well worth a look if you have a not already seen it. For the more energetic, you can carry along the ridge past a number of interesting WW2 installations before descending into Dover. More information about the walk and the various routes can be found here. As the instructions are sparse, it may be useful to print the map and/or download the GPX file.

Lunch: The Gatekeeper Inn (01303 864 345) in Etchinghill, (3 miles/5 km into the walk and 5 minutes off route), serves food until 16:00…large groups should call ahead….

Tea: Plenty of options in Folkestone…..the refurbished harbour arm in particular has a number of interesting hostelries (including a champagne bar in the lighthouse at the end)…Fewer options in Dover, but there are a number of cafes and pubs speckled around…so should not die of thirst....

Enjoy the walk!

T=swc.93

sylvia

Tue, 03-Sep-19

11 sunny intervals and breezy
A very pleasant walk, mostly along the North Downs Way and good views all around. Some thought these were marred in the afternoon by the sight of the Channel tunnel and all its surroundings but if you kept your eyes to the horizon, well there was the sight of the sea stretching to the Dungeness headland to delight you. Lots of blackberries enjoyed en route. Most stopped for a drink or a meal at The Gatekeeper (reported to be good value) and some later stopped again on the ridge above it which made a good picnic spot. When we reached the deciding point for the Dover or Folkestone ending, three turned right to Dover, seven turned left to descend to Sunny Sands Beach and a dip in the sea. One by the way had gone on ahead after lunch and wasn't seen again. The tide was pretty low so it was ideal really for those who like a sandy beach gently shelving. An SWC regular gave us a nice surprise by popping up at the sands with her friend and joining us in the water. We split again at the end: five off to get the 6pm train, and the rest to enjoy the evening on the harbour arm and contemplation of the Gormley statue, and no doubt contemplation of a glass or two.

Wednesday 11-Oct-17

Folkestone Triennial: Sandling to Folkestone or Dover (North Downs Way) [First Posting] 2

Thomas G

Length: 17.8 km (11.1 mi)

[plus diversion to lunch pub; longer if finishing in Dover; also longer if you investigate a lot of the artworks]

Ascent/Descent: 354/389m; Net Walking Time: 4 ¼ hours

Toughness: 5/10

Take the 10.08 Margate train from St. Pancras I’nal (10.15 Stratford I’nal), change at Ashford (10.46/11.02) onto the Dover Priory service from Charing X, arrives Sandling 11.13.
Older folk may also take the Dover Priory train all the way from Charing X at 09.40 (calls W’loo East, LBG, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge…).

Return trains : on xx.00 to St. Pancras (54 minutes) and xx.09 and xx.36 to Charing X (106 minutes).

Buy a Folkestone Central return, with High Speed Option .

An opportunity to combine a decent (if largely map-led) walk with an option to look at the offerings of this year’s incarnation of the Folkestone Triennial , sculptures and installations displayed largely along the seafront (which the walk route overlaps with), further along the coast (not on the SWC route) and in the Creative Quarter (on a different, but not longer, route to the station).

Find a map of the artworks on the linked Triennial page (click the map symbol in the top right corner there). Note that the Informations Centre and the manned installations close at 17.00 hours.

As for the walk: “This walk follows the waymarked North Downs Way (NDW) along the edge of an escarpment with views over the Channel for almost the entire route. Apart from 2 steep climbs near the start, the route is level and easy going. The walk starts with a steep climb up Tolsford Hill, with views over the Channel, to pick up the waymarked North Downs Way (NDW). Heading east, the NDW descends into a valley and under a disused railway line. There's a second steep climb up the other side. Navigation along this stretch is a little tricky in places, so do take/print out a map.

The rest of the walk is easy, along a level, well maintained path along the side of the hill with spectacular views out over the coast, the Channel, and later Folkestone, and the Channel Tunnel rail terminal. For the rest of the walk, you can see Folkestone, and either of the stations you are aiming for!

Just past the viewpoint over Channel Tunnel, by an ancient hill fort, there is an option to cut the walk short to Folkestone West. Note that this involves a long pavement walk to the station.

The main walk continues, contouring around the summit of a hill, high above Folkestone, with views out over the channel, until it reaches the coast at the start of the White Cliffs of Dover.”

Here there is a choice to finish in Folkestone or Dover, see the webpage for details.

Lunch : The Gatekeeper Inn in Etchinghill (5.1 km/ 3.1 mi; food to 14.30), 5 minutes off route.

Tea: Plenty options in Folkestone, see the Triennial’s website here ; the best dining option is the upmarket Rocksalt (with a nice bar at the upper level), overlooking the harbour (that requires taking the waterfront path upon approaching F’stone, rather than the higher SWC route), or their next door offshoot fish & chips The Smokehouse.

There are also a plethora of further options on the Harbour Arm, the half-refurbished former Folkestone Harbour Station on the former Landing Stages, which is a very interesting excursion in itself.

For summary, map, height profile, minimal walk directions and gpx/kml files click here .

T=swc.93

Thomas G

Thu, 12-Oct-17

2 walkers off the High Speed train changed at Ashford onto the Charing X slow train, where there were no other walkers, so 2.
Easy-ish route finding on this map led walk, initially along a dismantled railway line through an interesting wood, then along a track across Railway and Motorway and up a chalky track to the ridge. Stunning views already here of Summerhouse Hill and the ND chain. It was pretty windy on the ridge, but the views more than compensated for the trouble. The Gatekeeper Inn in Etchinghill (under new name and Mgmt since 2015) is a very nice and cosy, well-run pub, with plentiful food options. Recommended.
Back up a narrow valley onto the ridge after that and then just follow the escarpment, initially along field boundaries, then along grassy paths, shadowing the hilltop road.
The Channel Tunnel Rail Terminal is always interesting to look down on, and the descent into Folkestone, along its beach and harbour and then up through the Old Town to the station are really interesting. 17.00 train for 1, 18.00 for the other. overcast and windy but dry