DISCOVERKENT
WALK THIS WAY CONT .
You will then reach Kingsdown . Yet another lovely collection of beautifully unique homes with stunning coastal views line the entrance to Kingsdown Beach . Bask in an almost Cornish atmosphere as small , pretty whitewash houses begin to appear amongst a scattering of little beach huts . You will also come across The Zetland Arms ( www . zetlandarms . co . uk ), which provides a magnificent setting for alfresco drinks and divine dining . Walk towards the cliffs in front which you cannot miss and work your way up the steep path cut into the cliffside . You will then find yourself on top of what is the start of the famous White Cliffs of Dover . Take a minute to revel in the glorious panoramic views of the vast ocean to your left and rolling Kentish countryside and farmland to your right . Enjoy the ocean breeze as you walk this clifftop path and spot the rare butterfly found in this terrain , the Painted Lady if it is the right time of year – as these miraculous beauties migrate across the ocean .
You will spot the Dover Patrol Monument in the distance which commemorates the Royal Navy ' s Dover Patrol of the First World War . Walk towards this imposing structure and then down into the sheltered avenue that turns into St Margaret ’ s . Gaze in amazement at the Grand Designs-style architecture of these cliff top houses before reaching a winding road on your left that drops down to the shingle cove of the bay itself . Here you can have a well deserved and delicious meal at The Coastguard ( www . thecoastguard . co . uk ), Britain ’ s nearest pub to France , which has kept watch on the seafront for over 300 years . Take in awe-inspiring bay views in style while tucking into mouthwatering dishes such as grilled seabass fillet with crushed new potatoes , courgette ribbons , samphire , capers and saffron lemon crème fraiche . The perfect end to a spectacular walk .
A Spring Woodland Walk
Almost an entirely woodland walk , this exploration of Ightham Mote and Oldbury Hill is the perfect place to admire the new growth and burgeoning wildlife that springtime brings . This is not just tranquil leafy surroundings and sunlight glinting through trees either , views towards the end of the walk from the Raspit Hill escarpment are breathtaking and definitely panoramas you will perceive in awe and remember with satisfaction and a smile .
Ightham Mote ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / ighthammote ) is often acclaimed as a perfect and well-preserved example of a mediaeval English house . Dating from the 13th century , it has been extensively restored by the National Trust . From the car park , walk past the south side of the house , following a bridleway to the road . Turn right and pass quaint old cottages , then turn left to pass along a track leading into a serene wooded valley . The track soon narrows and becomes enclosed by woodland ; walk a little way and bear right when it divides and climb to the top of this hill , you will find an enchanting orchard and the bridleway joins a track between the trees . Cross over the road and continue on the bridleway on the other side which goes through more fruit trees . Continue straight until you reach more of a major track which bears off to the right and eventually ends at a road .
Turn right here and walk along the road for a little way , then turn left along a drive to St Lawrence Vicarage . When the drive divides , take the enclosed footpath between the two drives and climb up behind Stone House , you will pass a sweet cottage on the left . Keep straight and climb the path that leads steadily through more trees , bear right on the track at the top to reach the road and turn right again . You will pass the quintessential village church and the school , after which take a path on the left and walk towards a sweet little gate on the left which is the entrance to a narrow bridleway leading down steeply through the trees . At the bottom is a quiet lane which reaches the main road , the A25 .
ST MARGARET ’ S BAY IGHTHAM MOTE
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