insideKENT Magazine Issue 63 - June 2017 | Page 46

DAYSOUT
SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE WALK cont.
After stopping for a while, continue onwards and
you will shortly arrive at a long flight of steps. Stop
to admire the surroundings of the South Foreland
valley, the late spring and early summer is one of
the best times to visit this area, and seeing the fresh
lush grass and trees bursting into full leaf. You’ll also pass Fan Point, an attractive area of
farmland with some pretty views of Fan Bay below
– another excuse for some more photos! There are
also plenty of vantage points where you can get
some great views of the channel and on a clear day
France in the distance!
You’ll soon arrive at the entrance to Langdon Hole
moving on past the entrance, you’ll arrive at a stile
and some of the most stunning views of the White
Cliffs you will find on your walk. You can see why
Vera Lynn was so inspired and why they are such
an iconic landmark in times of both war and peace. Nearing the end of the farmland you’ll come to a
gap where you will pass the impressive South
Foreland Lighthouse – it is clear to see how this was
the much loved family home of five generations of
the same lighthouse keeping family. The lighthouse
was decommissioned in 1988 and has been
providing wonderful family days out since then!
From here you’ll follow the gorgeous winding clifftop
path which will take you to South Foreland
Lighthouse which is also owned by the National
Trust and open to visitors on selected days. Here
you will find a network of paths along the top of the
White Cliffs, it doesn’t matter which path you take,
they all lead to the same place. When you’ve finished admiring the building, check
out the visitor centre. If you’re looking for clifftop
views in one of the most famous locations in Britain,
you’ve just found it. This walk is dramatic,
invigorating and fun in equal measure, making a
great day out with the family!
LOCATION: ST MARGARET AT
CLIFFE, CT16 1HJ
DISTANCE:
4 MILES (6.44 KM) LINEAR
TIME: ALLOW 3 HOURS
OS EXPLORER MAPS: 138
TERRAIN:
CLIFF TOP PATHS AND TRACKS.
UNDULATING WITH SOME
SHORT, STEEP SLOPES
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
DIRECTIONS FROM YOUR HOME
ADDRESS TO THE SOUTH
FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE
VISITOR CENTRE PLEASE VISIT
WWW.KENTCONNECTED.ORG.
PARKING: PARK AT THE
VISITOR CENTRE CAR PARK
REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES:
MRS KNOT’S 1950’S INSPIRED
VINTAGE TEA ROOM
EXPLORE MORE
To find out about other walks and events in Kent including the Battle
of Medway celebrations and our summer holiday guide, please visit the
Explore Kent website www.explorekent.org. Follow @explorekent on
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and share your adventures with us!
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