insideKENT Magazine Issue 63 - June 2017 | Page 45

DAYSOUT
SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE WALK
WE CAN’T PROMISE BLUEBIRDS FLYING OVER THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER, BUT WE THINK
YOU’LL BE SUITABLY IMPRESSED WITH THE SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE AS THE HIGHLIGHT
OF YOUR WALK. SITTING WITHIN KENT’S HERITAGE COASTLINE, A FANTASTIC CLIFFTOP POSITION,
THIS DISTINCTIVE WHITE LIGHTHOUSE WAS ONCE HOME TO THE KNOT FAMILY AND THEIR 13
CHILDREN. BUILT IN 1843 TO WARN SHIPS OF THE DANGEROUS BANKS, IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY
USED BY GUGLIELMO MARCONI FOR HIS WORK WITH RADIOWAVES AND RECEIVED THE FIRST SHIP-
TO-SHORE MESSAGE FROM THE EAST GOODWIN LIGHTSHIP. IT ALSO RECEIVED THE FIRST
INTERNATIONAL RADIO TRANSMISSION FROM WIMEREUX, IN FRANCE, IN 1899.
Setting off from the visitor centre you can
enjoy clifftop views across the channel and
take a look at the fabulous ‘Gateway to the
White Cliffs’ display before heading out on
your walk.
With the visitor centre on your left, follow the
wide surfaced path up a slight incline. Proceed
for approximately 200 metres and then go
through a narrow gap. From here bear slightly
left at the milestone and waymarker to walk
along a grassy path. Take a look to see if you
can spot any wildflowers or maybe some
butterflies in the grasses.
At the top of the hill, go through the kissing
gate. Here you’ll be treated to unrivalled clifftop
views and your first impressive sighting of
Langdon Hole – a series of underground
tunnels and radio command centre known as
Fan Bay Deep. The Fan Bay is open to visitors
and owned by the National Trust at selected
bookable times – check out the National Trust
website for more information.
As you make your way back down the slope
via the beautiful narrow path, you’ll be able to
stop at several points. Why not take this time
to admire the ships out in the channel. As one
of the busiest sea faring routes, you’re sure to
see a vast selection so don’t forget to bring
your binoculars!
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