insideKENT Magazine Issue 99 - June / July 2020 | Page 16

KENTSTAYCATION
WALKING ‘ROUND THE GARDEN CONT.
St Margaret's Bay Walk
This is a path for the history and literature lovers
out there. At almost five miles in length, this quirky
trail, that starts in St Margaret's Bay and loops all
the way back around, takes you on a circular meander
through history, as breathtaking cliff-top views across
the channel paint a glorious backdrop. On a clear
day you can even spot France which, for many of
us, is probably the closest we’ll get to being abroad
this summer. With views like this though, we promise
you won’t mind so much. Along with the outstanding
views provided by the white cliffs, the first thing to
be noticed is the towering sight of Dover Patrol
Memorial; a solemn memorial to the part the Dover
Patrol played in WWI – truly a sight to behold. The
next ‘must-see’ on this walk will be a tad surreal for
any bookworms out there. On this path you will
have the pleasure of wandering past the white-walled
holiday home of iconic writer, Ian Fleming; the very
place he wrote his novels starring the most notorious
and seductive spy in the world: Bond, James Bond.
This marvel of a sight-seeing opportunity is one that
can be appreciated by lovers of the original novels
and the modern films alike. The landscape that
inspired one of the most talented storytellers of all
time is definitely a stop and stare moment; maybe
even one to be accompanied by a water or, perhaps
more appropriately, martini break! Shaken, not
stirred, of course. If James Bond isn’t your thing
fear not, as a Victorian lighthouse and working
windmill are just a couple of the other sites that await
you on a trail whose quirky charm never fails to put
a smile on the faces of those who embark on it.
Shoreham and Polhill Bank
Clocking in at just under four miles, our last walk is
a short and sweet wander into nature. Located on
a hillside near Sevenoaks in the west of the county,
this trail is a nature lovers dream. Perfect for a quiet
spot of bird watching on a warm day, this walk leads
through fields populated by happy sheep, grand
green-leafed trees and paths laced with hues of wild
flowers. Some wildlife highlights to be found on the
trail include butterflies, lizards, deer and a vast array
of birds including buzzards and kestrels. There are
a couple of hills along the path to get your blood
pumping but mostly this circular two hour walk is
a moderate and relaxing excursion that allows
you to get lost in the true beauty of Kentish
summer time.
Post-lockdown, you can even enjoy the tiny village
of Shoreham that lies towards the end of the trail
where tearooms and pubs offer a well-earned scone
or pint. The Shoreham and Polhill Bank walk has
a touch of true magic to it, so pack those binoculars,
a camera, and a picnic if you like, and enjoy the
dappled sunlight of a woodland trail accompanied
by the serene beauty of rolling fields and the
occasional stone-brick cottage.
Exploring in the Kent countryside, wandering through an
abnormally quiet town, or meandering along the beautiful
Kentish coast? Be sure to tag us on your #insideKENTAdventure
insidekent
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