ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFOEngland - The Saxon Shore 2012
The Saxon Shore Way is named after the line of historic fortifications that defended the Kent coast at the end of the Roman era from Saxon invaders and provides some of the finest coastal walking in England. An unrivalled diversity of scenery includes the White Cliffs of Dover, and panoramic views over Romney Marsh from the escarpment that marks the ancient coastline between Folkestone and Rye.The route is also rich in historical sites and literary associations. Here the Romans invaded Britain and, later, St. Augustine landed tobring the Gospel to the Anglo-Saxon kingdom which would later fall to the Normans who, in their turn, erected great fortresses like Dover Castle to defend their conquests. It follows the coastline of the South East as it was about 1500 years ago, long before the North Kent Marshes or the Romney Marsh came into existence, when the cliff lines to north and south extended further into the sea and when the Wantsum Channel provided a thoroughfare for boats between the Isle of Thanet and mainland England.
PRICE
£550 per person based on 2 people sharing.
Single supplement: £120
To book email info@worldwalks.com - T: 
+44 (0) 1242 254353
INCLUDED
7 nights B and B, luggage transportation, guidebook and maps, transfers where mentioned in programme, back-up service.
NOT INCLUDED
Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.
Departure dates
Any day April-October subject to accommodation availability
To book email:
info@worldwalks.com T: (44)
Day 1: Travel to Kent and spend the first night in the Canterbury area.
Day 2: After breakfast set off on your walk along the Saxon Shore. Today you follow the river Stour downstream to the medieval port of Sandwich, where you spend the second night. 12 miles.
Day 3: The Stour flows into the English Channel below Sandwich and you follow the coast south and westward through Deal and Walmer, passing the place where the Romans first landed when they made their conquest of Britain. The path ascends onto the White Cliffs of Dover and then you spend the third night in the village of St. Margarets near South Foreland. 11 miles.
Day 4: The trail continues across the White Cliffs passing through Dover and along the top of the North Downs above Folkestone. Overnight near Folkestone. 12 miles.
Day 5: The Saxon Shore descends from the North Downs and crosses the neighbouring Greens and ridge to reach the vast flat expanse of Romney Marsh. The fifth night is spent on the Marsh, near the seaside town of Dymchurch, much associated with smuggling. 11 miles.
Day 6: The trail follows the former coastline on the northern edge of the marsh, ascending and descending the line of low cliffs and passing some remote villages. The sixth night is spent near the village of Appledore. 11 miles.
Day 7: Beyond Appledore the path crosses the former sea bed to reach the Isle of Oxney. On the far sideof this former island it descends the cliffs and follows the Royal Military Canal into the ancient town of Rye, where you spend the seventh night. 11 miles.
Day 8: If time permits you may continue your walk through Winchelsea and across the Fire Hills to the end of the Saxon Shore in Hastings (11 miles). Transfer either directly from Rye or from Hastings back to Canterbury, or to Hastings or Ryerailway station.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Mainly easy but moderate over the white cliffs and greensand where there are some steep ascents and descents.
GROUP SIZE
This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.
Marvellous coastal scenery, fascinating historical associations, and charming histroic towns.
If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
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ACCOMMODATION
A mix of B and B, pubs and small hotels. Usually private bathrooms are obtained but this is not guaranteed. Up grades may be possible in the towns and we will be happy to obtain individual quotes when required. On the first night (Canterbury), people arriving by car will normally be accommodated on a farm located about 6 milesout of town and close to the Saxon Shore Way. We will then be able to arrange for you to park there for the duration of the holiday. If this accommodation is not available, it may be necessary to stay in Canterbury itself, where cars may be parked long term in the city's secure Park and Ride locations at a cost of £3.00 per day. Clients arriving by train would best be accommodated in Canterbury and would be transferred to the beginning of the walk on Day 2. The remaining nightsare spent in varying locations from small towns to remote countryside.
GETTING THERE
AIRThe nearest airports are London (Gatwick) and Southampton.
RAILThe nearest station is Canterbury, approx. 1 hour and a half from London.
SEAThe nearest ports are Dover and Folkestone, from where trains connect to Canterbury.
WHAT TO TAKE:
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with achange of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sunblock/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit
WHEN TO GO
Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well inadvance (and may require an alteration to the programme).
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44)