14/06/25 - Saxon Shore Way - Stage 7 - Deal to Folkestone

Dover is Over

The longest day on the Saxon Shore Way (SSW). Yet, surprisingly little happens.

A circuitous exit from Deal, investigating the unexplored southern part of town via Adventure Lab Caches. The military history; ancient castles and the Royal Marines.

Beach launched fishing boats

Deal Castle...

... and Walmer Castle, a little further down the coast

The Zetland Arms is passed a little too early. I may have been tempted if it wasn't a Shepherd Neame pub. No one needs Master Brew for breakfast. It's Special or nothing.

Likewise, the Coastguard Pub at St Margeret's Bay. Double digit miles to go, I'll keep plodding.

St Margeret's Bay - the SSW forces you down and back up again

Then Dover comes into view. And stays in view for a long time. The sky has a weird haze - almost fog-like - a hangover from last night's storm probably. Photos of large passenger ferries moving in and out of the harbour walls are poor. I can't bring you the White Cliffs of Dover, as I am on them.

Dover Patrol on the headland

Then there is the town itself. Whoever Dover was designed for, it wasn't the pedestrian. Crossing roads is near impossible - they are practically motorways, with fast vehicles and central reservation barriers. The signage, when you need it most, disappears. The Good Beer Guide Pubs that are open are up on high in town and away from the SSW. I’m not about to turn this blog into a political rant, but the type of people loitering on street corners might explain why BOOKING.COM is suddenly demanding proof of my nationality at check-in.

Inspiration from Churchill comes to mind. If you are going through hell, keep going.

Crossing Dover on Foot is not for the faint hearted

The cliffs are gained via a precipitous staircase at Western Heights. Where there is a Young Offenders Institute marked on the OS Map. I suppose they have to go somewhere, so may as well be Dover.

A frequent series of Geocaches takes me towards Folkestone. Which is a huge, sprawling town. The odometer clicks onto 15 miles and the watch 3 o'clock. That's plenty, I say to myself. 

The bus can take the strain for the last few miles from the Royal Oak Pub.

This, at the cost of the Battle of Britain Museum, which I can resume my journey from tomorrow. 

Walk Details

Previous Stages - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6

Distance - 15 Miles

Geocaches - 27