Walking the Ramsgate Kent Coast

It’s a brave person who says they've seen all that Ramsgate and the surrounding area has to offer. Steeped in over 300 years of history and blessed with some truly remarkable architecture and natural wildlife - not to mention the only ‘Royal’ harbour in the UK - there is a great deal to discover, experience and enjoy.

The Active Ramsgate programme includes new routes on the Kent coast that have been created to help walkers experience as much of the attractions as possible – as easily as possible.

A Royal Harbour with the common touch. An English monument to a Viking invasion. A nature reserve you’ll want to shout about. Whatever you think you know about the South East coast, get ready to think again, because this is a route that’s brimming with fascinating contradictions.

Distance: 6.1 miles (9.8km) one-way including Nature Reserve loop - allow 3 hours

If you enjoy the sea, you will love this coast hugging, cliff topping, café cruising circuit from Active Ramsgate. Like all the trails in the programme, this route goes the extra mile to delight and surprise. From the beautiful Italian Gardens to the breath taking views across Viking Bay, every step leads to something special you can enjoy.

Distance: 5 miles (8km) circular - allow 2.5 hours for the circular and 1.5 hours one way

Walking doesn’t have to be all compasses and yomps across the countryside. In fact, with a little imagination and the right routes, a stroll through an historic town like Ramsgate can be just as satisfying. With two circuits, numerous attractions and an impressive list of discount partner cafés, bars, shops and places of interest to explore, Town Rounders is definitely a path worth following.

Distance: Loop 1 - 1.4 miles (2.3km) - allow 45 minutes; Loop 2 - 2 miles (3.2km) - allow 1 hour

A beautiful beach ramble from Active Ramsgate, taking in the best of the Isle of Thanet’s coastline from the Royal Harbour of Ramsgate, right around the corner of the English coastline to the vibrant seaside town of Margate, home of Turner Contemporary. This route takes in some spectacular views across no less than nine bays, and stunning cliffs interspersed with wild flowers and vegetation – truly one of the most stunning walks in Kent.

Distance: 6.8 miles (11km) one-way - allow 3.5 to 4 hours

The “Way of St Augustine” is designed to be walked between the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate, and the historic pilgrim city of Canterbury.

The route includes places which are significant to the story of St. Augustine in Kent, as well as historic churches, and other pilgrim destinations.

Distance: 19 miles (30.5km) one-way - allow a long day

The Kent stretch of the England Coast Path was opened in 2016. Stretching from Camber in East Sussex to Ramsgate, this linear section takes you through stunning coastal scenery from outstanding views to wonderful seaside market towns and villages.

Your walk starts in Ramsgate, home to the wonderful Ramsgate sands, Royal Harbour and niche independent cafes and tearooms just waiting to be discovered in the arches surrounding the harbour!

Distance: 66 miles (106km) one-way - allow several days at a leisurely pace

For more walks in Kent visit the excellent Explore Kent Website.  You can also download the Explore Kent App for free, available from the app store. Browse and save the walks straight to your phone - perfect if you have no mobile reception and no need for printed leaflets.