England Coast Path: Pegwell Bay to Ramsgate

Do you love the smell of the fresh sea air? Long to gaze out to sea at the endless horizon? Then why not try walking the England Coast Path, one of two National Trails we are lucky to have here in Kent? From the wilderness of Dungeness to the historic White Cliffs of Dover, the England Coast Path is spectacular to walk, full of wildlife and bursting with historical sites.

If tackling the whole 66 miles of the Dungeness to Ramsgate section seems a bit daunting, then Explore Kent has just the solution. This section has been split into an exciting collection of eight smaller routes, enabling you to enjoy the England Coast Path at your own pace. The eight routes are short linear walks which are well connected by public transport. Most of the finishing points connect with the starting point of the next walk, so there has never been an easier way of completing the entire section!

Each route offers varying landscapes and different points of interests enabling the England Coast Path to genuinely have something for everyone - along with plenty of welcoming cafes and restaurants – a necessity for any great walk!

Let’s delve into what the Pegwell Bay to Ramsgate route looks like. Allow approximately one and a half hours to walk this route. Bus stops are located at either end of the nature reserve and from Ramsgate bus station; parking is also available at Pegwell Bay which makes this route extremely accessible for everyone, from those who live in Ramsgate to those who are further afield in Kent.

Begin this short four-mile walk at the nature reserve at Pegwell Bay Country Park, an awarding winning park more than worthy of an exploration before setting off. Filled with rare flora and fauna, this is an internationally important area. If you need any more persuasion, then it’s worth knowing that seals can be seen in fantastic numbers during the winter months along the coast. The park is ideal for walking and cycling due to its flat and surfaced paths, making it perfect to navigate the park with pushchairs and wheelchairs alike. Explore Kent is passionate about offering easy access routes, specifically identified as wheelchair and pushchair friendly all over Kent to ensure we can all enjoy the outdoors.

As you leave the nature reserve, follow the coastal path towards Ramsgate and keep your eyes peeled for the Viking Ship ‘Hugin’, a full-scale replica of a Viking ship. This was a gift from the Danish Government, the boat sailed from Denmark to Broadstairs in 1949 to celebrate the 1500-year anniversary of the invasion of Britain by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th Century. The coast path continues past the old coastguard cottages with great views back across the nature reserve. Soon arrive at ‘The Royal Harbour of Ramsgate’, decreed as such by King George IV in 1821 after receiving such friendly welcomes here on his embarkation during visits from London to Hanover. Rest here and enjoy the plethora of eateries along the harbour. When walking paths are this good, why wouldn’t you go and explore Kent?!