News

The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership have lots of interesting new routes, so why not try walking in Jane Austen's footsteps.

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE ATTENDING AN EVENT
Every care has been taken to ensure that the details given here were correct at the time of printing. You may wish to check with the leader by telephone before travelling, particularly when weather conditions are likely to be poor. The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Please note that you attend an event at your own risk. Anyone suffering from a serious health condition is advised to check with their doctor before attending any event. Please inform the leader, in confidence, of any serious health condition at the start of an event. The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Dover District Council and the sponsors accept no liability for any accident or loss.

SEPTEMBER 2011

Saturday 3rd September 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: LYMINGE FOREST
A gentle cycle ride through Lyminge Forest along one of the new cycle routes. Off road bike needed as this route will make use of unmade tracks as well as quiet country lanes. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Car Park, West Wood, Lyminge Forest (TR 141 439). Driving along Stone Street (B2068) towards Canterbury, turn right at Six Mile Garage and you will find the car park on your right hand side about 800 metres along the country lane. DISTANCE: 8 miles (2 hours).

Sunday 4th September 2.00pm
LATE SUMMER IN THE FOLKESTONE WARREN
A walk through the Folkestone Warren looking at any wildlife still flowering or flying. Suggested donation of £2 appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: At the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 364). DISTANCE: 4 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 10th September 2.00pm
HOE, HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Join in a walk around Samphire Hoe to discover the fascinating history and heritage of the area. Suggested donation of £2 appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display car park). The Hoe is signposted off the A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads

Saturday 10th September 2.00pm
IN JANE AUSTEN’S FOOTSTEPS
A circular walk around Goodnestone, Chillenden and Rowling, exploring part of the Miner’s Way Trail. Please wear suitable footwear and bring water to drink. Children (over 7) welcome. Suggested donation £1 appreciated (to WCCP). LEADER: Margaret, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Goodnestone Church (please don’t park at Goodnestone House), Goodnestone, near Canterbury (TR 495 205). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 11th September 1.00pm
FUNDAY SUNDAY & BBQ (Green Gang)
Come along to have fun and games finding out what wildlife lives at Frank & Betty’s Field. Donations to the cost of the BBQ appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07899 758748). MEET: Park along Harvest way (CT18 7PE) Hawkinge, walk down Canterbury Rd with the white horse pub on the right hand side, shortly after the pub on your left there is a sign posted public footpath walk 50 yards down the path F&Bs field is on your left (TR 220 395). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 11th September 2.00pm
ECHOES FROM THE SKY
This is the last guided walk out to the Mirrors during 2011. At the back of Lade Pit are the three Listening Devices built in the 1920s and 30s as part of a national early warning system against enemy aircraft. One of only two sites in the world where you can see all three designs, come and hear the fascinating story behind them. Suggested donation of £2 appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Lade car park on Coast Drive (half way between the Pilot Pub and Romney Sands) (TR 085 208). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (shingle).

Saturday 17th September 2.00pm
LYDDEN WOODLAND WALK
Varied landscape and woodlands many of which are quite ancient. Some hilly stretches make this quite a challenging walk. Many good views. Please wear suitable footwear and bring water to drink. Children (over 7) welcome. Suggested donation £1 appreciated (to WCCP). LEADER: Julia, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: By the pond at the bottom of Lydden Hill, Lydden, near Dover (TR 260 455). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.75 hours). GRADE: 3 (or 4?). Dogs on leads.

Sunday 18th September 2.00pm
IN SEARCH ON KENT’S HISTORIC MINNIS’
A walk through the beautiful landscape, part of the scenic Alkham Valley and Kent Downs AONB. Includes hills, woodland, downland and valleys. Starting at historic Kearsney Abbey, a walk to visit two of the Minnis’ and take a look at St.Radigund’s Abbey (from the outside). Hear about the history of the landscape, the local flora and fauna, and how the places got their names. Please bring a picnic tea with you. Suggested donation of £2 appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: Near Kearsney Abbey café (there are two car parks), Kearsney Abbey, Dover (TR 287 437). DISTANCE: 5 miles (Approx 3.5 - 4 hours). GRADE: 4 (steep hills maybe muddy in places).

Saturday 24th September 2.00pm
ELHAM TO OXFORD FARM CIRCULAR
There is a steep climb at the start of the walk but the views are worth it. Please wear suitable footwear and bring water to drink. Children (over 7) welcome. Suggested donation £1 appreciated (to WCCP). LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: The Square, Vicarage Lane, Elham, near Canterbury (TR 373 452). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 25th September 2.00pm
FORGOTTEN ARCHCLIFFE
Descend from the Western Heights to the sites of the Victorian South Lines Battery and the Royal Military Hospital, hear about the WW2 anti-invasion defences and even have a brief visit inside Archcliffe Fort. CHARGE: Adults £2, children free. LEADER: Jeff Howe & Paul Wells for White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 241806). MEET: St Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3
 

 Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News ©2011