East Kent is set to become a haven for walkers this Twixmas, offering a diverse array of scenic trails that promise breathtaking views, invigorating fresh air, and a perfect escape between Christmas and New Year. With excellent transport links and accessible routes, exploring the stunning landscapes of Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, and the Isle of Thanet has never been easier. From gentle coastal strolls that form part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, to historic inland adventures, there's a perfect path waiting for every visitor.

The Wye Downs Walk, Ashford

The Wye Downs Walk is a captivating trail through the historic village of Wye and the sweeping chalk hills of the North Downs. Suitable for moderate walkers and families, the route offers a blend of gentle lanes, steeper paths, and lush meadows. Highlights include the iconic Wye Crown, carved into the hillside to mark King Edward VII's coronation, and panoramic views over the dramatic Devil's Kneading Trough. With its mix of history, scenery, and wildlife, the walk is a perfect way to experience the charm of the Kent countryside.

Distance: 4.3 miles / 6.9 km circular trail

Terrain: Field paths and tracks. Some steep slopes.

Facilities: Parking, shop, tearoom, pubs and toilets in Wye.

Nearest train station: Wye

www.explorekent.org/activities/wye-downs-walk

The Oyster Bay Trail, Canterbury

This scenic coastal route links Reculver Country Park to Swalecliffe via Herne Bay. With traffic-free paths and stunning sea views, it's perfect for families. The trail passes Reculver Towers (including an excellent playground), wildflower meadows, natural cliff formations, inviting cafés, independent shops, and two piers. It offers a peaceful, nature-rich experience along Kent's shoreline. 

The walk can be extended by following the coast to Whitstable to explore the stunning fishing town and harbour.

This is a linear route, so please plan your route carefully. Visit the Kent Connected website to view transport links and keep in mind seasonal timetables.

Distance:  6.7 miles / 10.7 km

Terrain: Mostly flat. Promenades and residential roads. 

Facilities: Parking at either end of the trail. Cafes, pubs, shops, restaurants and toilets in Herne Bay. Cafe, pub, shop and toilets in Reculver. 

Nearest train stations: Swalecliffe and Herne Bay

www.explorekent.org/activities/oyster-bay-trail

Dover to Deal: Three Castles Walk

This fantastic linear walk, which can be extended to link two stations, takes you past three magnificent castles and across the epic White Cliffs.

The route begins in Dover, heads past Dover Castle, onto the clifftop and its rare chalk grassland, past South Foreland Lighthouse, and down to St Margaret's Bay where Ian Fleming once lived. Next, it's up to the clifftop Dover Patrol Memorial and Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Course, then back to sea level, through Kingsdown to Walmer Castle, home to the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports. Here you can visit the apartments and award-winning gardens. From Walmer, the route heads past Deal Castle, Deal Timeball Tower and Deal Pier. Deal train station is a short walk from the pier.

Distance: 9 miles / 14.5km  (11 miles / 18km station to station)

Terrain: Paths, promenades, field paths and tracks, some steep slopes. 

Facilities: Parking at either end of trail. Cafes, pubs, shops, restaurants and toilets

Nearest train stations: Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer and Deal

www.explorekent.org/activities/dover-to-deal-3-castles-walk

Hythe to Folkestone Walk: Art and Nostalgia 

Enjoy glorious coastal views and get your culture fix too on this scenic walk along the King Charles III England Coast Path from Hythe to Folkestone. 

Wind along the peaceful and historic Royal Military Canal in Hythe and then discover one of the UK's largest urban outdoor exhibitions of contemporary art – the Folkestone Artworks. Take time to browse along quaint Hythe high street, eat fresh seafood on the beach or even take a trip on the world's smallest railway. 

Folkestone is under an hour from London on the high-speed train. Buses run to Hythe from Folkestone bus station. Check kentconnected.org for details. 

Distance: 6 miles (9.7km). This is a linear route.

Terrain: Mostly pathways and promenades, no gates, no steps.

Facilities: Parking. Cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops, toilets.

Nearest train station: Folkestone Central

www.explorekent.org/activities/hythe-to-folkestone-walk-art-nostalgia

The Viking Coastal Trail, Isle of Thanet

Discover why visitors have been coming here for centuries. The route takes in the three coastal towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate and well-loved attractions such as Turner Contemporary, the famous chalk stacks at Botany Bay and the only harbour in the country with a 'Royal' designation. The 19 mile coastal element of the route can be broken down into shorter, walkable sections, which will still showcase views of spectacular beaches and bays and the skies that famous artist JMW Turner described as 'the loveliest in all Europe'. There are also six themed mini-routes to explore.

Distance: Margate to Royal Harbour, Ramsgate 8 miles (12.8km). Margate to Viking Bay, Broadstairs 5.5 miles (8.85km). Viking Bay, Broadstairs to Royal Harbour, Ramsgate 2.5 miles (4km).

Terrain: Mainly flat promenades, some slopes and steps to and from the beaches.

Facilities: Parking in each of the three towns. Cafes, pubs, shops, restaurants and toilets.

Nearest train stations: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate

www.explorekent.org/activities/viking-coastal-trail

For further information on walking in Kent, visit www.explorekent.org

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Notes to Editors

Images - credit/copyright listed on individual photos

The Oyster Bay Trail and the Viking Coastal Trail are cycle routes, elements of which are equally suitable for walking.

General Press Enquiries

Please contact Mabel Jenkin-Smith, Kent County Council Press Office - Mabel.Jenkin-Smith@kent.gov.uk

Explore Kent

Explore Kent is a Kent County Council-led partnership that promotes and actively encourages Kent's residents and visitors to connect with and benefit from the county's natural environment. They also highlight the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors and the importance of protecting the natural environment.

East Kent

East Kent is a geographical area located in the easternmost part of the county of Kent. It encompasses the districts of Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Thanet, and is known for its diverse landscapes including coastline, chalk hills, and historic towns.