Walk Eight (8 of 9)

Saturday 5th September, 2026 11.00am start time 11.00am. Duration 4 hours

DOVER DOWNLAND & CHANNEL VIEWS, DOVER PRIORY RAILWAY STATION, CT17 9SB

From Dover Priory railway station, we’ll take a gentle paced walk with stops, up to the top of the Western Heights to walk around the perimeter of a historic, Napoleonic sunken hill fort. We will walk around the chalk meadows that surround the fortress and now are part of the Western Heights Local Nature Reserve grazed by rare breed Dexter cattle. We’ll stop to look at the stunning views, geology, chalk landscape, plants, wildlife and parts of the fortress until we come to a spectacular view point above Aycliffe where on a good day you can see to the edge of the White Cliffs of Dover across the sea to the French coast beyond. We will walk down the hill to cross over the A20 foot bridge to walk into the field on Shakespeare Cliff then follow the North Downs Way/Kings Charles III coastal path back over the Western Heights until we descend down into the town back to the railway station.

Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinking water.

Booking Essential. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, Ecologist and GeoAmbassador

MEET: Outside Dover Priory railway station, Priory Station Approach Road, Folkestone Road, Dover. Post Code: CT17 9SB

DISTANCE: 3.5 - 4 miles (approximately 3.5- 4 hours includes stop for packed lunch).

GRADE: A strenuous walk from the town up the hill to the Western Heights then following uneven country paths around the Western Heights to the top of Aycliffe; descending the hill to cross the pedestrian footbridge across the A20 to ascend slightly onto Shakespeare Cliff. There are sets of steep steps and uneven country footpaths. We will walk through fields with farm animals.

What you need to bring with you

Please wear suitable boots or stout shoes with good grip. Not open-toed sandels or shoes as with open-toed shoes feet are more prone to injury. Walking poles may be helpful.

Bring waterproof clothing if rain is forecast. Bring a sun hat, sun lotion and plenty to drink in hot and sunny weather. There is little shade on this walk.

Bring a packed and plenty of drinks.

Whatever the weather the leader will endeavour to be at the start of the event, although the event may have to be varied or even cancelled in some circumstances.

Description supplied by the event organiser.