Art and Nostalgia: Hythe to Folkestone

Cadw yn Fy Rycsac

Kent Coast Path: Hythe to Folkestone

From the whistle of a steam train to the art scene of Folkestone, amble along this beautiful stretch of the England Coast Path.

Begin in the west end of Hythe, next to the Hythe station of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway. This footpath runs right alongside the Royal Military Canal.

The canal will eventually lead you to Fisherman’s Beach, take in the fresh sea air, feel the breeze against your face and enjoy this flat stretch of coast. Passing by Seabrook and into Sandgate, a tiny village in between Hythe and Folkestone. Here you can stop for a refreshment with a few cafes to choose from.

Pass by Sandgate Castle, the first of King Henry VIII’s ‘device forts’, which guards a beach situated just 25 miles from the continent!

Admire the newly constructed vibrant beach huts, look out for the Leas Lift further towards Folkestone. It used to connect the Lower and Upper Leas, currently out of commission but transformed into a lovely cafe serving great coffee and food.

Follow the wooden boardwalk which heads towards the old Folkestone Harbour railway station and into the Harbour Arm. A now restored pedestrianised area and lively hub of Folkestone, filled with independent food outlets among other things.

Visit the Old High Street and Creative Quarter, a welcome end to this walk.

Route Overview

The icons below highlight the distance, difficulty and theme of this itinerary.

Distance

9.6km

Grade

Gentle

Landscape

By Water

Starting Point

Scanlons Bridge Road, Hythe

Time

Allow 2 hours

Accessibility

No gates, no steps

Credit: Iain Norton, Explore Kent photography competition

Kent Coast Path: Hythe to Folkestone

Every step of the journey has been carefully planned to help you make the most of your walking adventure. Click on the blue tabs below for more information.

Travel
Maps and Guidebooks
Food & Drink

Travel

By Rail

To/from Hythe: The nearest train station to Hythe is Sandling Station. Which is located near Saltwood. From the station catch a bus from the car park heading towards Hythe (approx 13 min journey) to Red Lion Square.

To/from Folkestone: The nearest train station to Folkestone is Folkestone Central and served by the Southeastern railway, this station is on the high speed route from St Pancras. Please check routes at https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/

By Bus

Wave 102 and 16 Gold bus services run from Folkestone to Hythe.

Check kentconnected.org for timetables and services.

By Road

Paid parking is available in Hythe, situated on The Green. Parking here cuts out the first 8 minutes of walking of this route.

Car Park:

Portland Road Car Park CT21

Maps and Guidebooks

Explore Kent has produced a detailed leaflet for this walk, produced in 2019. Available to download from Explore Kent’s website or request a hard copy from Explore Kent.

Food & Drink

There are various eateries and cafes along this route. Along the seafront there might be pop up cafes, Sandgate has a few, good independent cafes. Once in Folkestone you are spoilt for choice with places to stop at.