Walking from Ramsgate to picturesque Sandwich, the birthplace of “sandwich”

GRADE: Intermediate hike, 24km/15 miles, 109m ascent, approx 6.5 hr walking time, mainly coastline, riverside and farmland.

This is a lovely walk, mainly following the Viking Coastal Trail in east Kent, a journey through nature, where dramatic cliffs, serene beaches and quaint seaside towns await to be explored.
We start this superb walk from Ramsgate, the historic seaside town famous for its Victorian railway tunnels with its beautiful coastline and one of the largest marinas on the English south coast.
Following King Charles III England Coast Path we first stop at the Viking ship "Hugin"which is on permanent display on the cliff top at Pegwell Bay. This is a replica of a Viking ship. It sailed from Denmark to Thanet in 1949 to celebrate the 1500th anniversary of the invasion of Britain, the traditional landing of Hengist and Horsa and the betrothal of Hengist's daughter, Rowena, to King Vortigen of Kent.
We continue walking around the boundary of Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, famous for its internationally important and rare plants and animals and for its birdwatching opportunities, where we can listen to the rolling waves on the sandand breathe in the saline scents of the saltmarsh. Walking on Thanet Coastal Path we pass Pegwell Bay Country Path where we can spot highland cattle and if we are lucky konik horses. From here we have fine views looking on Sandwich bay.
We then leave for a while the coastal part and continue hiking on Saxon Shore Way alongside river Stour for a while and then on Stour Valley Walk before entering Sandwich, the place that gave it's name to the "meat between two slices of bread" that John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, reputedly requested more than 250 years ago. Snadwich is a medieval gem of a town and a real treat for history lovers. This scenic town is surrounded by the remains of an ancient wall and is well known for its dozens of ancient timber-framed buildings on picturesque narrow streets, including Tudor inns and cottages, the Elizabethan Guildhall, the 14th century Fisher Gate, the Sandwich Weavers Building, Norman churches and the working White Mill.. Strand Street is thought to be the longest unbroken stretch of ancient timber-framed buildings in England. We celebrate the end of our lovely hike in a traditional pub for drinks and food before returning back to London. Feel free to join us!

MEETING POINT: 09:00 Lodon St Pancras International train station, in front of
the main train ticket office.

TRAINS: We will take the 09:40 train from London St Pancras International station which arrives at Ramsgate at 10:57, 1h and 17min journey time (direct). Return train ticket from Sandwich (save group of 3 or with Network railcard) costs approx £28.

WALK STARTS: 11:00 at Ramsgate.

LUNCH: Pack lunch, snacks.

WALK FINISHES: approx at 18:00 at Sandwich.

HIKE LEADER: Fofi

What to bring: lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear.

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