• Projects and issues
• Projects and issues
• Guardians of the Deep
• 'Your turn' to help the Turnstone
• Thanet Coastal Path
• Dog Walking on the Thanet Coast
• Marine Plans
• Water Safety in Thanet
• The seaweeds of the Thanet Coast
• Pacific Oysters in the NE Kent MPA
• Making a Buzz for the Coast
• Capturing Our Coast
• Footprints in the Sand
• East Kent Coast Photographic Competition

Following the Thanet Coastal Path is a unique experience following the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk coastline in the country - and covers the extensive Blue Flag beaches and wealth of coastal and marine wildlife included within the North East Kent Marine Protected Area.

This route was set up during the late 1990s as a great way of walking and with interpretation of the natural history of the coastline - with a number of interpretation panels that can still be found along the route. For example, West Bay, Westgate (PDF, 853KB)

The original leaflet has been scanned to show:

ThanetCoastalPath1A - Front/Back (212KB)

ThanetCoastalPath1B - Landscape and Wildlife  (260KB)

ThanetCoastalPath1C - Birchington to Broadstairs  (213KB)

ThanetCoastalPath1D - Broadstairs to Pegwell Bay  (235KB)

 

Viking Coastal Trail

In many places, the coastal path has been upgraded as part of a longer Viking Coastal Trail (32 miles) that roughly encircles the former Isle of Thanet from the coast (Reculver to Pegwell Bay), to the inland villages of Minster, Monkton and St Nicholas-at-Wade.

 

England Coast Path

In 2016, the new England Coastal Path from Camber to Ramsgate was launched, as part of the Marine and Coastal Access Act, 2009, follows much of the above coastal route as it becomes established around South East England. as part of this new national route following 2,700miles of coastline by 2020.   The next phase from Ramsgate to Whitstable (original consultation 2015) is expected to be open in 2021/22.

Video drone footage: Folkestone to Ramsgate (2016)

England Coast Path: Trail map (updated as the England Coastal Path progresses)

Access Restrictions - Western Undercliff signs, Pegwell Bay (PDF, 117KB)  Note: Dog Control PSPO amendments for 2020-23 removed dog walking access within all of the National Nature Reserve - so the blue hatched 'dogs on lead' is no longer possible (& will need to be removed from future signs)

 

 

More information: Thanet Coastal Path & Pegwell Bay

The Thanet Coastal Path - a unique experience

Explore and discover Thanet's heritage

Take a walk and explore Thanet's coast and heritage. Start in Margate, one of the oldest seaside resorts in the country. Stroll along the seafront and explore the old town and museum housed in the town's goal. 

The influence of Charles Dickens can be seen throughout the town of Broadstairs. Rest awhile and enjoy a light lunch, then take time to investigate the many shops offering 'olde curiosities'.

Continue on to Ramsgate, the only royal harbour in Britain, at the heart of this maritime resort. Famous in history for its warm welcome, Ramsgate still boasts a wide variety of hostelries and eating houses in which to enjoy your evening meal overlooking the harbour.

Thanet also provides an excellent base for touring Kent, with a warm, friendly welcome at the many hotels, guest houses and self-catering establishments, all at very reasonable prices. There is good access to the rest of Kent

The Thanet Coast Path is detailed on the Ordnance Survey Explorer series (map 150 Canterbury and Isle of Thanet). It was originally funded by European Regional Development Fund and researched by Kent Wildlife Trust for Thanet District Council.

The Thanet Coast, together with Pegwell Bay is an internationally important asset for wintering birds, the marine life associated with chalk caves, reefs and sandy bays. The area has numerous nature conservation designation.

 

Pegwell Bay: a natural treasure!

Take a stroll to view our impressive coastal bird life in the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve (NNR) but please avoid walking on the mudflats and saltmarsh to give them the space to rest & feed.  Access is available along the cliff top (part of the England Coast Path) or for ‘dogs on lead’ along the chalk near the base of the cliff at low tide; or within the Pegwell Country Park or Viking Ship Picnic area.

Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR leaflet - Cover 1a (PDF, 1,291KB)

Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR leaflet- Cover 1b (PDF, 1,202KB)

Sandwich & Pegwell Bay NNR leaflet - inside (PDF, 3,973KB)

Information: Sandwich & Pegwell Bay - birds (NE/ECP PDF, 1,583KB)

Access Restrictions - Western Undercliff signs (PDF, 117KB) Note: Dog Control PSPO amendments for 2020-23 removed dog walking access within all of the National Nature Reserve - so the blue hatched 'dogs on lead' is no longer possible (& will need to be removed from future signs)