Folkestone to Dover

(Our overall day number 72 - Part of The KC3 ECP Leg 26 - Folkestone to Ramsgate)

Folkestone to Dover

15th February 2025 | Miles 7.8 | Elevation gain 1274ft

Just under 8 miles, starting with a lung-busting climb right out of Folkestone onto the high chalk cliffs of Kent, reaching 550ft. Take a breather at the top and visit the fabulous Battle of Britain Memorial. Then it's mostly along the cliffs, some muddy sections (we did this in February), before ending with a couple of steep ups and downs coming into Dover. This was part of a longer walk to Ramsgate - it's well served by convenient train stops every 8-10 miles, perfect walking distance for shorter winter days.
OS Maps Logo
OS Map Preview
View this day's route on OS Maps
Getting there and back
We were staying in Folkestone so walked from our accommodation, and then caught the train back from Dover Priory station at the end of the day - easy to get around on the train
Weather conditions
Mostly dry, but cold - we were walking into a pesky easterly wind, had to stay well wrapped up
Walking difficulty
Moderate - it's a steep climb out of Folkestone for the first two miles, generally easier on top of the cliffs, but then a couple of ups and downs on the way into Dover. Not an especially long day but aerobic!

The story of our day in photos

View of sunrise from our flat in Folkestone
Heading out from Folkestone - just about to start the big climb
Chalk cliffs near Folkestone
Looking back over Folkestone
And higher
Battle of Britain Memorial, high on the cliffs near Capel-le-Ferne. Well worth a visit.
Spot of mud!
Quite spectacular cliff top walking near Abbot's Cliff
Looking down towards Dover
Approaching Dover
Dover Docks
Back in Folkestone - Rocksalt fish restaurant
Useful links
Buritto Buoy, Folkestone
Decent Mexican food and cocktails as well!
The Beer Shop, Folkestone
Excellent craft beer in the centre of Folkestone
Rocksalt, Folkestone
Posh, mainly seafood, restaurant, right on the front. Had a lovely dinner here on Saturday night
The Port Arms, Deal
Lovely pub on the seafront - we had a pint and a snack here after our walk on Sunday, while waiting for the train to Folkestone
The Taphouse, Deal
Brilliant craft beer bar, we had a (nother) pint here while waiting for the train back to Folkestone after our walk on Sunday. ** Update - sadly looks like this shut down in May 2025 to allow residential development - aagh 😒
The Ship Inn, Folkestone
Old fashioned pub serving pub food - we ate here on Sunday night
The New Inn, Sandwich
Nice pub by the water, we had a drink here after our walk on Monday, while waiting for our train back to Folkestone
Bella Vita, Folkestone
Decent Italian food - we ate here on Monday
Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-le-Ferne
On the path, top of the cliffs, after the big climb out of Folkestone. The skies above here were named Hellfire Corner. It's brilliant and well worth a visit - it was so cold that we only spent 15 minutes here but we'd go back!
National Trails for this leg
Link to the National trails information for this leg