Walk this way: Minnis Bay

This gentle walk on the Isle of Thanet takes in Blue Flag beaches and evocative, medieval ruins, staring out to sea

 

Why go? Minnis Bay is a Blue Flag beach with golden sand and is ideal for families. From here, there are spectacular views across to the Isle of Sheppey, while the inland section of the walk by the railway track is rich in wildlife.

 

Route: Start at Minnis Bay car park, with the sea on your right and the 12th-century Reculver Towers in the distance, and follow the grassy path by the Viking Way cycle track as far as the sea wall. Turn left down concrete steps and take the raised path heading inland for just over a mile with the railway on your left. Do not cross the railway. Turn right along the raised path and pass a fish farm to emerge on a concrete track at Reculver, where you turn left. Follow the track alongside a Roman fort and turn right to cross the ruins and through to a car park. Follow the fort walls to the coast and take the track with the sea on your left back to Minnis Bay.

 

Difficulty ●  

Duration: 6.5 miles

 

Getting there: Birchington train station links with London and the Thanet towns. Take the 34 bus from the station to Minnis Bay.

 

Os maps: Explorer 150: Canterbury & The Isle of Thanet; Landranger 179: Canterbury & East Kent. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

 

How long will it take? Around four hours at a leisurely pace (this includes time for a stop halfway through).

 

Stamina required: The six-and-a-half-mile route consists mainly of footpaths and coastal walls. It is generally suitable for all abilities, but it may be a bit lengthy for young children.

 

Refuelling options: Providing live music in the evenings, menus based on local produce and views of the Kent coastline, The Minnis Bar and Restaurant (01843 841844, www.theminnis.co.uk) makes an excellent stop-off either before or after your walk.

 

What else is there to see? The remains of a Roman fort and the twin Reculver Towers (ruins of a 12th-century church) are an imposing local landmark (01227 740676, www.english-heritage.org.uk).

 

Wildlife highlights: The Thanet coast microclimate provides an ideal breeding area for wildlife and seabirds in particular. In the marshlands and coastal areas, look out for herons, sandpipers, ringed plovers and terns.

 

And for kids? There's a small crab pool and play area at Minnis Bay, along with facilities for cycle hire.

 

Where to stay: The Two Chimneys Caravan Park (01843 841068, www.twochimneys.co.uk), close to Minnis Bay, has static caravans to hire and pitches for tents and tourers, along with an indoor/outdoor pool. Or for something more luxurious, try The Bell Hotel (01304 613388, www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk) in Sandwich, a short drive from Birchington.

 

Don't miss... The Big Sky Kite Festival (www.bigskykitefestival.org.uk) takes place on 19-20 September in Margate, including stunts, displays and kite-building workshops. For foodies, there's the Broadstairs Food Festival from 28 September-4 October, featuring local produce and a fi reworks display. For info, see www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk.

 

Tourist information: Margate TIC, 12-13 The Parade, Margate (0870 264 6111, www.visitthanet.co.uk). Walk devised by Colin Bridge, local footpaths officer for the Ramblers Association, Kent.

 

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