Join us on Saturday 26th September for another Brockwell Swimmers Swim/Walk adventure as we explore one of Britain’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. We’ll meet at London St Pancras  to catch the 09:07 high-speed train to Dover Priory before setting off on our 9½ mile (15km) walk from Dover to Folkestone. We’ll return to London on the 17:45 train from Folkestone Central, and for maximum flexibility we recommend booking a Super Off-Peak Day Return to Dover Priory.

Our walk begins in the historic port of Dover, whose strategic position at the narrowest point of the English Channel has made it one of Britain’s most important gateways for thousands of years (and a great place to start your channel swim). After climbing through the Western Heights Nature Reserve, with its impressive Napoleonic fortifications, we’ll reach the famous White Cliffs where spectacular views across the Channel to France accompany us for much of the day. Along the way we’ll pass the remarkable Sound Mirror at Abbot’s Cliff, an ingenious early-warning system that detected approaching aircraft long before radar was invented.

The route continues along the dramatic cliff tops through the National Trust’s Round Down nature reserve before reaching Capel-le-Ferne, where we’ll stop for lunch at the welcoming Royal Oak or enjoy a picnic overlooking the sea. Nearby we’ll visit the moving Battle of Britain Memorial, dedicated to the almost 3,000 airmen who fought in the summer of 1940. This is one of the highlights of the walk, combining magnificent coastal scenery with an important chapter in Britain’s history.

After lunch the path gradually descends towards Folkestone, passing several of the historic Martello Towers built to defend the Kent coastline during the Napoleonic Wars. As we approach the town we’ll enjoy sweeping views over Folkestone Harbour before descending to the vibrant waterfront, where we’ll finish the day with a well-earned drink by the harbour before catching our train home.

As always with our Swim/Walk adventures, don’t forget your swimming kit! Depending on conditions and timings, we’ll have the opportunity for an optional dip either before setting off from Dover Harbour Beach or after the walk at Sunny Sands or East Wear Bay in Folkestone.

This promises to be another memorable Brockwell Swimmers day out, combining stunning scenery, fascinating history and great company. Although there are a few steady climbs, the walk is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Everyone is welcome and club membership not required, just remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water and either a picnic or money for lunch.

Participation in this event is at walker’s own risk and the club will not be responsible for any injuries caused.