SWC 101: Ramsgate to Margate or vice versa via Broadstairs Folk Festival t=swc.101
Distance: 9.8 Miles or 15.7 km for those more metrically minded (walk can be shortened by ending in Broadstairs)
Difficulty: 2 out of 10
Train: Take the 10:12 AM Margate train from London St. Pancras to either Ramsgate OR Margate, depending on preference (see options below), arriving 11:26 in Ramsgate or 11:38 in Margate. It would also be possible to take the 10:10 Ramsgate train from London Cannon Street (London Bridge 10:07), arriving Margate at 11:42 and Ramsgate at 11:59. The more direct faster return trains from Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate are at 55, 01 and 07 minutes past the hour respectively. Buy a day return to Margate.
To the consternation of some, I am posting this walk with an option for the participants to go in whichever direction they prefer, possibly crossing paths along the way… It is an easy coastal walk along the Isle of Thanet (arguably where the east coast meets the south coast) with a combination of chalk cliffs and secluded coves (and excellent swimming opportunities – one of the best being Botany Bay). Thus, for those opting to start in Margate, it should not be too onerous to follow the instructions in reverse…. For swimming purposes, low tide will be around 13:45 and high tide at 19:50.
This posting also coincides with the festive Broadstairs Folk Festival when the charming seaside town is bursting with song and dance. Many of the pubs also have live free music offerings through-out the day and evening (voluntary contributions in the collection buckets always welcome). The music offerings are generally quite varied from traditional folk sing-alongs to more modern rock offerings.
Also, for the more cultured among us, there is the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate (admission free – but booking is recommended).
In terms of deciding which way to go…for those interested in visiting the Turner Gallery in Margate and swimming in Botany Bay, I would suggest starting in Margate and finishing in Broadstairs or Ramsgate and for those more interested in the Broadstairs festival, I would suggest starting in Ramsgate and possibly finishing in Broadstairs. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
There appear to be a number of potential lunch spots along the way with the Capitan Digby Pub (01843 867 764) being fairly centrally located on the cliff top in Kingsgate Bay. Tea and afternoon refreshments can be had at any number of places in Margate, Broadstairs or Ramsgate.
Enjoy the walk (whichever way you go)!