Samphire Hoe - Kent
Samphire Hoe is a unique nature reserve situated at the foot of the dramatic White Cliffs of Dover. It’s a fascinating, manmade piece of land that didn’t exist before 1994, and is made up of chalk that was dug up from the English Channel during the build of the Euro Tunnel.
Nowadays, it is home to a rich array of biodiversity including rare species of plants, and is a lovely place to go for an accessible stroll.
Details
Length: 1.5 miles (2.4km)
Terrain: Mostly tarmac and concrete, with small areas of pressed gravel and decked boardwalk.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
About
This circular route gives you fantastic views of the White Cliffs from a very unique angle, and is accessible to people of all abilities. Starting in the car park you begin the stroll by heading through a walkway (past the signpost) onto a short stretch of pressed gravel, then the path turns into tarmac. The path has occasional benches to stop at and is mostly smooth, but has some areas of broken tarmac which can be bumpy if you’re in a wheelchair. It goes up and down over small hills, and about half way along you will reach a sign post that states it will be difficult for wheelchair users beyond that point. I found that from this point the path was slightly steeper and more bumpy in places, but it was most certainly doable in my electric wheelchair, but please use your own judgement.
Once you reach Samphire Hoe beach, head left and return to the car park via the sea wall. This route is ever so slightly longer than the path you came on, but I found that because it’s smooth and flat concrete I was able to travel much faster along it. Once you reach the car park, take the zig-zag ramp back up to your starting point.
Points Of Interest
The White Cliffs of Dover towering above you.
Nationally rare species of plants.
A huge variety of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to sheep and cows.
On a clear day you get fantastic views over to Dungeness, and even across to France.
How To Get There
Samphire Hoe, Samphire Rd, Dover CT17 9FL
Coordinates: 51.104955, 1.275640
Exit the westbound carriageway of the A20, 2.8 miles west of Dover, onto Samphire Road. This short road to the car park leads you through a tunnel which is controlled by traffic lights.
Between the main car park and an additional overflow one, there is an ample number of parking spaces, including disabled bays near the entrance to the walk.
Parking prices at the time of writing this (September 2020)
Up to 30 minutes - 50p
Up to 2 hours - £1
2+ hours - £2
Free for Blue Badge holders and motorcycles
Facilities
From the car park you can access the cafe where they serve light refreshments, and the toilets. This includes an accessible toilet stall which is unlocked with a Radar key.
There is also an education room available for hire.
Note:
In extreme weather the sea wall is closed, so you will have to return on the car park along the path you started on.