Accessible Britain

035 Samphire Hoe, Kent
Address: signposted south off the A20, 2km west of Dover CT17 9FL (not recognised by all satnavs);
contact address: White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, c/o Dover District Council, White Cliffs Business Park,
Dover, CT16 3PJ Web: www.samphirehoe.com Tel: 01304 225649 Hours: daily 7am–dusk Dates: no
closures Entry: free; pay-and-display car park (free to Blue Badge holders)
THE SOUTHEAST
The 6.4 million cubic yards of chalk marl that came out of the Channel Tunnel had to
go somewhere: it was piled in the sea below the White Cliffs at Dover and the result is a
unique, isolated stretch of chalk meadowland – now a nature reserve – called Samphire
Hoe. It’s a haven for wildlife and human visitors alike.
This brand-new piece of Kent is a magical and ever-changing place: tucked in under
the cliffs, it can be a peaceful sun trap and picnic spot on a hot day, but in rough weather
the waves can come crashing in. The Hoe is landscaped with small lakes and sown with
local wild flowers – look out for granny’s toenails (also known as bird’s-foot trefoil) –
and is home to the rare early spider orchid, which you can see in April and May. Many
species of insects and birds have rapidly colonised the area, and if you’re quiet, and
very lucky, you might see an adder. If you like sea-fishing, then bring your tackle along
and try your luck along the sea wall. And be sure to check out the sound sculptures,
which evoke the history and beauty of the nature reserve. These installations have been
created by local artists, who have combined pictures, sculpture and sound recordings
to tell the stories of the people who used to live here under the cliffs, and to evoke the
haunting natural sounds and beauty of the Hoe. An indoor shelter (open year-round)
houses six changing exhibitions of indoor and outdoor activities: call for details.
Next to the car park – which has four designated disabled bays – there is a tea kiosk
with a RADAR key-accessible toilet. The kiosk has free maps of the Hoe which show
all the paths, the many benches and the wheelchair accessible route. The full circuit
is just over a mile of asphalt and gravel path, changing to concrete back along the sea
wall, with an average gradient of 1:15, but sometimes steeper. The other paths are quite
challenging: the small shingle beach is accessed by steps, and on rough days the sea wall
may be closed, indicated by a red warning beacon and signs.
FOOD & DRINK aa Samphire Hoe is a great place to picnic; there’s also a kiosk in the car
park selling a range of reasonably priced hot and cold drinks, traditional snacks, filled
rolls and cakes.
036 Kent and East Sussex Scenic Drive
Driving distance: 62 miles Approx driving time without stops: 2 hours 15 minutes
You’ll be treated to plenty of variety on this rewarding drive through Kent and East
Sussex, on a route of many contrasts.
Starting at the ancient seaport of Hythe – which boasts a long, accessible promenade
overlooking the English Channel – drive south and you’ll soon find yourself in the
flat, bleak landscape of the Romney Marsh, a vast expanse of drained marshland
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