Although this is a section that I have done multiple times before (I am a big fan of both Hythe and Folkestone and often combine them with a walk), I have set myself the goal of completing the coast path in order, and so needed to do it again before I can move on.

I was once again joined by my daughter and we began with an al fresco breakfast at Ivy’s of Hythe as it was a beautiful day and they have a lovely courtyard garden. We have had breakfast here several times before and it is delicious, although despite shakshuka being listed on the menu as one of the components of the veggie breakfast, this was the first time that it actually appeared on the plate, so that was a bonus!

After a browse in my favourite second hand bookshop, we walked for a short while along the Royal Military Canal, where preparations were well underway for the Venetian Fete, before turning onto the seafront. Looking backwards, I could see all the way round to Dungeness and was struck by how far I have already walked along the Kent Coast, and it made me very happy that I had decided to embark on this mini adventure.

I might have done this walk many times before, but you can always learn something new. I was aware of passing the blue plaque of Sandgate Castle, but had no idea that what I had always taken for ‘just’ a martello tower was actually the central part of the castle, built by Henry VIII in 1539 to a similar design as Deal and Walmer, and altered in about 1805 in preparation for the feared invasion by Napoleon. On the whole I am pretty good at paying attention to my surroundings, but sometimes I still end up with blinkers on, and I don’t think I have ever really taken much notice of the remains of the original castle wall either!

We had only really intended having breakfast out today, but it turned into a bit of a treat day with a drink stop at the Boathouse cafe on the seafront at Sandgate. It is always busy, so whenever we walk past and spot an empty table – especially when the weather is good – it seems rude not to sit for a while. I love the painted pebbles on the tables which seem to change with the seasons.

The Boathouse only has outdoor seating, and out of season, they always have blankets laid out on the chairs for when the weather is a bit nippy, which I always think is a nice touch. Today my daughter spotted that for the summer they had sunglasses and binoculars to borrow. What a great idea!

As you approach Folkestone, you begin to see some of the Triennial art installations from previous years, including these beautifully painted beach huts. I always look forward to the Triennial (an amazing arts festival held every three years, which sees specially commissioned artworks springing up across the town), and after the disappointment that it wouldn’t be happening this summer, am glad that it will be returning in 2025.

We walked along the beach boardwalk and down the harbour arm where there was a final treat in the form of a glass of Chapel Down Sparkling Bacchus at the Lighthouse Champagne Bar to celebrate my daughter achieving a distinction in her PGCE. It was lovely to sit in the sunshine, and the live music that was being performed created a really lovely atmosphere.

The tide was out and the boats in the harbour were stranded. The little bungalows from the 2017 Triennial always make me smile, even though the issue of multiple home ownership, and in particular second homes by the sea, which inspired the installation, isn’t such a happy topic.

We ended this stage of our walk by Sunny Sands, which was pretty busy with lots of families enjoying the summer holiday sunshine. Although we used to go to Dymchurch a lot back in the day, Sunny Sands was our go to regular haunt. I’ve never been one for just lying on a beach, so we would always spend our time making the biggest, most elaborate sandcastles. Until I have grandchildren and can do the same with them, I have no desire to have a beach day – a coastal walk is so much better! – but I do enjoy reliving the memories and seeing others enjoying themselves. It was a good finish to an excellent day, and I am looking forward to climbing the cliffs and heading to Dover for the next leg.

Read Kent Coast Walk Part 5: Folkestone to Dover here

Read Kent Coast Walk Part 3: Littlestone-on-Sea to Hythe here