Saxon Shore Way
The Saxon Shore Way is a 262 km coastal route around the Kent and East Sussex coast from Gravesend to Hastings — following the shoreline of the ancient Saxon Shore through the Thames estuary, the Hoo Peninsula, Whitstable, Reculver and the Romney Marsh.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Saxon Shore Way
The Saxon Shore was the coastline defended by Rome against Saxon raiders in the late empire — a series of forts from the Wash to Portsmouth. The Saxon Shore Way follows this coastline around Kent and East Sussex, from the Thames estuary at Gravesend to Hastings, passing through the most varied coastal landscape in south-east England.
For trail runners it is a four to six day challenge with remarkable variety: industrial Thames estuary, the oyster beds of Whitstable, the crumbling Roman fort at Reculver, the flat grass of Romney Marsh, and the dramatic cliffs at Folkestone and Eastbourne.
The route
Gravesend to Faversham (~70 km): Along the Thames south bank and the Hoo Peninsula, then east to Whitstable and Faversham.
Faversham to Dover (~70 km): Through Reculver, Herne Bay, Margate, Ramsgate and Deal to Dover and the white cliffs.
Dover to Hastings (~122 km): Folkestone, the Romney Marsh (flat and atmospheric), Rye and the East Sussex coast.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Gravesend. Train from London St Pancras (Ebbsfleet) or London Victoria.
Finish: Hastings. Train to London Charing Cross and London Bridge.
Best time: Year-round. The route is largely at sea level.
Safety
The Saxon Shore Way is generally low-hazard but includes some unfenced cliff paths near Dover and Folkestone. For coastal emergencies: call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard. Good mobile signal throughout Kent and East Sussex.
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