Saxon Shore Way

Walk the Saxon Shore Way

The Saxon Shore Way runs for 160 miles from Gravesend to Hastings, following the coastline of Kent and East Sussex as it existed during the Roman period. Much of the historic shoreline now lies inland, giving the route an unusual course through estuaries, marshes, farmland, towns and coastal landscapes.

From Gravesend, the trail follows the Thames east through the marshland landscapes of north Kent. The route passes through and around the Hoo Peninsula before continuing towards Rochester and the Medway, with estuary paths, wetlands and reclaimed land characterising much of the early route.

Beyond the Medway, the Saxon Shore Way continues through the landscapes of north Kent towards Sittingbourne and Faversham. The route follows the edge of marshes and former coastal landscapes before reaching the historic town of Faversham and continuing towards Whitstable.

Around Whitstable, the trail reaches the present-day coast and continues towards Herne Bay before turning inland towards Canterbury. From Canterbury, the route follows the Stour Valley east towards Sandwich, crossing countryside and settlements that once stood much closer to the historic shoreline.

At Sandwich, the trail returns towards the coast and continues south through Deal and Dover. This section enters the Kent Downs National Landscape, with chalk cliffs and coastal landscapes becoming increasingly prominent around Dover and the English Channel.

Beyond Dover, the route continues along and close to the coast through Folkestone and Hythe before reaching the low-lying landscapes around Romney Marsh. Here the trail crosses a landscape shaped by changing shorelines, drainage and land reclaimed from the sea.

The final stages continue across Romney Marsh and into East Sussex towards Rye. From Rye, the Saxon Shore Way follows the coast and surrounding countryside towards Hastings, where the 160-mile route finishes.

Gravesend, Rochester, Faversham, Whitstable, Canterbury, Sandwich, Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Rye and Hastings provide numerous bases along the route. The Saxon Shore Way can therefore be explored as a complete long-distance walk or through shorter sections and walking breaks centred on the estuaries, historic towns and coastal landscapes of Kent and East Sussex.

Overview

Distance: 160 miles / 258 km
Typical duration: 10–14 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Gravesend, Kent
Finish: Hastings, East Sussex
Terrain: Estuary paths, marshes, field paths, farmland, coastal paths, chalk cliffs, beaches, promenades, rural tracks and urban paths