| Appledore, with its historic houses and fine inns, is an
ideal place to start and finish this exploration of the
Saxon Shore Way and to discover the broad skies and panoramic
views over Romney Marsh before joining the Royal Military
Canal.
The Saxon Shore Way marks the line of the former cliffs
before the  marshes were drained and it is hard to imagine
that much of the open landscape attracting walkers today was
once under water.
Built as a defence against Napoleon, but never used, the Royal
Military Canal is now a popular destination for walkers and local
anglers.
Kingfishers are seen here in summer and mute swan, moorhen and
grey heron are regular visitors.
A scheduled monument, the canal is now an essential part of the
drainage system sustaining the marshes, the wildlife that thrives
in these unusual habitats and the flocks of sheep that graze on the
marsh grasses.
However, not all the species to be discovered on the marsh are
native.
For example, the marsh frog, frequently called the laughing
frog, which can be found right across Romney Marsh, is said to have
come from just 12 Hungarian frogs introduced to a garden pond in
Stone in Oxney in 1932. The frogs escaped on to the marsh and have
flourished ever since.
For more information about Romney Marsh, its wildlife and its
history, visit the Romney Marsh Countryside Project (link opens in
a new window) website.
Walk information
5 miles (8km) approx. 10,000 steps. Allow 3 hours.
For a map and photos of the walk,
download our guide (pdf) or
download
this walk to your media player (zip
file). |