Saxon Shore Way

Saxon Shoreway Imagine stepping back in time and discovering the coastline of the Garden of England as it stood more than 1,600 years ago.

The Saxon Shore Way long distance walking route is named after the line of historic fortifications that defended the Kent coast at the end of the Roman era.

This 160 miles (257km) route from the bustling port of Gravesend, in North Kent, to the popular seaside town of Hastings in East Sussex, offers some of the finest coastal walking in England.

The route features a range of landscapes and scenery, as well as a wealth of cultural and historic interest. There is something for everyone along the Saxon Shore Way.

View a 360 degree image of Oare Marsh

History

The route offers walkers an excellent opportunity to explore Kent's history.

Follow the Saxon Shore Way along Kent's ancient coastline, which in many places is now miles inland. Walkers along the route will find Iron Age hill forts; magnificent churches and an impressive cathedral; Martello towers; historic ports; and castles dating from periods throughout history.

Did you know?

The modern sandwich is said to have been invented by the fourth Earl of Sandwich.

Landscape and nature

Saxon Shoreway Enjoy the inspiring landscape and natural beauty of the coastal areas of Kent along this fabulous route.

The Saxon Shore Way passes through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest and several Nature Reserves.

The North Kent Marshes - recognised as one of the most important estuarine habitats for birds in the UK - are also found on the route.

These are outstanding places to visit to admire flocks of migrating birds, wildfowl and wading birds; plants; butterflies and moths; invertebrates; and small mammals.

Did you know?

The marsh frog, found across Romney Marsh, is frequently called the 'laughing frog' because of its rather unusual 'croak'.

Circular walks and a new guidebook

A new guidebook for the Saxon Shore Way is now available to buy.

The book provides an overview of this popular route as well as maps and guides to eight short circular walks along the Saxon Shore Way.

The book features circular walks at Rochester, Oare, Grove Ferry, Sandwich, St Margaret's Bay, Lympne, Hamstreet and Stone-in-Oxney.

Take a look at some of the beautiful scenery encountered along the walks in the Saxon Shore Way image gallery.

Each circular walk is complete with an introduction, a map and some interesting facts and suggestions of what to look out for on the way.

Why not try out one of the new circular walks from the book. Read the Saxon Shoreway taster online now or download a free taster of the guidebook (PDF, 1.8MB) with walks at St Margaret's Bay and Grove Ferry, and start exploring the historic Saxon Shore Way today.

The new guidebook, Circular walks along the Saxon Shore Way, is priced at £4.99 and is available from our shop.