Sunday 4th September – Ramsgate to Margate Swim/Walk – 9·8 miles

The Thanet coastline plays host to fifteen sandy beaches and bays and with more Blue Flag awards than any other area of the country, you know you’re in for a real treat. What’s most surprising is how much the beaches differ from each other.

There could not be a better beach to start out from than the wide expanse of Ramsgate Main Sands. This Blue Flag beach has a distinctly continental feel with its alfresco dining and amusements, surrounded by high chalk cliffs. However, as you wind your way round the coastline the beaches become more secluded and the cliffs even more rugged and dramatic.

Whether you’re looking for deckchairs to soak up the sun and boardwalk promenades, or rock pooling and fossil hunting among the caves where smugglers used to hide their contraband hundreds of years ago, this walk provides it all.

What you can be sure of is that you will feel as though you have been transported miles away, such is the tranquil nature of the sands. So as you walk along the shoreline with toes dipped into the water, or watch as surfers take to the water and ride the waves, you will feel the burden of everyday life simply melt away.

There’s no need to rush – with plenty of beachside cafes, restaurants and bars along the route, you can stop for a bite to eat and drink whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Beginning at the Royal Harbour of Ramsgate, you’ll walk along Ramsgate Main Sands following the Thanet Coastal Path through nine bays, including the famous Viking Bay at Broadstairs and the surfer’s paradise of Joss Bay, finally reaching Margate Main Sands. All beautiful and individual bays in their own right, with plenty of tales to tell if you know where to look.

We plan to take the 09:14am train to Ramsgate from London St Pancras so will meet at the platform entrance (normally 13) around 8:45am. Pending our pace the aim is to head back from Margate on the 16:55pm or 17:55pm back to St Pancras. The cheapest ticket is to buy a “super saver” day return to Margate to allow flexibility on the return.