More Saxon Shore Way - from Sandling (near Hythe) to Folkestone. (18/07)

This walk was just under 9 miles & passes through a beautiful area of ancient chalk grassland which forms part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB). The rich variety of wild flowers & butterflies found here has led to much of it being included in the Folkestone - Etchinghill Escarpment SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) which has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) because of its importance on a European scale. Orchids are one of the specialities here. The route is quite hilly & includes many fine perspectives over the surrounding countryside & English Channel. As you approach Folkestone there are great views over the Channel Tunnel Terminal & Folkestone town. Evidence of human activity in the area since Neolithic times is evident in the form of several barrows (or burial mounds) located along the way. This is a very beautiful & interesting walk.

Tolsford Hill near the start of the walk is 600ft above sea level at its summit & one of the highest hills of the Downs in E. Kent. The 221ft high BT Tower is a prominent local landmark. Its reinforced concrete construction is unusual.

The stemless thistle is a common wildflower in the chalk grassland around Tolsford Hill.

The path leads down the valley towards the Seabrook Stream near the village of Etchinghill. The valley of the Seabrook is noted for the number & rarity of the crane fly species found here. The stream once powered several corn mills.

Nettle-leaved bellflower growing nearby.

The path passes through a tunnel beneath the now disused Elham Valley Railway. Built 1884-89, the railway ran between Canterbury & Folkestone but was never very successful & ceased operation in 1947.

A steep climb up this lovely combe out of the valley.

Small skipper butterflies were abundant here.

Looking back towards Sandling & the coast from the top of the combe.

I passed several WWII pill-boxes , one of which (but not this one) was built on top of a Bronze Age burial mound.

Caesar's Camp. Actually, the earthworks of of a Norman castle which was previously located here & nothing to do with Julius Caesar.

Great views over the Channel Tunnel Terminal just outside of Folkestone.

Sugarloaf Hill. A local landmark & important site for many wildflowers that are typical of chalk grassland.

Wild thyme: one of the common wildflowers that grow in profusion in this area.

Martello Tower No.3 located at Copt Point, overlooks the harbour near the end of the walk. These defensive structures were built between 1805 & 1812 to counter the threat of invasion by Napoleon. 7 Martello Towers are located in the Folkestone area.