Ramsgate Circular Walk

As a lover of walking, mostly in rural areas I decided to change the pace and head out on an urban adventure. Towns and cities can be just as exciting and inspirational as their rural counterparts. They can even provide panoramic views and sensational sunrises or sunsets if that is your chosen desire.

I set off from the Pegwell Bay Hotel and passed The Belle Vue Tavern walking towards Ramsgate town via the coastal route. Not far from the start point, as you walk up the road past houses on the left and a caravan park on your right there is a small opening in the wall to the right. This small path takes you through to Courtstairs park with a children’s play area and a small hedged garden.

Heading out of the park and down a cobbled rockery walk to the seafront is a wonderful start to this urban journey. As the path opens out to the seafront and you follow it along until you head up the first steady path up the cliff face to the top. With views out to the sea you continue in the direction of the town. Following the west cliff path along the cliff top and past the little cliff top cafe and old lift.

As the path begins to become more urban you get views of the only Royal Harbour in the UK. Heading down Jabobs ladder steps straight onto the harbour you are greeted with lovely little cafes and shops tucked into the arches below the road with views of all the boats moored in the harbour.

Following the harbour around until you are greeted by the worlds largest Whetherspoons in the world. Once a casino it is now a popular pub and eatery. But, as you approach you head off to the left between a bar and fish and chip shop and wind your way around and up tiled steps. Turning right and heading back up to the top of the cliff to continue onwards towards Broadstairs.

As you wander along you will pass the old bandstand and then the Granville Theatre. Freshly renovated with a cafe to stop at to freshen up and grab a takeaway hot chocolate for your walk. Over the cliff you might spot the entrance to the Ramsgate Tunnels, located on the beachfront. You continue to walk until you find yourself at King George 5th park. A wander though here and you’ll spot a children’s play area and the Italianate Greenhouse open for tea and cake at various times during the summer. If you are lucky enough you might also spot a beautiful green and vibrant parakeet, or at least your probably hear them if you don’t see them.

Out for the park you head into urbania and follow the main road along past The Petticoat Lane Emporium. A place filled with retro and vintage treasures. Continue onwards towards Broadstairs still and you can find yourself back at the old bandstand and then Albion Place gardens. A lovely green area to sit for a break and listen to the small waterfall which can also been seen from the road.

Down the hill you head into Harbour street. Part of the main high street as you walk towards the crossroad centre. Heading straight you can admire the architecture above the shops which almost feels forgotten against the backdrop of modern on show at eye level.

Opposite the NatWest bank you turn left and find yourself walking past the town library behind its wrought iron fencing. Carry on a little and you can wander through an alley to the right hand side taking you off of the main road but with some more lovely architecture. The path leads straight until you find yourself staring at a Monet inspired wall.

Continue in the same direction and eventually you’ll find yourself at Ellington Park. With its bandstand, new cafe and children’s playground. The Bowls club is also here as well as a secondhand bookshop that opens in good weather. There is also a small train for children that runs during the spring and summer.

The main attractions over you can head up station approach to the train station or head towards St Lawrence and down Nethercourt hill and on to Chilton Lane back towards the Pegwell Bay hotel completing this circular walk.

An easy route with some uphill climbs this is a great route to encompass what this historic coastal town has to offer. You can follow this path on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/uCoVZSCp08o?si=41FUbw6C4ceP90LZ