Anya explores the history, heritage, wildlife and shingle beaches of the Saxon Shoreline
To be honest, we were just looking for a nice coastal dog walk and a change of scene not too far from London: well, we got that in spades (forgive the pun) but also soaked up a whole load of history into the bargain. Reculver sits between Herne Bay and Margate on the Kent coastline. The 12th century towers of St Mary’s church and the Roman Fort they stand amongst teeter on the edge of the cliff dominating the skyline. It’s a dramatic sight. It was a clear day, and we could easily see the wind turbines seven miles out at sea, waving at us – a reminder that they are very much part of this century’s history (Thanet is the largest operational Wind Farm in the world).
The whole trip was very easy: we drove and there’s plenty of parking in Reculver Country Park (you could take a train to Herne Bay) where there are also loos and a nice-looking playground. The café in Reculver made us delicious take-away sandwiches for a picnic. (There’s also a nice-looking pub that serves food, depending on COVID restrictions when you go.)
We did the 3.5mile Reculver Walk using the excellent Explore Kent directions (which can be printed off with a map here.). A really lovely family walk with incredible views. Julia tells me that on an energetic day she has cycled with her daughter from Whitstable to Margate (approx 18 miles) mainly along the coastal cycle route,
stopping in the ruins for a picnic. It is perfect cycling terrain.
There’s plenty of wildlife here for nature enthusiasts all the year round but if you go in the Winter you will also see flocks of migrating birds gathering on their way to the Arctic.
Reculver Towers and Roman Fort, Reculver, CT6 6SS english-heritage.org.uk
Anya Waddington
1 December 2020
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