The Margate to Ramsgate coastal trail is among the most popular routes in south east England. Sandy beaches, stripy beach huts and salty cliffs lead the way.
It was an idea suggested to me by my sister in lockdown. With half of our family originating from the Kentish coast, it was quite the surprise to realise there were so many parts yet to discover.
There is no need for a map to complete the walk which I‘d place at “beginner” level.
Around 90 per cent of the trail is directly on the coast, making it easy to follow. Alternate between walking the promenade and wandering along the clifftops with sweeping views of the sea below.
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Margate to Ramsgate Coastal Trail – What we did…
It you are traveling by train, it makes no difference whether you begin in Margate or Ramsgate and complete your walk in either direction.
We opted to start on the Margate side and park in neighbouring Westgate-on-Sea for free. What a novelty!
In this guide I will be taking you with me in the direction we opted for, from Margate to Ramsgate, with the added bonus of Westgate-on-Sea.
The “Pre” at Westgate-on-Sea
Westgate-on-Sea is a quieter quaint seaside town with wide sandy beaches, cute beach huts and a sea view cafe.
Stroll along the promenade, sandwiched between the sea and the cliffs, for a good half-an-hour until you reach Margate.
Arriving at Margate is obvious as the beaches become busier with heaps of fun stuff to do. Quirky cafes and food stalls begin to pop up along the prom with ice-cream huts and funfair rides sprawled across the sand.
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Margate
The land of funfairs, Victorian rickety rides and ice-cream. It is here where the real Margate to Ramsgate coastal walk begins.
Margate is a bit of a cheap and cheerful holiday. Its wide sandy beach is popular among “Down From London” tourists with plenty of chip shops and water sports on hand.
In recent years, the town has taken on a new look with its now vintage Dreamland Funfair, indoor market and few but quirky food stalls.
If you’re planning to stop off in Margate, its Shell Grotto is well worth a visit. Its unexplained network of passages are covered from floor to ceiling with millions of shells which you can read more about here.
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Broadstairs
Botany Bay
Next along the Margate to Ramsgate coastal trail is Botany Bay, our first stop in Broadstairs.
On route, you have the choice to continue your walk along the promenade or walk uphill and along the cliffs.
We opted for the former where the trail takes you directly onto the sandy beach before rejoining the concrete promenade which leads you to the clifftops.
Before reaching Botany Bay, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Palm Bay which tends to be the less crowded of the two secluded beaches.
Botany Bay was pretty packed during my visit which we put down to a conveniently located car park and a couple of sea view restaurants nearby.
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Kingsgate Bay
My favourite stop off by far. Kingsgate Bay was a nice surprise.
From Botany Bay, simply continue along the clifftop and past the golf course where Kingsgate Bay comes into view.
Walk under the natural cliff archway or paddle board through at high tide. The Captain Digby clifftop restaurant has a great view of the bay and Kingsgate Castle which dates back to the 1700s.
You’ll also find plenty of cute dogs running around at this pet friendly beach.
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Joss Bay
Joss Bay is just around the corner from Kingsgate and tends to be much busier.
Personally, I found this beach was nothing to write home about but it does have the benefits of a coastguard, an ice-cream hut and a large nearby carpark.
Follow the road uphill as the sea disappears from view until you reach Joss Bay.
Stone Bay
Stone Bay is another top contender, dressed with stripy beach huts and a natural paddling pool making it a popular choice among families.
From Joss Bay, stroll uphill alongside the cabbage patches. Enter North Foreland private estate, turn left and onto Cliff Promenade.
Naturally, the path will lead you back into the estate and uphill towards the exit where you will reach a small road.
Follow the stone wall for just a few minutes before turning left onto a narrow footpath marked with a small green sign. Look out, it’s easy to miss!
The Final Stretch
Next up is Viking Bay, home to the Dickens House Museum. Continue via the W Cliff Promenade towards Dumpton Gap and walk through King George VI Memorial Park. Follow the coast until you reach your final destination!
Margate to Ramsgate coastal trail
If you decide to take up the challenge, please let me know! Drop me a message or leave a comment in the box below.
Happy hiking,
Laura Wanderland x
