Location: The Marina Curve, Dover

Date: 6th December 2023

Blog Written by: Gini (Disabled Walk Leader/Founder)

We were blessed with beautiful sunshine but with a wintry chill. We all met at The Riverside Centre in Dover for their half price hot drink.

Then we headed off towards the River Dour, which is Kent's rare chalk stream. The water is so clean that Brown Trout live in it. We followed the stream, which was in a fast flow due to previous heavy rains, then crossed the road to Pencenster Gardens.

We then joined the North Downs Way where we learnt about the Pilgrims route of the Via Francigena. We ventured past the 400 year old St Mary's Church, and appreciated the connection with local flint used in these old buildings.

We headed past the market square and water fountain feature, and pointed out the close proximity of so much history in this part of town... from the Roman Painted House and Garden, to the Discovery Centre and Dover Museum which is home to the Bronze Age Boat. We also admired Dover Castle as our back drop.

We rolled down into the underpass which is decorated with all the boats, ships and hovercraft which would have used the nearby port throughout the ages. 

When we reached the sea front, we soaked in the view across the Channel to France. We interacted with the North Downs Way Art Trail piece 'We are all winners' and learnt about the nearby beach along the bay in Dover which is the starting point for cross channel swims. This part of the Channel is also connected to France under the sea and the GeoPark. Dover is steeped in so much history, Geology and wildlife. We could spend many sessions to explore and learn more.

On our return we stopped for a photo shoot with wings. So all of our group felt that we were winners at the art sculpture and also angels with wings too.

A stroll down the high street, stopping for lunch in a local cafe. We ended up near the Maison Dieu building and Town Hall, and heard a story about visiting the old Gaol.

We had a lovely day, despite clashing with the train strike which meant that a few of our participants and another North Downs Way Ambassador were unable to attend. We're already looking forward to the Next Dover Town walk in February 2024.

📸 Image Credit: Gini Mitchell and Laura