The Royal Military Canal - Walking

The canal at Appledore

The canal at Bilsington

Walking
The Royal Military Canal Path runs for 28 miles along the entire length of the Royal Military Canal from Seabrook, Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex. The route treads a path between the vast openness of the Romney Marsh and the old cliff line with its wooded hills and quiet villages. Walking along the quiet canal banks today it is easy to forget that this was once the scene of intense military activity. Now, much of the drama on the canal comes from the variety of wildlife that has made the canal its home.

Many public footpaths link to the Royal Military Canal Path, so it is easy to plan circular routes that take in sections of the canal. For those who prefer to stay close to the water, you can walk the length of the canal in stages.

For details of how to walk the length of the canal over a weekend or in a day click here.

The Romney Marsh Countryside Project leads a variety of free guided walks and other activities along the Royal Military Canal. For a list of current events click here.

The Royal Military Canal Walks Pack

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the canal?s construction, the Romney Marsh Countryside Project published a new walks pack. The pack contains 10 self-guided circular walks, ranging in length from two to nine miles, that explore the wildlife and history of the canal and its surrounding areas.

Click on the cover for an example of the Royal Military Canal walks pack

Priced at £3.95, you can obtain a copy by sending a cheque, made payable to Dover District Council, to the Romney Marsh Countryside Project, Romney Marsh Day Centre, Rolfe Lane, New Romney, Romney Marsh, Kent TN28 8JR.

To find out more about walking on the Romney Marsh click here

For information about walking in wider Kent click here

For information about walking in East Sussex click here


Access for All

As part of a previous Heritage Lottery supported project, a five mile stretch of the canal, from Seabrook to West Hythe dam, has been surfaced to allow better access for walkers, cyclists and disabled users. A circular easy access route along the canal has been included in ?Walks for All in Kent and Medway 2?. To obtain a free copy click here

For more information on access for all opportunities in Kent click here.

For information on access for all in East Sussex click here

The canal at Hythe

The Canal at Hythe

The Heritage Lottery Fund project from Seabrook to West Hythe Dam is managed by Shepway District Council and has provided a range of enhanced and new facilities along the canal including: interpretation and life-size sculptures, landscaping improvements, picnic areas and improved facilities for cyclists. It is also funding a 10 year habitat improvement programme for this stretch of the canal.

For more information on this project contact Shepway District Council on 01303 850388.

The canal at Hythe