Dover's white cliffs
From the car park and visitor centre walk away from Dover, following the Saxon Shore Way through a gate and up over the cliffs past the coastguard station. Drop down and follow the trail around the edge of Langdon Hole, the path continuing along the cliffs and up to South Foreland Lighthouse. Some of the tracks branch off and lead very close to the cliff edge – there is a danger of cliff falls here, so keep to the main route. You may see some Exmoor ponies. They've been introduced to the cliffs to graze the rare chalk downland and help preserve the habitat. Follow the path up to the lighthouse.
With the lighthouse on your left-hand side, take the metalled track ahead and keep straight on along a narrow tarmac path where the track curves right in a few paces. At the end turn right and follow another metalled track, passing houses to reach the road at St Margaret's at Cliffe.
Turn right, keep ahead at the junction down Bay Hill, soon to take the path right, signed 'Steps to the Beach'. Steeply descend to a road and turn right, passing The Pines Garden and St Margaret's at Cliffe Museum. The village was an exclusive resort and the museum celebrates two famous residents: Ian Fleming (1908–64) and Sir Nöel Coward (1899–1973).
From the museum continue along the track, bearing sharp left before a cattle grid with the Saxon Shore Way sign. At the right-hand bend, go through the gate ahead and bear right along the grassy cliff path. Eventually reach another gate and turn left along the track, passing a windmill, to return to South Foreland Lighthouse. Retrace your steps along the cliff back to the car park – no hardship when you have these wonderful views.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
- Rooms 4
- Free TV
- Wifi
- Covered parking
- Rooms 6
- Free TV
- Wifi
- Open parking
- Family rooms: 5
- Free TV
- WiFi available
- Lift available



