Jane's Folkestone to Samphire Hoe circular walk, 9 miles, moderate

A nine mile circular coastal walk from Folkestone to Samphire hoe near Dover. Starting at Wear Bay road near Martello tower number 1 we climb up Dover Hill to the top of the cliffs. We follow the cliff top path heading past the Cliff top cafe, along Abbots cliff and then descend to reach the tunnel through Shakespeare cliff, leading to Samphire hoe. On a hot day the tunnel is a cool but spooky respite from the heat. 

We will stop for a picnic on the hoe. There is a small visitor centre, toilets and a food kiosk. The hoe was created from the spoil dug out of the Channel Tunnel and is a haven for wildlife. It's home to a number of orchid species, including the legally protected early spider orchid and we might be lucky enough to spot ravens flying over the cliffs. 

After lunch we climb Round Down and head back towards Folkestone, but descend into Folkestone Warren near the caravan park. The Warren is part of Folkestone Warren Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve, notified for its chalk flora. We cross the railway line and eventually end up at the sandy beach where we climb back up to Wear Bay Road in Folkestone. 

A visit to Massimo's Italian ice cream shop on Cheriton Road, Folkestone after the walk is highly recommended.