Birchington to dover Self Guided Walking Holidays
Walk the Kent Coast Path from Birchington to Dover on a 5-Day Self-Guided Adventure
Embark on a 5-day self-guided walking holiday that reveals the very best of Kent’s coastal and countryside landscapes. Starting in the seaside village of Birchington-on-Sea, follow a scenic route along the Kent Coast Path through the bustling harbour town of Whitstable, the historic city of Canterbury, and the peaceful Elham Valley. Along the way, explore charming villages, rolling hills, and nature reserves rich with wildlife.
Your journey concludes in Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs rise dramatically above the English Channel. This route combines history, heritage, and natural beauty—ideal for walkers seeking a mix of coastal trails, countryside footpaths, and authentic Kentish experiences at their own pace.
The Finer details and daily schedule
The details
Schedule
Date: Available January to December
Total walking time: approximately 30 hours over 5 days
Location
Start point: Birchington
Finish point: Dover
Car Parking: If you wish to drive to the start location and leave your car in Birchington please note that parking charges not included.
Rail routes: Both the start and finish locations have good rail links to London. There is also a rail link between the start and finish location with a single change.
Route
Terrain: Varied with a few steep sections
Distance: 54 miles over 5 days
Walk Type: Linear
Your Walking Holiday in Brief
Day 1
Birchington to Whitstable – 11.5 miles* (Flat with a single steep incline)
Kick off your walking holiday with a stroll along Kents coastline. During this section you will pass Roman ruins, open paramaniac views of the coast and seaside towns, finishing in the popular seaside town of Whitstable.
Day 2
Whitstable to Canterbury – 7.5 miles* (Slow incline and decline)
As you leave Whitstable you will follow the route of the worlds first passenger railway where signs still exist of its historic past. Meander through parts of the largest ancient woodlands in England, pass ancient churches and stop to admire the panoramic views of the Cathedral city of Canterbury as you sit at the top of a breath-taking view point.
Day 3
Canterbury – Elham 14 miles* (mixed terrain)
As you leave Canterbury behind you you’ll head through some beautiful villages and hamlets each with there own individual charm. Following parts of two of Kents most scenic long distance trails prepare to take in the beauty of this area as the path winds its way through to the beautiful village of Elham.
Day 4
Elham – Hythe – 8.5 miles* (flat with short incline and then steady incline to Hythe)
Leaving Elham behind you, continue along this beautiful trail as it winds through fields and villages, and ancient churches. Stop to marvel the English Channel as you meet the south Coast of Kent and you make your way to the historic town of Hythe.
Day 5
Hythe – Dover – 12 miles* (Flat with a steep incline and decline)
following parts of the military canal, wander through the streets of the coastal town of Folkstone, pass ancient castles and admire the views of the famous White Cliffs as you stroll along the final stretch of your walking holiday taking you to the harbour town of Dover.
* Distances are approximate and may vary slightly.
What to knowabout the Birchington to Dover Walking Holiday
Getting to Birchington
Birchington is situated on the North East corner of Kent. 14km east of Herne Bay and 6km from Margate
Railway: Both Birchington and Dover have good transport links from London. *
Bus: The bus route in the area is managed by Stagecoach who run bus services between all major towns in this part of Kent*.
* Please note these have been supplied as a guide only. Boots On Adventures will not be held responsible for any changes or errors made in this section.
your kit list
- Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops)
- A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days
- Drinking water and a packed lunch
- Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
- Suitable walking attire
- Day pack
What’s included by us
- A 5 day self guided walking holiday
- Accommodation during the walking holiday from arrrival to final night
- Baggage transfer between sites
- GPX files to assist you on the trail and keep you in track
- Full itinerary of your route
What’s excluded
- Personal travel insurance (required)
- Getting to Birchington and from Dover
- Meals throughout your stay
Where will we be staying?
Accommodation Information
Accommodation will be in a mixture of handpicked hotels and B&B’s along the route.
We look to include hotels and B&B’s with breakfast included to give you the best start to your day. However due to availability at the time of booking there may be occassions where his is not possible. Alternative options will be provided should this be the case.
Facilities
Each hotel will have its own independent facilities. If you require any special requests for hotel facilities please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate.
Optional Extras
Option extras can be included. We will advise of these at the time of booking as each hotel is unique in what they offer.
Important notes
- Please ensure you are fit enough to attend Your self guided walking holiday. Boots On Adventures are unable to accept liability if you are unable to complete the holiday due to fitness or illness.
- A 50% deposit of your holiday is required at the time of booking with the ballance due no later than 60 days prior to departure. A full copy of our terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy is available on request.
- It's worth reading our guide to improving your map reading skills before you set out.
Learn more aboutthis wonderful Adventure
Our unique Birchington to Dover Self Guided Walking Holiday has been specially curated to provide a mixture of the best of Kent. From coastal views, woodland walks, historical sites and stunning countryside scenery this route combines our favourite areas of Kent in one walking holiday.
As you walk this easy to follow route you will take in sections of Kents most scenic long distance trails including the Saxon Shoreway, King Charles III coast path, North Downs Way and the Elham Valley trail. You will pass historical and world heritage sites, thick woodland, picturesque villages and expansive seaside vistas all on well managed footpaths.