7th January 2025. Back on the coast as the year begins. Finishing the circuit of the Isle of Thanet, starting out from Margate with its artistic graffiti, walking at the base of the cliffs, round Foreness Point to the chalk outcrops forming natural arches into Kingsgate Bay. Kingsgate Castle looms impressively on the cliff top – yet it was never actually a castle, but built in the 18th century as a stable block. Have horses ever been more magnificently housed? Continuing skirting the cliffs, and intermittent sandy bays, until reaching Broadstairs, and its Viking Bay and Dickens associations. An attractive, secluded seaside retreat. But no resting here today. Keeping straight on, finishing the circuit to Ramsgate with its Pavilion and Harbour. Then beyond, Pegwell Bay – landing site for Romans, Saxons, St Augustine and Vikings. Once the site of a hovercraft port, now rapidly rewilding. The Isle of Thanet ends with the outlet of the River Stour, and the trek inland to Sandwich – that Cinque Port now no longer on the coast. 18 miles.
