Whitstable to Margate Walk
This walk follows a section of the Thanet Coastal Path from Whitstable to Margate. The route runs for a distance of just over 15 miles along a fairly flat, waymarked footpath. As such it's possible to complete in a day for those with a good level of fitness.
The walk starts from Whitstable and heads east to Swalecliffe and Herne Bay. Here you'll find an award winning shingle beach, Victorian bandstand and gardens, and the world's first freestanding purpose-built Clock Tower, built in 1837.
The route then continues to Reculver where you'll skirt the edge of Reculver Country Park. Here you'll pass the noteworthy Reculver Towers. They are an important local landmark and are listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The next stage takes you past Minnis Bay to Birchington. Minnis Bay is a family beach with attractions such as sailing, windsurfing, a paddling pool and coastal walking routes. Its three smaller beaches are surrounded by chalk cliffs, cliff stacks and caves. The village of Birchington has a nice promenade and lies on the coast facing the North Sea, east of the Thames Estuary.
The final section then runs past Epple Bay, Westgate Bay, St Mildred's Bay and Westbrook Bay before coming into Margate.
Whitstable to Margate Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Whitstable to Margate Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Whitstable to Margate Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Whitstable to Margate Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At Herne Bay we recommend stopping at the seaside Four Fathoms for some refreshments. The popular pub was voted Kent Life pub of the Year and includes a lovely courtyard garden where you can take in the wonderful fresh sea air in the sheltered surroundings. They do wonderful food and can be found on the High St, Herne Bay, with a postcode of CT6 5LH for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate is a nice place to visit at the end of the walk. It's free to enter and located right on the sea front. Founded to celebrate JMW Turner’s connection to Margate in 2001, the David Chipperfield designed gallery opened in 2011. There's a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions and wide windows showcasing the views that inspired painter J. M. W. Turner. The artist went to school in Margate, and visited the town throughout his life. The gallery also houses a nice cafe which is a good spot for refreshments after your exercise.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Whitstable Harbour was originally opened in 1832 and is now run by Canterbury City Council (the local authority covering Whitstable).
Gardens on the Seafront, Herne Bay Colourful flower beds on the Central Parade, just west of Grand Pier. In the distance is the Clock Tower.
Coastline east of Reculver. The pools on the right are a shellfish hatchery, Margate is visible on the horizon.
Minnis Bay looking towards Reculver towers. This is also the site of recovered Barnes Wallis Bouncing Bombs used and tested here by the dam busters in WWII.
The Parade towards Birchington. Taken from near The Minis Restaurant.
Low Chalk cliffs between Minnis Bay and Grenham Bay
Promenade behind Westgate Bay
