GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Thanet Coastal Path

20 miles (32 km)

Travel from Reculver to Pegwell Bay and enjoy bays, beaches and spectacular cliffs along this beautiful coastal path. The walk passes through several delightful coastal towns and villages including Birchington, Westgate on Sea, Margate and Ramsgate before finishing at the lovely Pegwell Bay.
Route highlights include the variety of coastal wildlife, the popular Botany Bay and the attractive harbours at Margate and Ramsgate. You'll also pass the delightful town of Broadstairs with its strong connections to Charles Dickens and wonderful views over Viking Bay.

Thanet Coastal Path OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Thanet Coastal Path Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate is a nice place to visit on the route. 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.

Photos

Lagoon by The Thanet Coastal Path - geograph.org.uk - 1470124

Lagoon by The Thanet Coastal Path. West of Minnis Bay, near the Wantsum River.

Thanet Coastal Path towards Herne Bay

View from the churchyard, Reculver, of the Thanet Coastal Path towards Herne Bay

Cannon on Thanet Coastal Path near Margate - geograph.org.uk - 858313

This cannon is one of two which can be seen on the path near Margate. It is located off the B2051 Fort Hill as it slopes upward from the Lifeboat Station towards Cliftonville. I am unsure of which period they date from, but they remain in all their glory here today! View taken looking north-northwest - out to sea.

Cyclists on the Thanet Coastal Path - geograph.org.uk - 2006214

Cyclists on the trail near Birchington

View along the Thanet Coastal Path towards St Mary's church - geograph.org.uk - 2573408

Towards St Mary's church

Newgate Gap Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 1485497

Newgate Gap Bridge

View of Westgate from Grenham Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1026288

View of Westgate from Grenham Bay. West of Birchington and around a blind bend on the Thanet Coastal Path near Grenham Bay brings this excellent view of Westgate-on-Sea (just a mile or two to the east). The beach huts along the promenade are clearly visible, as are a number of houses, apartments and hotels. The photographer's location is just inside the bottom edge of the gridsquare looking east.

Barrier Beach and Lagoon, Plumpudding Island - geograph.org.uk - 1471340

Barrier Beach and Lagoon, Plumpudding Island

Elevation Profile

GPS Files

GPX File

Thanet Coastal Path.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Thanet Coastal Path.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)