WONDROUS WALK 1: Minnis Bay

Our first walk is from Minnis Bay which has plenty of parking, a regular bus service, toilets and refreshments. It heads out by the coast towards Reculver before cutting inland on a fine grassy lane towards St.Nicholas-at-Wade. At the ancient settlement of Shuart it swings east past ancient farms towards the distant spire of Birchington Church before cutting back to Minnis bay by the last traces of the graceful reedy marshlands that used to cover this area. Fine views all the way.

Thanet’s glory is its coastline. This Minnis Bay circular route enables you to enjoy this coast and a country ramble with extensive views to Reculver and inland to St. Nicholas. It provides a feast for the eyes and lungs on a bright day and a robust adventure on one of our more bracing days with well-earned refreshment at the end. Why not take the family and finish the day on the golden sands with an ice cream or some well earned refreshment.

Whatever the weather, make sure you have protection from both sun and rain and wear comfortable and solid footwear.

Explore, enjoy, relax !

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Start: Minnis Bay car park

Distance: 3 miles (allow 2 hours)

Taking care: mostly uneven farm tracks so wear stout shoes, take special care over the railway crossings, don’t cross if you can see a train even if it’s far off, always step over rails and gaps, be prepared for climbing stiles.

Stiles: Five

Parking: Car Park at Minnis Bay (charge) and on street parking along the seafront

Refreshment: Bar and restaurant by the car park and beach cafe below, tearoom at Minnis Bay shops, pubs and cafes in Birchington village

Services: Public toilets by Minnis Bay car park, also cycle hire, local shops at Minnis Bay and full range in Birchington

Public transport: Birchington Railway Station is 20 minutes walk away. The 34 bus from Margate terminates at Minnis Bay

DIRECTIONS

Ordnance Survey Map: Explorer 150

1. From Minnis Bay car park drop down steps or slope to the promenade. Turn left and walk along towards the twin towers at Reculver with the sea and sands on the right.

2. At the end of the prom climb the steps to the grassy bank and turn right along the cycle track. Pass through a gateway and continue a short distance along the concrete seawall. Look for a small set of concrete steps going down on the left.

3. Drop down to a raised path heading inland. Pass Plum Pudding Equestrian Centre down on the left.

4. On reaching a railway line, cross to a farm track winding through reeds then on between hedges of Hawthorn, Elderberry and Blackberry. Eventually pass Shuart Farm on the left and emerge onto a narrow road.

5. Turn left a few paces then right on a farm track. Keep on for a good way, between fields, with a hedge on the left. At a corner, go ahead through a narrow gap in the hedge and on to Lower Hale Farm.

6. Pass the farm on the left and keep going in the same direction. Pass the buildings of Upper Hale and continue up to a gate and go through.

7. Continue down between fields and over two stiles into trees. Cross a small paddock and one more stile then on over a footbridge to a field. Go up the field with a fence on the left to a drive at Brooksend Farm.

8. Turn left through the farm entrance and follow the concrete track through the garden and on between farm buildings. Keep on between fields towards the sea in the distance.

9. Eventually cross a railway. Go forward a short distance to a roadway. Cross this and continue on a footpath across the field ahead.

10. At the far side cross a stile and turn right to return to Minnis Bay Car Park.