Discover Isle’s wondrous walks

SUPER stroller Colin Bridge is the Isle’s answer to the great Lake District walker Alfred Wainwright.

The organiser of Thanet’s annual walking festival and footpath officer for the Ramblers Association has likes nothing better than donning boots and stepping into the fresh air to follow footpaths and tracks. Now he’s devised a series of Wondrous Walks in Thanet especially for This-Kentreaders.

He said: “The three- to four-mile circular walks will start from convenient locations and take a couple of hours – ideal for those wanting to start country walking, entertain visitors or take a stroll with the dog.

“Thanet provides excellent views; seascapes out along the coast, sweeping, green panoramas across hill and marshes inland, tree-lined green ways over at Monkton, paths across cornfields at Sarre, the splendid way from St Nicholas down to Sarre Mill, zigzagging across fields by streams from Minster to the River Stour and following the cliff top path from Cliffsend to Pegwell with wonderful views of Pegwell Bay.

“Away from roads and vehicles, with grass underfoot, trees, birds and wild flowers around, peace and tranquillity takes over and there’s a chance to think and relax and go at a personal pace. Amazingly, it’s all healthy and free.”

Colin’s first walk is from Minnis Bay, which has plenty of parking, a regular bus service, toilets and refreshments.

He said: “It heads out by the coast towards Reculver before cutting inland on a fine grassy lane towards St Nicholas.

“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 can be seen all the way.”

Download the full details, map and directions of Colin’s first Wondrous Walk by clicking the link.