insideKENT Magazine Issue 22 - January 2014 | Page 95

Location: Margate to Broadstairs Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) Time: Allow 3 hours Terrain: Surface paths along entire route with drop kerbs and tactile paving at all crossings OS Explorer Map: 150 Parking: At Broadstairs and Margate Refreshments & facilities: Refreshments and facilities are available along the route Public Transport: For local bus and train services in Kent, contact Traveline tel: 0870 6082608, www.traveline.org.uk Formerly a magnet for graffiti, the footbridge over the railway is now a spray can mural of Dickens characters and local landmarks. With the aid of Network Rail and the Thanet Community safety Partnership, local youngsters produced this unique splash of artwork over a Tuner inspired background. The historic village of St Peter’s contains 24 Dickens inspired mosaic panels. Once again these bright panels were created by local school children from Upton Junior School with the help of Martin Cheek. Lurking among the panels you’ll find representations of the infamous Bill Sykes, Scrooge, Fagin and Magwitch. Crampton Tower Museum rises ahead, a reminder of another famous Thanet persona. The museum commemorates the life and works of Thomas Russell Crampton, an engineer and former Broadstairs resident and its unique structure was designed by the man himself for his own water company. The Dickens House museum was owned by Mary Pearson Strong when Dickens was a visitor to Broadstairs and, just as Turner was inspired by the landscape of Margate, Dickens based the character of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield on Mary. The house today contains a wealth of Dickens memorabilia, the perfect end to your trail of these creative giants. Explore the museum and then saunter along the seafront, taking in views and the nostalgic atmosphere of Broadstairs. Your final stop is as fitting an ending to the trail as the Turner Contemporary was a starting point. To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling, riding and country parks in Kent, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent. Follow @explorekent on Twitter. 95