insideKENT Magazine Issue 25 - April 2014 | Page 97

When the Romans built a fort here in 43AD the
landscape would have been entirely different.
The sea was almost a mile away, but by the early
19th century the sea was so close that the
villagers moved inland and the towers were
resting at the edge of the beach.
Your route follows the Saxon Shore Way across
fields and turns right to follow the path along the
field edge.
Across the railway line there are magnificent
views back towards the imposing towers.
Reculver’s towers are the remains of a monastic
church and have dominated the skyline since
the 12th century.

Over the other side of the railway line you’ll come
across a peaceful track enclosed by woodland.
Approaching a house, take the path to the right
alongside the river and across the field.

Cross through the fields and head towards the
cliffs. This last stretch of your walk edges the
coast while dramatic views of the Reculver Towers
rise ahead.

The Wantsum walk cuts across the fields to lead
you to the small village of Hillborough. The rubble
which surrounds the Reculver Towers today was
once St Mary’s Church which was demolished
in 1805 to create a new village church at
Hillborough.

The eroding cliffs provide a habitat for a range
of insects and birds and Natural England has
designated this area a Site of Special Scientific
Interest. Common lizards bask in the grass, velvet
swimming crabs and Beadley anemones enjoy
the beach and swarms of mining bees can be
found in the cliffs.

The Wantsum was the sea channel responsible
for giving Thanet the title of Isle. The three mile
wide channel once arced across this land,
separating the Isle of Thanet from the mainland.
The distant twin towers marked the join between
the Thames estuary and the Wantsum.

Passing the Reculver Towers, return to the car
park and catch your breath overlooking dramatic
views across the coastline.

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.

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