Walk of the month - Lympne

By Sarah Sturt on July 5th 2010

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Location: Lympne, CT21 4LF
Distance: 2.7 miles (4.3km), allow 1 hour 45 minutes
OS Explorer Map: 138
Terrain: Tracks and paths, very steep in places.
Step count: 5,400
Parking: There is limited parking in Lympne village
Refreshments and facilities: County Members public house, Lympne

Leaving Lympne, your route ambles down a former cliff, passing Lympne Place and onto the remains of Stutfall Castle – Portus Lemanis, the former Roman Fort. Built to protect the fleet, it was the site of the fourth Saxon Shore fort taking advantage of a natural haven and key routes to Canterbury and London.
After the Norman invasion the Roman fort was left to decay. Lympne Castle was later built at the top of the cliff overlooking the marshes. Stone from the Roman fort was used in the construction of the castellated mansion.
It is thought that there once was a Roman watchtower on or very close to where the castle stands today. The dramatic views across the marshes and waterways make it clear why this was such an important strategic position.
From Stutfall Castle, follow the banks of the Royal Military Canal, built to protect against invasions during the Napolionic Wars. Skirting the foot of the former cliff line through tranquil woodland, you may notice a concrete pillbox, a reminder of more recent military threats to the Kent coastline.
Passing alongside Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, you could be forgiven for thinking you are on another continent with the cries of alien wildlife all around you.
The park, owned and managed by the John Aspinall Foundation, is host to more than 50 species of animal worldwide. It also contains the world's largest family gorilla house and the world's largest captive breading heard of black rhino outside Africa. If you keep an eye out you may spot a resident giraffe or zebra enjoying the sunshine in the Kent countryside.
On the return leg, continue uphill to reach the summit of the cliffs to rejoin the road. Take a moment to enjoy the splendid views that open up behind you.

 

This article was brought to you by Kent Life

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