Enjoy this tour along one of the most rapidly changing areas of Kent Coast. Wander through Reculver Country Park and you’ll see the impressive Reculver Towers on the coastline.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

Location: Reculver, CT6 6SU

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)

Time: Allow 2 hours

OS Explorer Map: 150

Terrain: Field paths; generally flat

Stiles: 1

Parking: Charged parking near Reculver Towers

Refreshments and facilities: Pubs and shops near start and at Reculver car park

Public Transport: For local bus and train services in Kent, contact Traveline on 0870 6082608, or visit www.traveline.org.uk