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Walking Along the White Cliffs of Dover

Crossing the channel, you can see the stunning White Cliffs of Dover, but hiking them is a full-on fantastic experience.


“I hope you brought lots of water and some sunblock.  It’s going to be hot today!”  That’s what the parking attendant greeted us with as we drove up to her booth.  At nine o’clock in the morning, it was already a scorcher.

As we parked the car, we did load up on water, but we didn’t have any sunblock so we knew we were taking our chances. It turns out this was the hottest day in England in several decades! But we were so excited to hike along the White Cliffs that we just didn’t care.

The white cliffs of Dover.

White Cliffs for Miles

We had taken the 8:30 train on the Chunnel which was a half an hour earlier than we had booked, but with the migrant situation in Calais the authorities were encouraging drivers to load up.  The roads in France were blocked by miles and miles of trucks, but they kept one lane open for cars and we got through.

We spent the night in Calais, and the small port city had a quietness about it that seemed a bit out of character.  It was subdued.  The only thing hopping was the McDonald’s right next to the Chunnel line.  The crossing was quick and fun, but we couldn’t believe how many miles of trucks we saw on the England side as well.  What a mess!

A view of the castle.

Other Things to Do in England

The path will take you right near some gorgeous white cliffs.

At any rate, we drove by the gorgeous Dover Castle and headed straight to the White Cliffs for a nice walk.  The National Trust has put in a cliff-side path that is paved, easy to walk on, and has amazing views of the cliffs and the port of Dover.

All my life, I’ve heard of the white cliffs of Dover.  I’ve craned my neck as I’ve flown into London.  I never saw them.  I was always so disappointed, but this day all that changed.  Not only did I take in the gorgeous views, but I was up close and personal with the chalky cliffs.

The path can get tricky at times, but the steps and handle rail help.

Flowers, butterflies, green grass.  It was stunning.  We took our time peering over at the port and really just enjoying a pleasurable day out. If we had more time we could have taken the longer trek out to the white house and enjoyed a nice tea, but we were heading next to the beautiful cathedral at Canterbury.

Have you been to the While Cliffs of Dover?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Pin for the White Cliffs for later.

Walking Along the White Cliffs of Dover.
Walking Along the White Cliffs of Dover

Ian Mac

Wednesday 14th of July 2021

I really do hope those that haven't do get to see the cliffs one day. Myself, I live in Dover and although I don't get to marvel at their beauty on a regular basis I do sometimes go for a nice walk with the dog or even for a relaxing walk on my own. They really are a treasure and should be enjoyed by more. Just a mile in the other direction is Samphire Hoe, a beautiful nature reserve at the foot of the White cliffs. Another must see.

Criz

Wednesday 17th of February 2016

I wanna see these white cliffs of Dover one day! It reminds me of some cliffs back home.. great pictures btw! ;)

Corinne Vail

Thursday 18th of February 2016

Criz, I hope you do get to see them!

Mary {The World Is A Book}

Thursday 4th of February 2016

Wow..beautiful. I have heard of the White Cliffs but don't remember ever seeing pictures this up close. Gorgeous views and glad you had a wonderful day.

Corinne Vail

Saturday 6th of February 2016

Mary, It was fantastic, but believe it or not, I could have been happier with a cooler, more English, day!

Vicki Green

Wednesday 3rd of February 2016

I've heard of the white cliffs of Dover all of my life, too, but have never seen them. I really enjoyed your photos. What a lovely walk.

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 3rd of February 2016

Vicki, It was absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend it.

Shobha

Sunday 31st of January 2016

We've not been to the White Cliffs but we have family that live nears the Seven Sisters National Park in East Sussex just along the English Channel. The Seven Sisters cliffs are actually whiter than the White Cliffs and are often used as a stand-in for them in movies.

Corinne Vail

Sunday 31st of January 2016

Shobha, I have never heard of the Seven Sisters! Now, I have someplace else to add to my list.