WALK OVERVIEW
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 also 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 considered such an important strategic position. From Stutfall Castle, follow the peaceful banks of the Royal Military Canal. A fortification built to protect against any invasions during the Napolionic Wars – skirting the foot of the former cliff line through tranquil woodland. You may notice on-route a concrete pillbox stands as 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 altogether with the fascinating cries of alien wildlife all around you. The park, owned and managed by the John Aspinall
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
Foundation, is host to more than 50 species of animal from around the world. It also contains the world’s largest family gorilla house and the world’s largest captive breeding herd 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 of your walk, 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 over the reclaimed lands and beyond to the open sea.
Local attractions If you want to make a day of it, why not plan your day in advance? Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is home to over 500 rare and endangered animals including Przewalski horses, Siberian tigers and the largest breeding herd of black rhino outside of Africa. Port Lympne is the home of the African Experience: a 100-acre guided safari adventure where animals such as wildebeest, giraffe, black rhino, ostrich and zebra roam free together as if on the plains of Africa.
Within 5 miles: • Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Kent's world-famous mainline in miniature, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway first opened to traffic in July 1927 as the 'World's Smallest Public Railway', and now covers a distance of 13.5 miles. For more information visit www.rhdr.org.uk • Brockhill Country Park A popular family-orientated park, Brockhill Country Park has lots to offer, from its rich variety of wildlife, to its wonderful walks. For more information visit www.kent.gov.uk/kentcountryparks
To find more walks in Kent visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent
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