Walking with the Vikings

East Kent has a long history of attempted (Julius Caesar, Napoleon) and successful (Claudius, the Anglo-Saxons) invasions. As the Loop bus ambles, Margate is about 5 miles from Ramsgate. On the Viking Coastal Trail it's twice that but being almost flat and paved throughout, it's an excellent day out. The weather is almost Mediterranean and with the excellent quality of the sand, one might wonder who so many people bother with the Costa del Sol.

Margate is Ramsgate's boisterous older sister and although Dreamland is closed, parties are out to enjoy the early summer. The town has also discovered its artistic heritage, ranging from Turner to Emin, and there's a quaint network of craft shops in the town centre. And a discarded bus shelter has been converted into a Covid memorial.

Heading east, the seascape becomes increasingly lonely with limitless views over the Thames Estuary. One might have thought the chalk cliffs were solid but as the route swings east and then south, it passes several gaps leading to Botany, Joss, Louisa Bays and others. Places to explore another time. Passing Broadstairs, Ramsgate's genteel aunt, I am back to base with a healthy sunburn.

And East Kent is so close to continental Europe that on another walk my phone company welcomes me to France and their roaming rates!Read more