Should we walk from Margate to Ramsgate or from Ramsgate to Margate? Whichever way you want to do this walk, it is one of the most popular hikes on the South Coast and a MUST-DO! I did it twice, once in each direction, and there is no better route. While Ramsgate is much prettier, the food was better in Margate … so it’s all about what you prefer! For the purpose of this post, I will be doing the walk from Margate to Ramsgate.
Logistics for the Margate to Ramsgate walk
- Distance: 9.30 miles (15km)
- Ascent: 144 ft (44m)
- Walking estimate: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- How to get there:
- Trains from London St Pancras. I would recommend you buy a day -return to Margate.
- You can get off at Ramsgate if you are doing the walk starting from Ramsgate
- What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing, pairs of trainers (the trail is on concrete so I would not recommend taking your hiking boots on this walk),
- sunscreen, sunglasses and head cover as the path is exposed
- Backpack with water (2litres recommended) & Snacks
- Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available in Broadstairs at the Victoria Gardens
- This is a stile-free walk
- This walk is dog-friendly
- Where to eat:
- Ice cream stop at Morelli’s, Broadstairs
- Take away traditional fish & chips at the Bus Cafe, Margate
- Locally sourced fish & chips with a beer at the Mariners Bar, Ramsgate
Highlights of the Margate to Ramsgate walk
- The Viking trail
- Margate
- Broadstairs
- Ramsgate
- 11 beaches and bays
- Kingsgate Castle
- Eat at Morelli’s Gelato
Margate to Ramsgate Walk
Start of the Viking trail
Margate is a seaside town in Kent. It is well known since the Middle Ages for its port. It then became a favourite destination of holidaymakers in the eighteenth century, only to go into decline in the late twentieth century. Many attempts Have been made to try and revive the local economy.
As we come out of the station we walk down towards the beach. This walk is really beginner-friendly: it is a fairly flat walk and you do not need a map as you are following the coastline. We start the walk at Margate Main Sands. This is the main beach in Margate where you can find tidal pools, children’s rides and other amusements. The beach was the winner of the Blue Flag Award in 2018.
Related Content: Camber Sands Beach Walk
Walpole Bay to Joss Bay
We continue our walk along the coast and arrive at Walpole Bay with its massive tide pool. We then walk along the Viking trail and pass above Botany Bay. This bay is easily recognisable by its tall chalk rocks coming out of the sea. Fun fact: the music video of “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” by Shawn Mendes was shot on this bay.
As we keep walking, we arrive at Kingsgate Bay which is the most famous bay on the Viking Trail. It is well known for its sea caves which are said to be among the best in the country. The name of the bay comes from Charles II who landed here in 1683 and ordered for the name to be changed. Overlooking the bay, we find Kingsgate Castle. The castle was built in the 1760s for Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland and was later converted into 31 flats in the 1990s.
Right after Kingsgate Castle, we find Joss bay. This 200m baked sand beach is perfectly sheltered by the chalk cliffs. The bay was named after Joss Snelling, an eighteenth-century smuggler.
Last but not least is Stone Bay, with its line of beach huts leading to Broadstairs.
Broadstairs to Ramsgate
We finally arrive at Broadstairs where we stop for lunch on the beach. Broadstairs is known as the “Jewel of Thret’s Crown”. The name Broadstairs comes from a set of stairs in the chalk going from the beach up to St Mary’s Chapel.
After lunch, we could not resume our adventures without stopping at Morelli’s ice cream parlour. The shop was opened in 1958 by Giuseppe and his son Mario who emigrated from Italy in 1907. With ice cream in hand, we go back on the Viking trail, passing in front of Louisa Bay and its bouncy castle.
Finally, we cross King George Park, the only part of the walk which is not on concrete and end our walk in Ramsgate. Once a fishing hamlet, Ramsgate has now grown into one of the largest marinas in England. Its main beach, Ramsgate Main Sands, is the perfect place for a family to get together.
Where to eat
If you end the walk in Ramsgate, I would advise you to go for drinks at The Mariners nautical-themed bar on the seafront. If you end the walk in Margate, I highly recommend you go for a takeaway fish & chips at the Bus Cafe and eat it on the beach! They have the most amazing fish & chips “flavours” I have seen. Bon appetit!
Margate to Ramsgate walk map
Looking for more beginner-day walks? You might like
Kingston Loop: A Perfect Sunny Day Walk
Epping Forest: A Walk Accessible By Tube
Orpington to Knockholt: An Easy Sunday Walk
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