Around Kent > Coastal Walk > Whitstable to Herne Bay

Starting in Whitstable, this first 8km stretch passes through the harbour, Tankerton, Swalecliffe, Hampton Pier and Herne Bay.

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History of the area

A Saxon corruption of the name "Whitstable" was recorded in the 7th-8th centuries. Its current spelling was founded in the 1600's, when the area was deemed to have 100 families living there. Some key dates in Whitstables history include:

1287 - A massive storm surge creates the coastline as it is now, wiping out a number of small villages
1832 - The harbour is built by the Crab & Winkle Railway company
1865 - Hampton Pier constructed
1953 - Massive floods in the area cause havoc, breaching existing flood defenses, and beginning a rush to build better replacements
1962 - The sea freezes in a spectacular fashion
1963 - The RNLI station opens

Whitstable - "The pearl of Kent" - is probably best known for its oysters, and there are many high quality restaurants and seafood markets in the town. The council website exhorts the "vibrant contemporary arts scene" here, and this has been in part aided by the London commuters that have been attracted to this pleasant coastal town.

Walking east past the harbour leads to Tankerton - developed in the 1920s and 30s; and on to Swalecliffe - where there's little apart from a housing estate, the Long Rock promontory and Swalecliffe Brook. The coast then curves up to Hampton Pier and eastwards to Herne Bay.

There are a range of sea defences on this stretch of coast, with groynes and sea walls dominating. Whitstable town centre is situated in a flood plain and has both significant sea walls and a steep shingle beach with groynes. Tankerton recently had new groynes installed (2004), and more shingle added to the beach. Swalecliffe has been somewhat neglected and, in the 90 years following the construction of Hampton Pier, the coast retreated 175m here due to a lack of sediment being transported round the coast. A substantial number of groynes and a new sea wall were built in 1958, and there is currently a review of new schemes by the council to prevent further erosion along the North Kent coast.

The walk
Looking west towards Seasalter - these houses have only a short beach for protection
The Old Neptune pub - which was unfortunately shut when I arrived. Apparently this has had waves at the wall in previous storms
More of the steep beaches leading up to the harbour
The Old Oyster Store
Whitstable Yacht Club
There are a selection of seafood restaurants and markets on the edge of the harbour. This stand was selling small cartons of whelks, mussels and similar to the tourists.
The fish market
View out to sea from the harbour
Kitesurfers off Tankerton coast. The wind farm can be seen in the background.
Hiding away in the East Quay (behind the new leisure centre) was this gem - the Whitstable Brewery Bar. Opened quite recently, it has some fantastic views over the sea, as well as serving great beer.
There's a selection of guest ales, as well as the full range of Whitstable Brewery beers on tap.I sampled the Pilsner and Oyster Stout while a brief storm raged outside (both very good). A short break in the rain meant I didn't get a chance to try the Wheat, Raspberry Wheat and others. but I'll be back :-) Also has live music and a restaurant.
 
 
Tankerton Bay Sailing Club
A view to Long Rock
 
Swalecliffe Brook meets the sea
Apparently Long Rock has a reputation...
The mobile home...
...and campervan park in Swalecliffe
View to Hampton Pier. The "island" is the end of Herne Bay pier, further round the coast
The Hampton Inn comes into focus
Coastal protection next to Hampton Pier
Another pub right on the coast - which has had sea spray clearing the roof in the past.Very friendly local with darts, pool table and huge TV.
View back to Swalecliffe from the end of Hampton Pier
Approaching Herne Bay, with Reculver Towers visible as a bump on the horizon

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