View of Lympne Castle – Royal Military Canal loop from Lympne

Hiking trails & Routes

View of Lympne Castle – Royal Military Canal loop from Lympne

Moderate

5.0

(3)

hikers

View of Lympne Castle – Royal Military Canal loop from Lympne

03:25

12.9km

110m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Kent Downs National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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639 m

View of the English Channel from Kent Downs

Highlight • Viewpoint

This walk goes alongside part of the 600 acre Howletts & Port Lympne Wildlife Reserve. You can see wild animals, such as zebra, in the distance. Tickets to enter the reserve and see the animals close-up, need to be booked in advance.

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1.40 km

View of Lympne Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

A medieval castle dating from the 14th century, Lympne Castle was a historic residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It isn't usually open to the public but is available to hire as a wedding or corporate venue. For more details, see the website lympnecastle.com

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1.60 km

West Hythe Sluice Gate on the Royal Military Canal

Highlight • River

This is the third sluice gate on the Royal Military Canal to the east of Hythe. There aren't a huge number of bridges or crossings of any type along the canal, so this makes for a useful crossing point on hikes. The views of the canal from the sluice gate path are quite lovely, and be sure to keep an eye out for the flash of a kingfisher.

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2.36 km

Lympne Hill

Highlight • Trail

Hill Climb - rare in these parts!

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3.94 km

Sound Mirror by the Royal Military Canal

Highlight • Historical Site

5.58 km

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

Highlight • Structure

Great railway to spend the day hopping on and off the train at various stations and exploring the surroundings. The trains do have coaches for luggage and push bikes, space is limited for said items though.

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