Royal Military Canal Path
A 27-mile long-distance path along a scheduled ancient monument of military significance in the south-east of England. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TQ 888 134
Distance: 27 miles (43 km)
Time: 10–13 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
124 Hastings, Bexhill, Battle and Robertsbridge
125 Romney Marsh, Rye, Winchelsea, Tenterden and New Romney
138 Dover, Folkestone and Hythe
Summary
The Royal Military Canal Path mainly follows a canal-side path that fringes the northern edge of Romney Marsh and was built in the early 19th century as a defence against a possible invasion by Napoleon. The canal is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
From the start of the path at Pett Level, the walk visits Winchelsea, Rye, Appledore, Warehorne, Hamstreet, Ruckinge, Bilsington, and West Hythe before finishing beyond Hythe on the western edge of Folkestone.