If my memory serves me well, before the tunnel was built between U.K and France, ferries were popular for the channel crossing, and the white cliff of Dover was the first sight of the U.K from sea.
We embarked on an early Christmas Eve morning for Dover, in a slight rush as we went with the knowledge that we MUST catch a train back to London before the closure of trains for Christmas.
We arrived at Dover, looked for a bank to change our old 10 pound notes before heading towards the cliffs. The town centre was bustling with shoppers. Even though it was Christmas Eve, the waterfront was crowded with people walking about.
We follow the signage towards the cliff.
As we climbed towards the hill, the Dover Ports came into view. It is the nearest U.K port to France at about 34 km apart, and also one of the busiest port in U.K.
It had rained before, and the paths were muddy. Unfortunately, we weren't equipped with the proper footwear for muddy terrain, so we had to tread slowly and carefully throughout the walk.
There were a few paths to take, and we chose one that went slightly uphill.
It did not turn out to be the ideal choice, as the path became more and more muddy as we progressed. It appeared also that it wasn't the locals' choice of path, as we spotted some locals along a different footpath in their wellingtons.
We asked a few groups of walkers passing by and going forward; it seemed that those who walked along this path were a motley crew of tourists, not really equipped for the terrain, including us.
After about half an hour of tentative treading so as not to let our shallow footwear get too badly drenched and covered in mud, we gradually descended to lower ground with flatter, firmer terrain. Finally, the lighthouse seemed 'reach-able'!
We walked on till the lighthouse, and then stopped to enjoy the surrounding landscape and the slightly chilly but lovely weather.
Some families were walking with their dogs on the path nearer the cliff. We proceeded to use the same path. Since the terrain was easier to traverse, we stopped to take photos, and also ventured down one of the gaps in the cliff.
The busy port soon came into view.
We had really enjoyed our walk.
Most of the shops were closed when we were back in the town centre. We had a tasty lunch at a Turkish restaurant.
We returned to the train station, and took the train back to London. What a day! I loved it!
Thoughts
Although the Seven Sisters Cliff are more well-known, the White Cliff of Dover had deeper impression for me since I crossed the channel from France to U.K more than thirty years ago (But I couldn't remember anything....).
We hesitated about going for the walk as it was Christmas Eve, and we would be stranded in Dover if we missed the last train, which meant we would be in danger of missing our flight on Christmas Day. Luckily, an early start to the day and a convenient (if muddy) hike along the cliffside meant a memorable visit with great views along the entire walk.
Other Information:
National Trust of U.K: White Cliffs of Dover
Wikipedia : White Cliffs of Dover
We embarked on an early Christmas Eve morning for Dover, in a slight rush as we went with the knowledge that we MUST catch a train back to London before the closure of trains for Christmas.
We arrived at Dover, looked for a bank to change our old 10 pound notes before heading towards the cliffs. The town centre was bustling with shoppers. Even though it was Christmas Eve, the waterfront was crowded with people walking about.
We follow the signage towards the cliff.
As we climbed towards the hill, the Dover Ports came into view. It is the nearest U.K port to France at about 34 km apart, and also one of the busiest port in U.K.
It had rained before, and the paths were muddy. Unfortunately, we weren't equipped with the proper footwear for muddy terrain, so we had to tread slowly and carefully throughout the walk.
There were a few paths to take, and we chose one that went slightly uphill.
It did not turn out to be the ideal choice, as the path became more and more muddy as we progressed. It appeared also that it wasn't the locals' choice of path, as we spotted some locals along a different footpath in their wellingtons.
We asked a few groups of walkers passing by and going forward; it seemed that those who walked along this path were a motley crew of tourists, not really equipped for the terrain, including us.
After about half an hour of tentative treading so as not to let our shallow footwear get too badly drenched and covered in mud, we gradually descended to lower ground with flatter, firmer terrain. Finally, the lighthouse seemed 'reach-able'!
We walked on till the lighthouse, and then stopped to enjoy the surrounding landscape and the slightly chilly but lovely weather.
Some families were walking with their dogs on the path nearer the cliff. We proceeded to use the same path. Since the terrain was easier to traverse, we stopped to take photos, and also ventured down one of the gaps in the cliff.
The busy port soon came into view.
We had really enjoyed our walk.
Most of the shops were closed when we were back in the town centre. We had a tasty lunch at a Turkish restaurant.
We returned to the train station, and took the train back to London. What a day! I loved it!
Thoughts
Although the Seven Sisters Cliff are more well-known, the White Cliff of Dover had deeper impression for me since I crossed the channel from France to U.K more than thirty years ago (But I couldn't remember anything....).
We hesitated about going for the walk as it was Christmas Eve, and we would be stranded in Dover if we missed the last train, which meant we would be in danger of missing our flight on Christmas Day. Luckily, an early start to the day and a convenient (if muddy) hike along the cliffside meant a memorable visit with great views along the entire walk.
Other Information:
National Trust of U.K: White Cliffs of Dover
Wikipedia : White Cliffs of Dover