Guided Walk: The Three Peaks of Folkestone Downs

Event Date: 10/12/2022 10:30 - 14:30

Come and join us on an exciting circular walk from Folkestone West Station to the summits of Folkestone’s three peaks: Castle Hill, Round Hill and Sugarloaf Hill. On our way we’ll learn about the geology, wildlife and human history of the Downs including Adonis blue butterflies, medieval castles, ancient burial mounds, sacred springs and 100-million-year-old fossils.

The walk will include some steep slopes and muddy paths so please bring suitable outdoor footwear. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. Duration: 4 hours Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5km) Leader: Alfie Gay Should weather conditions not be suitable for the walk, leaders will be in touch to advise postponement or cancellation of this walk.

Event Location - Folkestone Downs

Folkestone Downs are a prominent ridge of chalk hills to the north of Folkestone and form part of the North Downs escarpment that runs through Kent and Surrey. White Cliffs Countryside Partnership manage 72 hectares of the Downs on behalf of Eurotunnel including Castle Hill, Sugarloaf Hill, Round Hill and Cheriton Hill.

The chalk grassland on the steep south-facing slopes of the Downs is some of the richest for wildlife in the UK and the whole site is accordingly designated both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The chalk grassland is at its best in spring and summer when you may see dozens of wildflower and butterfly species during an afternoon’s walk.

Folkestone Downs also supports areas of wildflower-rich grassland that have been restored from arable farmland, as well as patches of secondary woodland that became established on the Downs during the second half of the 20^th century. At Holywell Coombe, freshwater springs emerge and feed a small area of calcareous fen that provides another important habitat for wildlife.

The Downs have a long history of human occupation and land use that stretches back more than 4,000 years. Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered evidence of a Bronze Age settlement at the foot of Sugarloaf Hill, and the impressive earthworks of a Norman motte-and-bailey fort can be seen on the summit of Castle Hill. At Cherry Garden Hill a large Bronze Age round barrow is rather unusually crowned by a WWII pillbox.

The North Downs Way passes along the crest of Folkestone Downs and links with Folkestone Warren to the east. There are also many other established paths to help you explore.