Walking, wining and dining along Kent’s historic coast

EVERY now and then you go on a truly epic walk.

Not just a walk-the-dog potter — a proper yomp with incredible scenery you remember all your life.

Like the nine-mile coastal path from Dover to Deal along Kent’s stunning White Cliffs.

The highlight of a weekend away for my boyfriend’s birthday, we were lucky enough to join a guided tour for free as part of the annual White Cliffs Walking Festival. Each year, the group celebrates Kent’s dramatic scenery — and you can join the fun.

We went down a day early with a trip to Sandwich, among the best-preserved medieval towns in Britain and one of the historic Cinque Ports.

We had the narrow streets almost to ourselves, picking our way past Tudor gables, whitewashed cottages and ancient churches. We drove on to our hotel, the Marquis at Alkham, overlooking the Alkham Valley.

This award-winning “restaurant with rooms” is a foodies’ delight.

Dinner was a seven-course tasting menu and we got increasingly giddy over pan-seared scallops and roast cod with shellfish ravioli.

The next day, we romped over lush green clifftops and passed Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a series of World War Two tunnels you can visit in spring and summer.

From here it is just 20 miles to the French coast.

On we went to stunning St Margaret’s Bay, home to the chalk cliffs on every Dover postcard. James Bond author Ian Fleming had a home here and is said to have given the spy his 007 code-name after the 007 bus to Deal.

A couple of miles later, we dropped down from the cliffs to Kingsdown and past Henry VIII’s Walmer Castle on our final stretch to Deal.

Exhausted but happy, we plonked ourselves down for fish and chips and a well-earned pint at the tiny 17th-century Kings Head.

Driving back to London the next day, we took a detour off the A2 for a final blast of fresh air the pretty village of Chilham. After a five-mile walk we stopped the White Horse pub and shamelessly eavesdropped as the bloke next to us talked two complete strangers through his divorce.

It was the perfect end a perfect weekend. Kent — and especially those glorious Dover cliffs — really is a bit of all white.

GO: DOVER

STAYING THERE: A classic room at the Marquis costs £99 per night and the seven-course tasting menu is £65 a head. To book, see or call 01304 873410. See to book lunch in Sandwich.

MORE INFO: The White Cliffs Walking Group organises three guided walks a week. Find out how to join one for free at . Alternatively, see the latest on the 2017 festival at .