Romney Marsh Circular from Dungeness Railway Path

Romney Marsh is one of England's strangest landscapes, a vast area of reclaimed marshland on the Kent coast where the sky dominates everything and the flat, open terrain stretches to the horizon in every direction. This 9.7km circuit from near Dungeness follows gravel tracks and grassy paths across the marsh, passing drainage ditches, scattered sheep and the occasional medieval church standing alone in the flatness. Dungeness itself, the shingle headland at the marsh's southern tip, has a post-apocalyptic beauty with its lighthouses, fishing boats, power station and Derek Jarman's famous garden. With just 92 metres of elevation change across the entire walk, the terrain is as flat as England gets.

This is an unusual and atmospheric dog friendly walk that suits dogs comfortable with open, exposed ground. Off-lead potential is moderate on the quieter marsh paths, with the flat terrain giving clear sightlines in every direction. Livestock risk is low, though sheep graze some marsh fields. The drainage ditches that cross the marsh provide water access, and the unique scent environment of salt, shingle, marsh grass and sea carries across the flat ground. The walk is completely exposed to wind from every direction, which can be bracing in winter. The Pilot Inn at Dungeness welcomes dogs and serves fresh fish. Parking is available near the old lighthouse. A walk for those who appreciate desolate beauty and empty horizons.