Dover is referred to as the ‘Lock & Key’ of England. The town is the gateway to the Continent and is strategically located to guard the English Channel from invasion efforts by others. Historically, the French and Spanish. It was also the place from which the English Kings launched their numerous forays on the Continent. Dover Castle was built here by Henry II in the 1180s.

After coming around Lands End we had made our way up the English coast and came into Dover Port with the sun at our backs gleaming on the White Cliffs. Some small sailing vessels were out early in the Channel. Ferries were making their way in and out of the port.

Many of our fellow travellers were making the trip to London for the day. We had decided to stay in Dover and tackle the White Cliffs walk out to the South Foreland Lighthouse. This disused 19th century icon sits gazing out across the Channel, popular spot with picnic tables, cafe in the lighthouse and National Trust outlet. There is a good view of the lighthouse coming into port.

After getting off the ship we made our way into town by the shuttle bus service and then by taxi up the hill to the start of the walk. It is about a 10 km return walk to the lighthouse, the guide sheet says 50 minutes there and back.

The track is moderately flat in some places but does cross undulating country with a couple of stepped steepish sections. There is an old track much closer to the cliff line which we first started on, Homealone found this a bit uncomfortable so we reverted to the main pathway.

The track passes over former pasture areas which have been rehabilitated by the National Trust. The grassland now supports a great display of wildflowers, some weeds no doubt in the mix as well.

We also get great views of the cliff line. The French and Belgium coastlines are though a smudge on the horizon.

We had some sandwiches for lunch at the lighthouse cafe and put our feet up at a picnic table before starting back. The 50 minute walk took us a bit over 3 hours, counting the lunch stop of course!

We headed back down to the town via the Dame Vera Lynn pathway, glad we didn’t walk up it! Many readers will have heard of her WWII patriotic song, The White Cliffs of Dover. It’s about Blue Birds returning to and flying over the White Cliffs, symbolising the return of peace after the end of the war.

Allthego finds it a pleasant tune, but didn’t know it was written by two Americans who had never been to Dover! The writers also blundered by using Blue Birds which don’t inhabit England. Barn Swallows do and they have some blue on their wings. But Barn Swallows just doesn’t have the same ring to it! The National Trust also make a bit from it with their Blue Bird coffee mugs and tote bags, we couldn’t find any CDs of the good Dame’s rendition. Just have to get it on Utube.

Finally made it back to town after a stroll along the waterfront. Had some fish n chips for an early tea at the Elephant & Hind, overlooking Market Square, before taxing back to the ship.

Dover is the end of the second leg of the cruise and we know head north up the Channel.