Lympne Loop Walk
This circular walk around the Kent village of Lympne visits Lympne Castle and the Royal Military Canal Path. You'll also pass close to Port Lympne Zoo which has some nice landscaped gardens and an animal reserve. It's located to the west of the route and requires an entry fee. It is private land so please keep to the public paths as defined on the route map below.
The walk starts at the public car park at West Hythe which is shown on the Ordnance Survey Map below. From here you can pick up the Royal Military Canal Path and follow it west along the water for just over a mile, passing the remains of Lemanis Roman Fort on the way. You can then pick up the Saxon Shore Way and head north before turning east past Lympne Place.
The route continues east through Lympne village to Shepway Cross passing Lympne Castle on the way. The medieval castle dates from the 13th century and is now used for corporate events and weddings. Please note the castle is private and generally not open to the public. There are some open days where you can enjoy a dining experience.
At Shepway Cross you turn south past Lympne Park Wood before returning to the car park.
Lympne Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Lympne Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Lympne OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Lympne Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The County Members is in a good spot close to the castle. They serve good home cooked food and have a nice garden area to sit out in. You can find them at Aldington Road at postcode CT21 4LH for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Follow the Saxon Shore Way east and it will take you to Brockhill Country Park near Hythe. The popular park includes waymarked woodland trails, a lake, open grassland, streams, cascades and meadows.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Kent Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lemanis Roman fort and Lympne castle
Lympne Castle, Kent
Approaching West Hythe Bridge on the canal
Reflections in the canal
West Hythe, Royal Military Canal
The remains of Lemanis, the Roman fort, also known as Stutfall Castle. The sea once reached right to the foot of the hills here and this was once a major Roman port and one of the Saxon Shore forts. Landslips have destroyed many of the remains.
Saxon Shore Way crosses the access road to Coombe Farm
The County Members. A pub in a good location for some post walk refreshments in the village.