13 Bridges Challenge: The Route

Details of both the Full and Shorter routes

13 Bridges Challenge

Full Route Distance 17.6 Km*

Sort Route Distance 6.3 Km*

*All distances, whilst carefully measured, cannot be guaranteed and must be considered approximate

Hythe Green

Your walk begins on Hythe Green where car parking and event registration take place. Hythe Green is one of the town's oldest open spaces. Originally medieval common land, the Green has hosted markets fairs, and community gatherings for centuries. In the 19th and early 20th centuries it became closely linked to the School of Musketry and Small Arms School, with troops training and parading on the Green.

Hythe Green to Stade Street - 400M

A gentle start to proceedings along Portland Road and cross Stade Street onto the south bank of the canal. Proceed towards Ladies Walk Bridge passing on your right: Oaklands Health Centre, Oaklands Park and Hythe Bowls Club. After Ladies Walk Bridge pass Hythge Cricket & Squash Club and Hythe Tennis Club. You will shortly arrive at Twiss Road.

Twiss Road top Seabrook Basin - 2 Km

Cross Twiss Road and continue on the south bank of the canal. The path becomes grassland as you pass Hythe Golf Club. The fairways of this course are divided by the path crossing Canongate Bridge. Continuing along the south bank and running parallel to the seafront you pass the Cliff Road and Horn Street bridges. As you draw closer to Seabrook you will pass the Canoe Centre. Follow the Rotary signs taking you around the basin so that you can commence your westward journey. You will pass Seabrook School and also Public Conveniences will be signposted.

As you journey along the north side of the canal you will walk along a cinder track again passing Horn Street, Cliff Road and Canongate Bridges, approaching Twiss Road. Once again you cross Twiss Road and then pass Waitrose. Public Conveniences are available on the roadside at the front of their car park. Proceed to to Ladies Walk Bridge.

Hythe Memorial to Holman's Field - 800M

Just after Ladies Walk bridge is Hythe Memorial. Proceed onwards and using care, cross Stade Street. Follow a track alongside the A259, passing behind the Red Lion before rejoing the A259. Walk towards the Dukes Head pub before crossing the road using the Pelican Crossing and enter Holman's Field.

Short walk option

Before the Pelican Crossing turn left where signposted back to Hythe Green

Holman's Field to the Small Arms School

Named after Brigadier John Charles Holman (1938-2001) see nearby Information Boards outlining insights into the areas history and personalities. Also passing a narrow footbridge that will take you to Sainsbury's and until 1969 formed the entrance to the Small Arms School. Arrive at Scanlon's Bridge.

Scanlon's Bridge to Port Lympne 4.8 Km

Cross Scanlon's Bridge using the Pelican Crossing and following signage, veer right towards and into Green Lane. This is then a long scenic walk along a cinder track. Look out for the Roman Settlement that once occupied the land as well as several Pill Boxes arriving at the "Listening Bridge". Information boards describe the innovative technology that was utilised to detect hostile planes during World War ii. Yes it works and you can try it using the sound bowls either side of the bridge. Lympne Hill is the next canal crossing and is a busy road so take care crossing. Once safely across and past a car park you near the bottom of Port Lympne Animal Park. you may hear a lion or an elephant as well as see a mixture of animals from camels to okapi to rhinoviruses. Continue to Aldgate Road footbridge.

Aldgate Road to Hythe Green - 5.3 Km

Cross Aldgate road Bridge and begin the return leg of your walk. There is a long peaceful stretch that follows the canal. The footpath does narrow as it runs alongside arable land and going can be a little tricky if there has been wet weather recently. As you pass Unit One the route has the canal to your left and the line of the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway to your right. You may well see a steam train pass as your walk progresses. Again cross Scanlon's Bridge, via the Pelican Crossing, and enter Holman's Field. Follow the Rotary signage to take you across the A259 and back to Hythe Green where your journey began.