Location: Samphire Hoe

Date: 8th November 2023

Blog Written by: Gini (Disabled Walk Leader/Founder)

Our adventurous group braved the blustery high winds and horizontal rain today to visit Samphire Hoe in Dover.

Usually we would have to cancel on such a windy day, but we were kindly offered use of the visitor centre by Ranger Paul, as access to the sea wall path was closed off for safety.

Michelle hired the Tramper Off road Mobility Scooter, and had a thorough introduction and practice run. She skillfully navigated around the visitor centre. The Tramper is great to explore the site and can be booked in advance or hired on the day if available. Thanks to Kent Downs AONB for their support.

We were then very grateful for a whistle-stop introduction from Ranger Paul. And from the location of the Visitor centre, we could see the white cliffs behind as well as the sea and lighthouse art installation. So, we all felt as though we had a physical tour, from the comfort of being indoors.

The Kiosk was open, so everyone had a hot drink, and we had a scoot around the displays, learning more about the birds and wildlife in the nature reserve as well as browsing through books highlighting the history, stories and photographs of Shakespeares Cliff and seeing photos of some of the plants which thrive here in the warmer months.

We learnt lots about the colliery and creation of the Channel Tunnel, as one of our group worked on the pipework during construction. We also learnt about the creation of the chalk Cliffs, and some marine life found on the beach.

We eventually braved the strong winds and ventured over to the path to watch enormous waves overtopping the Sea wall. It was quite spectacular, and we gasped and woo'd as though we were at Nature's Firework Display.

Getting outdoors isn't just enjoyable on warm days. Given the right clothing, which is waterproof and windproof, we can enjoy some heavy gusts of winds on a grey day. It certainly blew away the cobwebs (as they say).

We look forward to coming back on a brighter day in the new year, to explore the nature reserve and have a chance to scoot and walk around.

📸 Image Credits: Gini Mitchell and Laura