THE CHALK DOWNS 



^ cAmefj-eyiiv 0.4. 



Approximate walking distance 4 miles 



examined in the cliffs of the Leas, then face southward over the low 

 flat alluvial levels of Romney Marsh which can be seen in the distance, 

 the sweeping curve of the coastline leading to the cuspate foreland at 

 Dungeness. 



On the south side of the road is a large disused quarry, the site of a 

 Jutish burial place. The finds from these graves are preserved in 

 Folkestone Museum on Grace Hill. Before Crete Road crosses the 

 main Canterbury Road the change from Lenham sands to Chalk is 

 reflected in the flora — from the Gorse and Broom to Scabious, Harebell, 

 Eyebright and Milkwort which grow in the banks, and Vipers Bugloss, 

 purple Knapweed and Horned Poppy in the old tank trap. After 

 crossing the main road, Crete Road West passes behind Sugar Loaf — 

 a conical hill — where the ground falls very steeply to Holy Well, a 

 marshy little wood in the valley where the medieval pilgrims are said 

 to have refreshed man and beast. Half a mile further on. Castle Hill, 

 or Caesar's Camp, is reached, a buttress-like hill with earthworks visible 

 on the summit. It is probable that the hill was used as a tribal refuge 

 from very early times, but it is doubtful if it has any valid claim to the 

 name " Caesar's Camp." The earthworks possibly date from the reign 

 of Stephen. 



To the west of this hill a road runs steeply down to Folkestone, but 

 it is worth while to continue westward above the town waterworks, 

 situated on the " spring-line " or contact zone of the Chalk and Gault, 

 along the escarpment above Cheriton. There is a wide view to south- 

 ward all the way. After a mile the road runs diagonally down the hillside 

 past a solitary house called North Cliffe ; on the left lies Danton Farm 

 and the main road to Cheriton and hence back to busier Folkestone 

 is plainly visible. 



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