From the car park at West Hythe, take the towpath westwards for just over a mile (1.6km). On the first section of the walk, two paths run parallel along the canal: one a bridleway, the other a raised bank for walkers (the latter is dryer and smoother, with better views of the waterfront). Pass a footbridge on your left after about 800yds (732m), and shortly afterwards, look out for the crumbling masonry of Stutfall Castle (an old Roman fort) to your right. Ignore a footpath to the right at this point and carry on along the towpath.

After a mile (1.6km) or so, look out for strange creatures in the grounds of Port Lympne Reserve, right. Watch carefully for a footpath signed to your right, over a wooden footbridge. Start a steady climb uphill. The track weaves a bit but is easy to follow and strongly fenced to either side, especially at the elephant enclosure towards the top. At one point there is a crossing point with gates where Port Lympne staff can take vehicles or animals from one side to the other. The path now gets steeper.

Eventually the path levels and you reach a road. Just before this, take the footpath signed to your right and walk through woodland past post-and-wire fencing. Cross the drive to Lympne Place and carry on over another lane. Continue ahead, ignoring the steep path adjoining on your right.

The path now skirts the edge of more woods. Follow it bearing left through offset rails towards the houses of Lympne. Go out to the road and turn right, passing Lympne Castle. Walk through St Stephen’s churchyard.

Take the gate at the far side, turning right on the lane and right again over a footpath stile in a few paces. Head downhill on a steep, uneven path, crossing another stile at the edge of the trees. Now go half left down sloping pasture to the road below.

Cross another stile at the field-edge, turn right on the road (Lympne Hill) and walk downhill. At a house called Long Barrow on your left, take the second waymarked path through a gate and walk past a 1930s art deco-style house. Follow the path down a long, narrow field, with a brook on your left, to a stile at the bottom. Emerge on the road at a junction by a garage, JAC Motor Enterprises.

Bear right down the main road for a few paces until you reach the car park just before the bridge.