The Mayor of Dover Gordon Cowan will open a new walking route just outside Dover today.

The scenic 2.6 Kearsney Loop takes in Russell Gardens, Busy Ruff, Kearsney Abbey and Scotland Common, and is the result of liaison between the Ministry of Defence – which owns the land – the district council and the White Cliffs Ramblers.

Les Preston, a member of the walking group, said: “Over the last year the White Cliffs group have been burrowing away with the Dover District Council (DDC) and MOD to create this short walk.

“Hitherto walkers who wished to set off from the abbey, and do a circular walk via Scotland Common on public rights of way, were faced with a dangerous walk, especially with children, of about a half mile, along a very busy road back to the abbey car park.

“The MOD has agreed to allow, by way of a permissive path, access through their land across the area known as Bushy Ruff and back into Russell Gardens and the abbey car park.

“The White Cliffs group, liaising with DDC and MOD, have fitted steps and a gate along the route, thus creating a safe and enjoyable family friendly walking route.”

Major Rick Beven, senior training safety officer for the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “We are delighted to have worked with the White Cliffs Ramblers to improve public access by creating a new permissive footpath across MOD land.

“DIO takes safety very seriously and the steps and gates that the White Cliffs Ramblers group has created will allow the public to walk the route safely, while enjoying the beautiful scenery.”

The Kearsney Loop, which will feature in the programme of the White Cliffs Walking Festival – organised by the group and taking place between August 22-28 – was due to be opened by Cllr Cowan at 11.30am yesterday.

A Kearsney Loop leaflet is being produced, with full details of the route and its points of interest.

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