Autumn coastal walks in Kent for a first date

Ask me for my favourite first date in Kent and I'll nearly always give the same answer: a walk by the sea. Autumn is the perfect time for it. The summer visitors have gone home, the light is soft and golden, and the beaches feel like yours again. Walking side by side takes the pressure off a first meeting, and there's always something to look at when the conversation needs a breather.

Why a coastal walk makes a good first date

• It's relaxed. No staring at each other across a table...just easy chat as you go.
• It's public. Seafronts and popular coast paths stay busy enough to feel comfortable, even out of season.
• It's flexible. Turn back after half an hour, or carry on for lunch if it's going well.
• It costs nothing. The sea is free, which leaves more for a warm drink afterwards.

Six autumn coastal walks to try

Reculver to Herne Bay

Start by the twin towers of the old church at Reculver and follow the clifftop path west towards Herne Bay. It's open and breezy, with big skies over the water, and you can finish on the seafront with something hot to drink.

Botany Bay to Broadstairs

The chalk stacks at Botany Bay are one of the best sights on the Thanet coast. From there you can follow the coast round past Kingsgate and Joss Bay to Broadstairs, with a sandy bay around almost every corner. Check the tide times if you'd like to walk on the beach rather than the clifftop.

Deal to Walmer

A flat, gentle stroll along the seafront from Deal pier towards Walmer, with fishing boats pulled up on the shingle and Walmer Castle at the far end. Ideal if you'd rather chat than climb.

Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone

Tucked below the Leas, this park winds through trees and gardens just above the beach. In autumn the leaves turn and the paths are quiet. Carry on along the seafront towards Sandgate if you're enjoying yourselves.

Samphire Hoe

Between Dover and Folkestone, right below the cliffs, Samphire Hoe is a country park made from the chalk dug out for the Channel Tunnel. It's peaceful, a little unusual and gives you something to talk about straight away.

Oare Marshes, near Faversham

Not quite the open sea, but the marshes beside the Swale are wonderful in autumn, when birds arrive to spend the winter. Bring binoculars if you have them and walk at an easy pace.

Keeping it comfortable

• Pick a walk that suits you both. An hour on the flat beats a slog up a cliff path in new boots.
• Check the tide and the weather. Some beaches vanish at high tide, and an autumn wind on the coast can be fierce.
• Meet somewhere easy to find. A car park, a station or a seafront landmark, so nobody is left wondering.
• Plan for shorter days. The evenings draw in quickly now, so a late morning or lunchtime walk works well.

Staying safe on a walking date

A quiet path is lovely once you know someone, but for a first meeting stick to busier stretches like a seafront or a popular coast path. Make your own way there, tell a friend where you're going and keep your phone charged. Our guide to dating safely has more simple habits that help.

Finding someone to walk with

I started Go Kent Dating so people across the county could meet someone local, and a walk by the sea is about as Kentish as a first date gets. For more ideas, have a look at our first date ideas in Kent. And if you haven't found your walking companion yet, see who's near you on Go Kent Dating.

• walks
• autumn
• kent