Unusual, maybe unique, canal in Kent and east Sussex. Not built for transport, nor to provide flat rural walks. RMC was made to defend against Napoleons army. Under cliffs on north side of Romney Marsh, it is 28 miles long from Seabrook [Old English Sae broc, sea marsh] to Cliffsend. The marsh was long ago drained and is mostly farmland. Completed 1809. With hindsight, invasion threat ended with battle of Trafalgar.
Canal wasnt a simple ditch. Excavated soil made embankment on north side. Every 500 yards a stagger allowed guns to point along each stretch of water. Seven martello towers protected sluices. Three remain. Sometimes wish Napoleon had invaded, to see how well the defenses worked.
Canal was later used for transport, gravel and farm materials. And to control smuggling, which failed because of corrupt officers.
Features include Cinq port of Hythe [landing place] which has a Venetian fete, this year in August. Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is close to the canal for a while. Terminus station by the canal in Hythe. Remains of Lemanis, Roman fort above canal. Port Lympne wild life park on slope above. [Lympne seems to be an old name for the river Rother, or Limen. Where did the silent p come from?] 12th century St Rumwolds Church. Cinq ports of Winchelsea [Island by river bend] and Rye [Island in marsh]. Wildlife includes dragonflies, kingfisher, loud marsh frogs.
Saxon Shore Way covers much of the route. Lambert & Cann “Heritage walking trails” book 2. Walks 10 and 11 include sections of the canal.
Normally i’d describe the walk. Took few notes at the time. Mostly 1981 to 1992, more recently 2012 with youngest son. My vague memories would be misleading because of recent improvements. “explorekent” says its good for walkers and cyclists and well furnished with picnic tables.
Remember walking from Ham Street to Rye, largely along canal. Completed Saxon Shore Way. Celebrated with pint at Royal Cinq Port pub. Later colleague Llew Williams told me the Way had been extended to Hastings. More walking, which included rest of the Canal.
Enjoyed walking below the old shoreline, connected with history.
References: Wikipedia; explorekent.org;
Judith Glover Place names of Kent. AD Mills Dictionary of English placenames. Bea Cowan The Saxon Shore Way 1996
Rambling Brummie 