Royal Military Canal — A Soldier from Napoleonic Times Keeps Guard

Kent Area News, September 1994

The endeavour gained traction during summer 1994, with Kent County Council hosting a media presentation on 21st July at Rye. The event brought together tourism representatives, local organisations, authorities, and press members to discuss the canal's historical significance and recreational potential.

Funding and Design

The initiative secured significant backing: £150,000 was now committed to the project, with planning and design work well advanced. Improvements including stile upgrades and enhanced waymarking were already underway.

Logo Launch

A new symbol was unveiled featuring the canal's distinctive stepped defensive design in blue, complemented by white and green reeds against a green background.

Path Development

Progress on establishing continuous public access was positive. A National Trust permissive path was transitioning to official right-of-way status. However, negotiations continued with landowners controlling a critical middle section spanning seven miles with no existing public rights of way — an area Ramblers had long advocated for.

Some routing was adjusted to use the south bank in certain areas to reduce complications, though only when amenity would not suffer. Despite anticipated objections and possible inquiries, the Ramblers expected completion by the end of 1996.