{"id":"69c7f57b4cd7ce36a6d72989","title":"Royal Military Canal Path Completed 1997","path":"publications/newsletters/royal-military-canal-path-completed-1997","contentMarkdown":"# Royal Military Canal Path: Warehorne to Aldington Extension\n\n![](https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/RMC/images/RMCP_banner.jpg)\n\n*Kent Area News, Spring and Autumn 1997*\n\n## Laughter in Court: But Who Laughs Last?\n\nA public inquiry examined a proposed footpath creation order that would complete the canal path. The hearing took place at Ruckinge Village Hall, where Inspector Peter McMaster presided. Notably, McMaster discovered he had served with Peter Whitestone, Ashford Ramblers Chairman, during military service in the 1950s.\n\nThe inquiry attracted substantial support from multiple ramblers associations including Sevenoaks, Ashford, and Tunbridge Wells groups, plus Kent County Council departments. Objectors consisted primarily of affected landowners and local residents.\n\nThe proceedings included lighter moments — one farmer's wife brought knitting, while Pat Wilson humorously revealed she carried sandwiches rather than supporting local businesses. However, serious concerns dominated discussions, particularly regarding livestock safety on the narrow canal strip bordered by a drainage ditch, and the shortage of adequate parking facilities.\n\n## Success Achieved\n\nThe campaign, initiated by Ashford Ramblers in 1986, succeeded. The six-and-a-half-mile stretch became legally open to the public on 13th May 1997. A celebratory walk on 17th August attracted 27 participants, despite intense heat. Initial fieldwork was largely complete, though fencing protecting cattle required subsequent improvements.\n\nThe completion enabled walkers to traverse all 27 miles of canal from Hythe to Pett Level. Kent County Council planned promotional activities including a guidebook launch the following spring.","contentHtml":"<h1>Royal Military Canal Path: Warehorne to Aldington Extension</h1>\n<p><img src=\"https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/KentWalks/RMC/images/RMCP_banner.jpg\" alt=\"\"></p>\n<p><em>Kent Area News, Spring and Autumn 1997</em></p>\n<h2>Laughter in Court: But Who Laughs Last?</h2>\n<p>A public inquiry examined a proposed footpath creation order that would complete the canal path. The hearing took place at Ruckinge Village Hall, where Inspector Peter McMaster presided. Notably, McMaster discovered he had served with Peter Whitestone, Ashford Ramblers Chairman, during military service in the 1950s.</p>\n<p>The inquiry attracted substantial support from multiple ramblers associations including Sevenoaks, Ashford, and Tunbridge Wells groups, plus Kent County Council departments. Objectors consisted primarily of affected landowners and local residents.</p>\n<p>The proceedings included lighter moments — one farmer&#39;s wife brought knitting, while Pat Wilson humorously revealed she carried sandwiches rather than supporting local businesses. However, serious concerns dominated discussions, particularly regarding livestock safety on the narrow canal strip bordered by a drainage ditch, and the shortage of adequate parking facilities.</p>\n<h2>Success Achieved</h2>\n<p>The campaign, initiated by Ashford Ramblers in 1986, succeeded. The six-and-a-half-mile stretch became legally open to the public on 13th May 1997. A celebratory walk on 17th August attracted 27 participants, despite intense heat. Initial fieldwork was largely complete, though fencing protecting cattle required subsequent improvements.</p>\n<p>The completion enabled walkers to traverse all 27 miles of canal from Hythe to Pett Level. Kent County Council planned promotional activities including a guidebook launch the following spring.</p>\n"}