# Winning Access to the Royal Military Canal

![](https://www.kentramblers.org.uk/newsletters/images/RMC.jpg)

*Kent Area News, September 1993*

Kent Area launched their access initiative following the national Forbidden Britain Campaign in 1986. A significant barrier existed: there was a 7 mile gap between Warehorne and Bilsington where the public had no right of access. This prevented the completion of a potential 30-mile linear walk across Romney Marsh's northern edge.

## Campaign Activities

Over six years, the organisation conducted three rallies, distributed campaign materials, lobbied County Council committees, and generated press coverage. Despite these efforts, Kent County Council only added the project to their action plan without committing to implementation.

## Key Obstacles

Approximately 20 landowners controlled the disputed stretch, with most opposing public access rights. To proceed, KCC would need to exercise statutory powers under the Highways Act, requiring landowner compensation estimated at £40,000, plus £20,000 for maintenance, waymarking, and promotion — totalling approximately £60,000.

## Progress and Hope

By November 1992, a stakeholder meeting demonstrated widespread support from local councils, the National Trust, Sports Council, Rural Development Commission, the National Rivers Authority, and English Heritage. A working group was established for detailed planning, contingent on securing funding beyond the County's budget.

The organisation appealed to members for financial contributions to support the effort.

*Authors: Michael Stokes and Mike Temple*