The best walks and hikes around Calais

The region around Calais offers a diverse range of natural landscapes. You can explore the dramatic white chalk cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez, offering panoramic views of the English Channel, or the wilder Cap Gris-Nez, the closest point to England. The area is part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale, featuring extensive dunes, wild beaches, peaceful forests, and verdant marshes. Expect varied scenery from coastal paths to inland nature preserves.

Yes, several circular routes are popular in the region. While this guide highlights routes like the Perimeter Trail – Ministers Island and the Sam Orr Pond loop — Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve, the broader area offers loops around Cap Blanc-Nez, the 'high balconies of Escalles and Blanc-Nez', and the Berniques Trail from Tardinghen.

Beyond the stunning natural features like Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, you can discover historical and scenic points. Near Cap Blanc-Nez, the Dover Patrol Monument offers a historical perspective. In the Saint Andrews area, you might encounter places like Water Street, St. Andrews, the Barn, or the Pendlebury Lighthouse. The Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve itself is a significant point of interest for nature lovers.

Many trails in the Calais region are well-suited for families. The guide features several easy routes, such as the Perimeter Trail – Ministers Island, which is 4.2 miles (6.7 km) long and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The overall landscape, with its accessible coastal paths and nature preserves, provides enjoyable options for all skill levels, including shorter, easy hikes like the Fort Risban – Calais Beach loop.

The natural environment around Calais, particularly within the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale and along the coastal paths, is generally welcoming to dogs. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves to protect wildlife, and to check specific trail regulations before you go. Many of the less strenuous routes are ideal for walks with your canine companion.

Hiking durations vary depending on the route and your pace. For example, the Perimeter Trail – Ministers Island is an easy 4.2 miles (6.7 km) route that typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. A slightly longer option, the Van Horne Trail loop — Saint Andrews, covers 5.0 miles (8.1 km) and can take around 2 hours 5 minutes. There are also shorter walks and longer coastal paths like the GR120 for extended excursions.

While specific public transport links directly to every trailhead can vary, Calais itself is well-connected. For trails within the Grand Site des Deux-Caps or the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale, local bus services might connect to nearby villages from which trails are accessible. Planning ahead with local transport schedules is advisable for reaching more remote starting points.

Most hiking trails around Calais are characterized by relatively flat terrain, especially those traversing waterfront areas, islands, and nature preserves. For instance, the Waterfront Trail — Saint Stephen has minimal elevation changes. However, areas like Cap Blanc-Nez feature impressive chalk cliffs up to 150 meters high, offering more significant, though generally manageable, ascents and descents for rewarding views.

Yes, the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale has a special 'estaminet randonnée' label for small country cafes located directly on hiking routes. These establishments provide convivial services to hikers, making it easy to find a place for refreshments or a meal during your walk. Coastal towns and villages also offer various dining options.

Hikers frequently praise the diverse scenery and accessibility of the trails around Calais. The stunning coastal views from Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez, the rich biodiversity of the Parc Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale, and the well-maintained paths are often highlighted. The variety of routes, from easy waterfront strolls to more engaging cliff-top walks, also receives positive feedback from the komoot community.

While many routes in this guide are easy to moderate, such as the Van Horne Trail loop — Saint Andrews, the broader region offers more challenging options. The GR120 Coastal Path, for instance, provides a long-distance trekking experience along the Opal Coast, with varied terrain and significant distances that can test experienced hikers. The cliff paths around Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez also offer more strenuous sections with elevation changes.

The region around Calais is enjoyable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful natural colors, making them ideal for exploring the coastal paths and inland parks. Summer is also popular, especially for beach access and longer daylight hours, though trails can be busier. Winter hiking is possible, particularly on coastal routes, but requires appropriate gear for potentially colder and windier conditions.