The Leas

We went for a sunny morning walk in Folkestone. The Leas is a clifftop green space from which steep paths and steps lead down to the Lower Leas coastal park and the shingle beach. It was the promenading area of the wealthier residents and visitors in Folkestone's late Victorian and Edwardian heyday: the rooftops of the Majestic and Grand hotels vied for attention and clientele, though I don't remember which of them was frequented by the fashionable set surrounding the Prince of Wales and his mistress. Now, it's a sedate place well lined with benches and viewpoints where dogs are walked, young children toddle and play on the grass and, in summer, bandstand concerts attract good audiences. I like the long curve of pretty white lamps, and behind the wall on the left is a beautiful arts and crafts style house build for the Baden-Powells in the 1930s. I often used to walk there before 2020, when I drove J twice a week to the centre for disabled adults where she enjoyed filmmaking and other creative activities (and with whom she continues to participate in online workshops and discussions). I've missed my regular seaside walks, so it felt good to be there enjoying the views and gazing wistfully across the Channel to the French coast.