Starting from Canterbury

[Kiwihiker]

We are starting from Canterbury in about 3 weeks, and wondered how safe the walk through Calais was. We are thinking of skipping a piece if there are problems. Some recent accounts would be appreciated

 

[Bradypus]

I walked through Calais last July so not very recent experience. My ferry docked quite a long way out of town and I walked into town passing several groups of mainly young men clustered around the port's perimeter fence. None were overtly hostile but in the relative remoteness and growing dark I did feel uncomfortable. Leaving early the next morning to walk south-east along a major canal I met no one at all. If you are anxious perhaps you should take a taxi or bus from the ferry terminal into the town centre.

 

[Jotown]

I arrived in Calais 3 weeks ago
No problems, yes there were several groups of young men walking around, eating at the same food stall as I, chatting...
Not sure where you're going , but if on Via Francigena...I just followed the canal out of town to Guines so you're only in Calais a couple of hours

 

[Alasdair Kay]

I lived in Calais for 5 years near the Jungle and never had a problem with the refugees ... not a problem the Jungle is a long way from the Canal. Catch the free bus into town and then go to the inner port the Canal to Guines runs off that and it is a lovely walk.... In fact I'd take it all the way to St Omer... it is a good route. There are some nice places to stay in Guines....