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Cow Path at Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone blocked after landslide due to flooding and Storm Ciarán

A well-used walking route has fallen victim to heavy rain after a landslide.

A section of the Cow Path at Lower Leas Coastal Park, in Folkestone, has been pictured covered in silt.

A mudslide has been pictured on the Cow Path at Folkestone Leas. Picture: James Butcher
A mudslide has been pictured on the Cow Path at Folkestone Leas. Picture: James Butcher

The path takes trekkers from The Leas to Lower Sandgate Road.

However, following recent rainfall and the effects of Storm Ciarán, pedestrians are unable to use part of the route.

Passer-by James Butcher, who took a snap of the blockage, said: “Quite a landslip on the Cow Path down from the Leas to the Lower Coastal Park.

“The path is now impassable.”

It is not the first time the route has been pictured in such a condition, with similar images taken back in 2013.

It comes just three days after shocking pictures revealed damaged and sinking fishing boats caused by the storm at nearby Folkestone Harbour.

Some vessels were underwater, while others ended up being pushed into each other after huge waves battered the seaside town.

Its coast saw heavy disruption from the weather, with winds of up to 85mph.

Gales in the town were so strong that the windows of two buses were blown out in nearby Capel-le-Ferne.

Meanwhile, the Cow Path is a route that takes people to the soon-to-be-open Leas Lift.

Folkestone has seen heavy wind and huge waves following Storm Ciarán. Picture: David Illsley
Folkestone has seen heavy wind and huge waves following Storm Ciarán. Picture: David Illsley
The Leas Lift is to return to Folkestone in 2025. Picture: Stock image
The Leas Lift is to return to Folkestone in 2025. Picture: Stock image

It was revealed this week the landmark is due to reopen in 2025 – eight years after closing.

The team behind the structure secured £4.8 million of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, meaning the overall fundraising target of £6.6m has been reached to bring it back into use.

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