🕊️ Third Annual David Yan Memorial Hike | Thanet Coastal Path (Margate to Ramsgate)
🕊️ Third Annual David Yan Memorial Hike
Join us as we gather for our third annual memorial hike in honour of David Yan. His love of nature, community, and the outdoors inspired the creation of the ICI Walk ‘n’ Talk, and each September we return to the trail to celebrate his spirit, connect in nature, and carry his legacy forward.
🗺️ ABOUT THIS HIKE
This year's memorial hike will take us to the sea for a 20 km coastal walk along Kent's spectacular Thanet Coastal Path.
We are meeting slightly earlier than our usual time so we can reach the coast right as low tide hits at 11:45am. This early start gives us the perfect window to safely walk along the sand, explore the secluded coves, and view the arches of the sea wall beneath Kingsgate Castle from the beach before the tide turns.
Together we will follow the white chalk cliffs, pass historic coastal landmarks, enjoy a pub lunch, and share meaningful time side by side.
This event is completely FREE and open to all ICI members, friends, and the wider community.
👀 Highlights include:
🌊 Margate Main Sands & Cliftonville: Starting right by the water along the sea wall
🏖️ Botany Bay: Dramatic chalk stacks and sea caves
🏰 Kingsgate Castle & Sea Wall: Sweeping views of the 18th century castle built high above the beach
🗼 North Foreland Lighthouse: Historic beacon watching over the headland
🍦 Broadstairs & Viking Bay: A classic seaside town stop for food and refreshments
⛵ Ramsgate Royal Harbour: The UK's only royal harbour, leading up to our finish point at Ramsgate Station
ℹ️ Key Information
📍 Route: Thanet Coastal Trail (Margate to Ramsgate via Kingsgate)
📅 Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
🕙 Meet: 09:15am at London Victoria Station (Platform TBC)
🚆 Train: 09:40am Southeastern Service to Margate
Arriving into Margate at 11:24
🏁 Finish: Ramsgate Station
📏 Distance: Approx. 20 km
⏱️ Duration: 5 to 6 hours with breaks
🎟️ Open to all: This walk is open to all members, whether you were close to David, knew him in passing, or never met him at all.
💪 Fitness: Intermediate (moderate distance on mostly flat cliff paths, sea walls, and sandy shores)
🌦️ All-weather event: Dress appropriately and bring layers
👟 Terrain: Coastal paths, chalk trails, and sand (hiking shoes or sturdy trainers recommended)
🐾 Dogs: Welcome, but please bring a lead for road and cliff sections
Please RSVP via Luma so we can manage group numbers and share live location updates on the day. No login, membership or subscription required
🍱🥾 FOOD, PACE & WHAT TO BRING
🍱 Bring snacks and plenty of water: At least 2 litres recommended
🍬 Extra sweets or energy snacks to keep energy up on the trail
🍻 Pub stop or lunch break planned along the route (Broadstairs or Kingsgate)
🥾 Hiking shoes or comfortable trail runners
🧢 Hat, sunscreen, and extra layers: Coastal weather can shift quickly
🧥 Waterproof jacket: All-weather hike, rain or shine
📱 Phone for live location sharing if joining en route
🚶 Steady, inclusive pace with regular breaks at viewpoints
🌟 Who Was David Yan?
I get asked this at almost every Walk ‘n’ Talk. While our regular walks quietly carry David's memory, this annual memorial hike is where we gather to celebrate him fully.
David was part of the very fabric of ICI. A teacher, confidant, and adventurer, he brought boundless energy and an infectious laugh to every room. He loved culture, nature, and community. From the outside, he seemed to have everything, but behind that spark, he was fighting battles none of us fully understood.
His passing changed us. As a community, we have learned to speak more openly, check in on each other, and prioritise mental health.
The ICI Walk ‘n’ Talk was born from that shift: turning memory into action through walking, talking, and connecting in nature.
Every September, we return to the trail to remember his spirit, support one another, and ensure no one ever walks alone.
✨ This hike is for David, and it is for all of us. Let’s walk together, speak openly, and carry his legacy forward.
🌳 WHAT IS ICI WALK ‘N’ TALK?
A free, regular walking group for Gay, Bi, Trans, Pan & Queer men across London – plus allies, mates & furry friends 🐾
Launched in September 2023 in memory of David Yan, Walk ‘n’ Talk is all about exploring nature while building real, meaningful connection in a safe, supportive space.
💖 MORE THAN JUST A WALK
🧑🤝🧑 Mental Health First Aiders on hand
🕊️ Honouring David’s love for the outdoors & his ICI legacy
🤝 Whether you chat, listen, or simply walk – your presence matters
💬 You Are Not Alone
We walk to remind each other that you’re never alone – there’s a community here that sees you, supports you, and walks beside you.
✨ WHAT TO EXPECT
🧠 Easygoing, feel-good walks
🌿 Scenic city routes & occasional countryside escapes
🧺 Chill picnic spots or meet-ups before we start
🗣️ Chat, reflect or just vibe – it’s your space
🍻 Optional post-walk drinks to wind down
🧡 INCLUSIVITY & VIBES
🌈 Everyone’s welcome – GBTQ+ men, allies, first-timers, solo walkers, groups, & dogs too!
🎟️ FREE for all – just register via luma app.
🏷️ Name badges for everyone – no one walks alone
💬 No pressure to talk – but always someone to walk with if you’d like
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
✅ All-weather walk – rain or shine
💧 Water – it’s a walk, stay hydrated!
🍬 Sweets or snacks – keep your sugar levels up
🧢 Hat, sunscreen & layers – we walk in all weather
🥾 Comfy shoes – we keep a chill pace, but it’s still a walk
📱 Your phone – for live location sharing if you’re joining en route
📲 Stay Connected: Luma App + ICI WhatsApp
Stay Connected
🔹 Use the Luma app for tickets, reminders, and quick check in
🍏 iOS https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/luma-delightful-events/id1546150895
🤖 Android (view only): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.luma.studio
Android users: add Luma to your home screen via your mobile phone browser to unlock the chat feature
🔹 Follow the “What’s On” WhatsApp Channel for ICI updates
🔹 Join the ICI WhatsApp London Group Chat here for casual conversation and community check-ins.