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A short distance away from Leysdown beach lies a hidden stretch of shore.

For those in the know, Shellness is one of the most popular nudist beaches in the UK.

It is a true naturist hotspot.

23 things you can do in Kent this summer for less than a tenner

We thought we’d pay it a visit to find out what it’s really like.

As I drove past the main beach at Leysdown, I wondered just how far down the beaten track I would have to go to find it.

The answer was a further half mile of undulating, pothole-pitted, tyre-scraping, off-piste road.

No-one would come down this lane by accident.

Parking my car next to a dozen or so others, I walked up the grass bank to catch a first glimpse of the sea.

The sea was not what I saw first.

Beyond a sign welcoming me to the Swale Naturist Beach strolled a man in nothing but flip-flops without a care in the world.

I walked further in to take in my surroundings.

As I crossed the dunes I noticed naked bodies poking out of the long grass.

Some with picnics, some with windbreakers, most alone, all – but me – stark naked.

Not knowing where to look, stand or walk towards, I promptly sat down on a patch of grass at the top the beach.

Within seconds I realised I had placed myself just a few metres above from where someone had already set up their camp.

It was too late. The damage was done. I had thoughtlessly intruded.

With a stern glare, he silently picked up his clothes and marched off 20 metres down the beach.

I had made my first enemy.

The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle with a stunning view looking across the coast.

As I continued my gaze along the shore I met some eyes fixed on my location.

There may have only been a dozen or so people there but I already knew my suit trousers and I didn’t belong.

In fact, I hadn't felt so out of place since my friend tricked me into wearing fancy dress to a black tie dinner.

To my horror, as I glanced back towards the dunes, I saw someone walking towards me.

Gut instinct kicked in. Like most of us in any awkward situation, I got out my phone and pretended to scroll.

I looked back once again. He was creeping ever closer, body whistling in the wind.

With my mind scrambled, wondering how best to explain why I was there, he walked right past me without a word.

Eager to avoid an even closer encounter, I made my way back across the dunes to the sanctuary of my car.

I imagine it feels liberating. I imagine it brings you more at one with nature.

I imagine I won’t be returning there in a hurry.