Explore Mariners Hill on this circular trail, which takes in fantastic views over Sir Winston Churchill's home at the Chartwell estate and the Weald of Kent. The route takes you through Knole Park with glorious views across the deer park. 19 stunning Kent walking routes you simply have to try this summer The route visits the nearby Boxley Abbey then climbs to the top of the North Downs for a long stretch before descending back to the village. This walk takes visitors through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Lush grasslands, woodlands, marshes, peat bog, generous orchards and Kent villages make the Stour Valley one of the best-loved walks in the county. More information and shorter walk trails can be found here. National Trust members can enter free, whereas non-members will need to pay admission prices. Discover our different types of membership, Visitors on a garden tour at Ightham Mote, Kent, Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Estate walk, Ightham Mote circular walk to Wilmot Hill, Ightham Mote circular walk to Old Soar Manor, Ightham Mote circular walk to Oldbury Hill, Climate change adaptation guidance for heritage organisations, National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA. Very beautiful nature. Experience some fantastic views along the high chalk cliffs at the edge of the North Downs which form part of the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Cross the drive and enter Bull and Birches Woods. Continue to the Pilot Inn, a good lunchtime option, then head for the white coastguard cottages. Kents long distance trails deliver wide horizons, stunning scenery, rich history and an exhilarating sense of freedom. The three-mile walk circles Sissinghurst estate in the heart of the Weald. Hartfield & Very pleasant trail although very muddy in parts at this time. For the answer, well need to travel back in time. Their skeletons and shells compressed under the weight ofwater and of each other, formed chalk. For What's On content such as the latest openings, events, and shopping news see here. }. While on the walk you'll be able to find out more about the long history of the Scotney Estate and also get . Walking in Kent - Kent Ramblers Shoreham, Pluto and Otford, 52. Walk Ideas and Collections Wye, Kent. From Scotney Castle's car park, head through Salvin Gate and continue along the old carriageway over two bridges that cross the River Bewl. Read more. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Sevenoaks Weald and Elses Farm, 56. You will be able to see a collection of wildlife, as well as beautiful spring flowers. But if that's a bit too far, you can just enjoy Ightham Mote Estate on its own. Look out for the Turner mosaics at St Johns Primary School in St Johns Street. St Gregory and St Martin Church, Church Street, Wye, TN25 5BL, Skylarks and kestrels hovering over the Downs. Dogs are also welcome on this route. Or at least, not yet 12 years later they returned, this time with a good deal more conviction and legions. The Greensand Way is a 108 mile tour through ancient woodland and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Kent offers numerous scenic walks which can be enjoyed by everybody. Further south in places like Kent, the Ice Age created tundra like conditions, much like those in Alaska today, and froze the chalk to depths of 30 metres and more (thats six times the depth of a swimming pool!). Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. go4awalk.com Help Sixteen walks that uncover Britain's hidden history - MSN This trail goes around Lullingstone and the Darent Valley Path and is packed with information about the many delights to be discovered along the way. The students were signalled into position until exactly the right shape was achieved then barrow loads of turf and soil could be dug out of the hill. Carry on ahead, along Amage Road. Walks of 5 to 9 miles explore rivers and coastline, beautiful countryside and historic villages. Maintain direction towards the old Wye college buildings and enter a long, straight track that goes uphill to the downs. Continue along the Saxon Shore Way, looking out for gun emplacements and remnants of other wartime structures. Cross Chart Lane again, north of the pub. Stay on the path up above the valley until you reach a footpath sign on the right at the edge of woodland (Newgate Scrubs) that points downhill along a deep, hollow lane. The most popular and difficult trail in Kent is Dover and Margaret's Cliff Circular with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews. - Birds including parakeets Follow the Octavia Hill Centenary Trail West in Kent and experience the places that were part of the life and history of one of the National Trust's founders. We've selected a few of our favourite walking routes to offer a little inspiration, so pull on your boots, tie your laces and get walking. GPS Waypoints for Walking Follow in the footsteps of Chaucers pilgrims through the narrow streets of Canterbury. The Stour Valley Walk is a 58-mile river walk across the Low Weald and North Downs, leading wayfarers through some very attractive parts of East Kent. Often following surfaced paths, our easy access walks are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The walk leads you through open countryside and woodland to reach Ightham Mote and Fairlawne Estate (two estates with #5 - Ightham Mote and Knole Park Circular. Whilst not strictly all within Kent, (the Tunbridge wells circular walk hops across the border into East Sussex) it's a great walk. Can you correctly name these Kent celebrities in our quiz? Fairy-tale castles, historic royal residences and the home of Churchill can all be found in Kent. Marsh Green and Starborough Castle, 45. Chartwell, 14. Start and finish point: St Gregory and St Martin Church, Church Street, Wye, TN25 5BL. On our route from the village, you might have spotted a few scattered barns and farm buildings. 3.4 miles/5.4km | 2 hours | easymoderate. More spectacular from a distance than from directly above, these white rocks make the shape of the Wye Crown. Here are ten great routes you should try. Crown copyright and database rights 2022. Enjoy a picturesque circular walk from Ightham to Oldbury Hill, passing through an area of mixed woodland as well as fish ponds and an old quarry. Activities. go4awalk.com and go4awalk.co.uk are registered trademarks of TMDH Limited. The route takes you through woodlands, open fields, and one of Kent's most attractive (and haunted) villages - Chiddingstone, where you can enjoy local beers and ghost stories. 7 of the Best Walks in Kent - LOWA UK - Views of the #6 - Wye and the North Downs Circular Walk. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 467 routes with waterfalls or scenic views. Livesey Street is a track. Trails & Walks In Kent 2022 - See Kent Dungeness comes from the old Norse meaning dangerous nose. The walk starts just outside Edenbridge passing through the centre of the village where walkers can admire its distinctive stone bridge. Miles: 5 (km: 8) Trail. A guidebook describing 40 walks in the county of Kent. From Emmetts Garden to Churchill's family home at Chartwell Autumn views south of the weald from the Kent Downs (Shutterstock) This five-mile walk near Sevenoaks links the Edwardian hillside gardens of Emmetts with Winston Churchill's family home at Chartwell. The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is a Registered Charity, No. Follow this sunken track downhill to emerge at a road. Look out for the distinctive tops of the oast house. Visitors are advised to park at The Guildhall and Gazen Salts car parks which are free on Sundays, with the latter costing only 70p an hour or 4 a day. A circular walk on the North Downs from historic Wye in the Kent Downs 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Kent | AllTrails For those with younger children, Jeskyns Country Park offers a glimpse into the fairy world. Talk to us The 160 miles, Discover ancient castles and historic villages and some of Kent's finest wildlife sites along the 28 mile Medway Valley Walk, which runs from Tonbridge to. For a round-up of the day's top stories direct to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter here. Depending on the route you take, you will pass through historic castles and houses such as Tonbridge Castle and Hever Castle. That's 10 - 12 miles or so and might still be a bit wet after the floods earlier this year. There are plenty of things to do on Kent's hiking trails. Head north-east, following the blue-topped posts across fields and along the edge of woodland, pausing to enjoy the outlook to the new house and old castle. Nevertheless, with its shipwrecks, forts and secret beach, this part of the Kent coast feels fantastically off the beaten track. Romney Street - Courtfield Wood - Eastdown - Great Wood - Paine's Farm - Rowdon Hill - The North Downs Way - Rowdow Wood - Shorehill Farm - Otford Manor - Fab's Wood - Cotman's Ash - Summeryards Wood - Knockmill Wood - Highfield Piggery - Little East Hill Farm - Broom Wood - Romney Street. Copyright 2000-2023 TMDH Limited. The 15th-century building, in Laddingford, is in the heart of the Kentish hopping countryside. Bates, who set The Darling Buds of May in his native Kent, described the Downs as an unfailing compass-point with a magnetism that draws you towards them. function myFunction() { While youre here, look around the area above the crown. - Scotney Parkland Trail. Kearsney and St Radigund's, 84. } Cross a bridge to follow paths north of two lakes. Join the bridleway, passing vegetable plots and follow the waymarkers north-east, skirting Saw Lodge Wood, then east and south again to return to your starting point. Autumn views south of the weald from the Kent Downs (Shutterstock). - Deer Explore one of 204 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. detailed route descriptions along with maps and items of Round the gazebo to the right (built as a memorial to Nicolson) and follow the path through the gate down the hill towards the lake. Starting at the old lighthouse, take time to climb the stairs to view Romney Marsh. Otford Circular. There are extended paths to explore if you wish to shorten or lengthen your route. Often described as Kents top beauty spot, from this dramatic viewpoint you can see over the lowland of the Kentish Weald to Romney Marsh and as far as the English Channel. It is lovely to walk on the beach and you will encounter favulous seafood places. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 35 min to complete. Close to the start of this trail you can investigate the Otford Solar System - a full-scale representation of the position of our planets, and probably the largest model of its type in the world. Here are 7 of the best walks in Kent. Covering west Kent and The Weald and north and east Kent, including the Kent Downs and the Greensand Hills. Beyond the village, the route follows peaceful paths through #7 - Boxley and the North Downs Circular Walk. Turn right onto the road and stop at the first house on the right with a stream in the garden. Route Summary: Langdon Cliffs Car Park - Dover - The Saxon Shore Way - Langdon Hole - Crab Bay - Fan Point - Bantam Hole - South Foreland Lighthouse - St Margaret's At Cliffe - Bere Wood - Bere Farm - Broadlees Farm - Broadlees Bottom - Langdon Cliffs Car Park - Dover. and the Medway, 47. The twin towers of the medieval church dominate the Herne Bay skyline. Enjoy the 3 hour circular walk combining Chartwell, Kent and Surrey. Things to look for This short walk has revealed a few of the features of Kents classic downland landscape: chalk, water, agriculture, small settlements and grand views. This high-level circular walk follows the path taken by the protesters and leads to the . Look out for herons, just one of the many birds . It takes the rambler through the estate with vistas of the old hop farm, the new castle - an elegant Victorian country house - and the ruins of a much older medieval castle, surrounded by a motte and bailey on a lake island. From Wye Church, take the path through the churchyard signposted North Downs Way and turn right onto a tarmac road. if (x.type === 'password') { Walking Gear Guides Over time, the roof of the dome became very weak where it was cracked and eroded away by the work of wind, weather and rivers, like a boiled egg that has had its top removed! Rolvenden and Tenterden. Do not know if this is any good for you, here is a link from a walking club that I belong to. We started our trip from the New Flying Horse Pub in the picturesque village of Wye. At approximately 5 miles (8km) in length, today's circular route is considered to be quite strenuous, with a number of steep climbs throughout. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Whilst not strictly all within Kent, (the Tunbridge wells circular walk hops across the border into East Sussex) it's a great walk. And we have a specialist Facebook group covering traffic and travel across the south east, where we provide the latest updates from any incidents on the roads or trains. Kent's most scenic river and canal walks - Holiday cottages One Tree Hill and Underriver, 36. Find New Walking Friends A three hour dog friendly circular walk recommended by the National Trust starts from Chartwell and loops around to Emmets Garden. For those really looking to get out there and explore Kent, its time to take on one of the long distance trails. It takes the walkerover the Weald, with vistas opening out to the surrounding countryside. Six easy-to-follow hand-crafted circular walks, routes & maps in Kent of all grades in Walk Grade Order, See these 6 walks in Kent on an interactive Google Map. Once at the heart of the medieval Wealden iron industry, the area is now tranquil farmland. Can anyone suggest any 15-25 mile long circular walks in Kent? Look down and youll see were standing above bundles of white rock. Kents' long distance trails deliver wide horizons, stunning scenery, rich history and an exhilarating sense of freedom. This 27.5 mile walk passes through the High Weal Area of Outstanding Beauty around the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Kent Downs AONB for research and information, Dan Tusonfor writing the text on the Wye Crown and his invaluable book The Kent Downs, Geographand Flickr Creative Commonsfor additional images, Peter Vujakovicand Sonia Overall at Canterbury Christ Church University for their imaginative introductions to the Wye landscape, If you would know me, you must know the Downs, the chalk hills of Kent, stretching across the county, shaking themselves free from roads and smoke and towns - Rhoda Cutbush, The North Downs. Winter walks in Kent - Visit Kent Look for the gate in the Sand Pit Play Area to discover wonderful tiny residences such as Acorn Apartments, Mushroom Manor, The Old Boot Inn and Tree Top Village and you will also be able to see the sparkling dust left behind. Explore the abandoned fishing boats and shacks with their recycled gardens before taking the path in the direction of the house with the square tower. From Canterbury East Railway Station, follow the city wall to Castle Row and Rosemary Lane, then turn right into Stour Street, dropping into The Marlowe Kit, an exhibition centre and theatre space, to find out about the citys rich heritage. Train from Tonbridge to Wateringbury and back. Just before you reach the road junction, see if you can spot the detached house on the right. with the house and 82 acres being bought in 1922 by Churchill. You can now take part in the Explore Kent Junior Walking Challenge and earn certificates for your walking adventures. This three-mile circular walk explores the ever-shifting longshore drift, where the sea is constantly reshaping the sand and shingle. This four mile walk is an excellent beginner trail. Walking and Walking Routes in Surrey - Visit Surrey Up above the Devils Kneading Trough we found out that the underlying chalk rock of the North Downs is permeable, meaning water soaks through it. Perfect if youre recovering from illness or just feel like you need some motivation. A Countryside Break in Wye, Kent: Walks in the Kent Downs Ready to check out the best trails in Kent for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? Dover to Deal walking route and map Marlpit Hill Here's the link to our main Facebook page where we share our latest stories, including anything from breaking news to features, court coverage and much, much more. The wide expanse of shingle beach with its industrial power station is a draw for bohemian artists and writers. This three and a half hour walk takes you through Sandwich and the Quay, a 13th century harbour previously used for the export of wool. Not quite 12 miles but rain was threatening! This three mile stroll through historic Rochester will lead you through a tour packed with landmarks. Explore Mariners Hill and enjoy views of Winston Churchill's home at Chartwell and the Weald in Kent on this moderate circular walk. Thanks! Or attempt the160-mileSaxon Shore Wayarches from Gravesend to Hastings through some of Britains most compelling coastal landscapes. The trail takes its name from the six mile railway line which runs between the towns of Canterbury and Whitstable. To contribute to go4awalk.com or to contact us about anything at all - see Talk To Us. Cowden Station and Trugger's Gill, 124. Here, old sailing vessels and beach huts scatter Britains only recognised desert. Rising up steeply from the flatland of the Kentish Weald, the North Downs offer a dramatic landscape in a relatively flat county. When chalk freezes in this way it becomes impermeable (water cannot pass through it). Emerging from the woods, bear left and stop above the deep valley known as the Devils Kneading Trough. Follow Lake Walk (around one hour) to stumble upon a swaying waterside rainbow of wildflowers and herbs, such as calendula, cornflower, cosmos and corn poppy. So, where are the best places to go walking? View across farmland from up on the downs whereareyousimon, Flickr CC. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Walking - High Weald about all of them in due course. Past Iron Age hill forts, castles, nature reserves and along Kents ancient coastline. The two-and-a-half mile city walk takes in the city walls, originally built by the Romans, and the medieval centre with its ancient cobbled streets and timber-framed houses. Mixed with the chalk from the downs, it created a high quality, free draining soil idea for growing fruit, vegetables and hops. This route is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. The surfaces are a mixture A circular walk close to the village of Shoreham, near Sevenoaks in Kent. 5-15 years: 6.80/Family - 2 adults + 2 . Waymarking . Our site details self-guided circular routes of varying lengths that have been developed by the. It's perfectly possible to follow the Medway path all along the river between Tonbridge and Maidstone and take a bus or train back. Winter garden walks Moats and lakes in the High Weald Circling around the beautiful estate of the 14 th century Scotney Castle, the Scotney Parkland Trail is the perfect walk to discover the little stream that feeds the moat, beautiful woodland and panoramic views of the castle and its parkland. Length Order | Chartwell is Churchill's family home and garden, which is open to visitors. For those seeking a heritage trail from the Surrey Hills and through the Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Long distance walks - Surrey County Council - surreycc.gov.uk My motivation to get my . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy the Kentish countryside from the Ightham Mote estate as you walk the periphery of a large part of its 580 acres. The imposing towers of Reculver are the highlight of this walk - and the perfect picnic spot if you've packed lunch! Directions to Stop 1 : From Wye Church, take the path through the churchyard signposted North Downs Way and turn right onto a tarmac road. . A beautiful corner of the UK, Kent is characterised by its natural landscape made up of sea-lined chalk cliffs, expanding woodlands, rolling hills, open farmland, country estates and luscious orchards. var x = document.getElementById('password'); Log On/Accounts it appears the trail has been maintained recently. This 28 mile linear route along the banks of River Medway offers a diversity of landscapes from the market towns of Tonbridge and Rochester through picturesque villages and orchards. This is an easy access trail of 0.7 miles across White Horse Wood Country Park in Thurnham. Bolebroke Castle, 124. For help see Help. Livesey Street is a track. Thanks to Dan Tuson for writing the text on the Wye Crown. Join the bridleway, passing vegetable plots and follow the waymarkers north-east, skirting Saw Lodge Wood, then east and south again to return to your starting point. 23 things that only happen in Kent when its hot, Stunning Spanish galleon ship heading to Thanet in time for Coronation weekend, It is the only ship of its kind to sail in the present day, The 6 Kent camp sites named among the best in South East England, There is no shortage of amazing spots to pitch up a tent and enjoy the outdoors in Kent, Celebrate King's coronation with afternoon tea on steam train through Kent, The Marquis of Granby pub in Alkham named Kent's best in National Pub and Bar Awards 2023, The pub will now compete against 93 other county winners for the overall national title, Everything you need to know about Rochester Sweeps Festival 2023, The streets of Rochester are set to be totally transformed later this month as part of this popular annual festival, Weald of Kent Country Craft Show celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend, Entertainment will include laser clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing and a falconry display. From the car park, follow the path towards Sissinghurst Castle. Elham Valley Way connects Canterbury to Hythe, Some of the gorgeous sights you will see along the way, Crab and Winkle Way offers both walking and cycling trails, Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, The view across River Medway to the historical Rochester, The colours at Scotney are stunning in the autumn, This easy access trail offers exceptional views of the surrounding countryside, At 153 miles, this is the longest route on this list, A scenic route through the High Weal Area of Outstanding Beauty, The walk starts in Tonbridge and ends in Rochester. This circular walk, on a chalk hillside above the glorious Darent Valley, takes in broadleaf woods, a grass escarpment edge with wildflowers and great views, and an ancient village with superb old cottages, pubs and a river path. This five-mile walk near Sevenoaks links the Edwardian hillside gardens of Emmetts with Winston Churchills family home at Chartwell. Read more. After a steep climb up onto the North Downs you are rewarded with some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. There are many local legends about the ruins of St Mary's Church. This walk begins in the car park between the church hall and the village memorial hall in Otford (near Sevenoaks, Kent). Head down Hawks Lane and left into St Margarets Street with its Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kent is Around the World Singlespeed - England. Known as The Garden of England, Kents delightful rolling countryside is softened by apple orchards and hop fields and dotted with the distinctive Kentish oast houses. Kent is blessed with many long-distance and other named walks. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 583 walking trails, 503 hiking trails, 396 trail running trails, and more. Robertsbridge - a medieval village. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy views from Rochester Bridge, and the towering remains of the Norman castle, before passing Rochester Cathedral. Start at the Turner Contemporary gallery by the harbour in Margate, built on the site of Turners Margate home. The school holidays are right around the corner and our county has some stunning scenery to fill those endless days, Sign up to our What's On newsletter for a weekly email covering the best of Kent's food, drink, and entertainment scene, as well as upcoming events. Alkham Biddenden (BBC) Bilsington (The White Horse) Bridge (Parish Council) Boxley (Parish Council) Chiddingly (The Gun) Cranbrook (Walk Through Time) Dartford (Borough Council) Deal (Deal Heritage) Ramsgate is, literally, the gateway to Thanet, the outcrop of upper chalk where the North Downs finally meet the North Sea. This is a flat walk of 1.2 miles, with various points of interest including Hadlow Tower, and a pond which is home to an abundance of plant and wildlife. This short circular walk begins in Marlpit Hill on the northern edge of Edenbridge, Kent. Sorry, but your browser does not appear to be accepting our cookies. Walk k131 Woodchurch from Garlinge nr Margate, Isle of Thanet. Stop for a pint at The Fox and Hounds, then continue into Toys Hill woodland, passing the site of Weardale Manor (destroyed by a bomb in World War II). Ideally a mix of path / road and off road? To close this message click anywhere outside this window, Can't find something?