Explore Kent magazine Issue 17, Spring 2009
With the glimmer of summer peeking through the
clouds, thoughts are turning to holidays and fun in
the sun. But with the current financial climate,
expensive trips abroad may seem far out of reach.
But don’t despair, with Kent’s inspirational
countryside and coast, there are days out, great
holidays and short breaks aplenty right on your
doorstep.
In this issue you will find suggestions to help you
escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life,
whether it is for a family day out, or a short break
discovering everything the Garden of England has
to offer.
There are many opportunities for walking, riding
and cycling in the county so you can keep fit and
healthy while discovering historical sites, great
visitor attractions, panoramic scenery and dramatic
coastlines.
Days out in Kent on a budget
A family day out doesn’t have to cost the earth!
Kent’s countryside and coast offers a fantastic
range of experiences for everyone to enjoy. Here
are a few suggestions to help you plan your ideal
day out.
East Kent – coastal escape
Boasting the historical City of Canterbury and the
breathtaking
White Cliffs of Dover, East Kent hosts a stunning
array of sights not to be missed.
Walking
If you take a walk in East Kent you will find hidden
treasures around every corner. With some longer
routes like the North Downs Way National Trail, the
Elham Valley Way and the Stour Valley Way, the
area is a walkers’ paradise.
The circular walk at Appledore follows part of the
Royal Military Canal path and our walk at Pluckley
takes in the idyllic countryside where the television
programme ‘The
Darling Buds of May’ was set. The many diverse
landscapes of East Kent can be enjoyed on circular
walks at Reculver, Kingsdown and Walmer and
Goodnestone.
Cycling
Get on your bike for a 50 mile (80.5km) coast to
cathedral ride, from Dover to Canterbury.
The route passes along leafy lanes and bridleways
and through woodland and country villages. The
perfect recipe for a cycling holiday or a series of
day rides.
Another lovely route follows part of National Cycle
Route 18 from Ashford to Tunbridge Wells (42
miles, 67.6km) through the High Weald AONB. With
undulating countryside, this route is not
recommended for novice riders but it can be broken
down into manageable chunks for everyone to
enjoy.
Horse riding
Why not saddle up for a wonderful ride in the
Alkham Valley, part of the Kent Downs
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), an 8.5
mile (13.7km) route near Dover?
Parks and open spaces
There are some great open spaces and picnic sites
in the area. The most notable being
Samphire Hoe, a wonderful site located at the foot
of the White Cliff s. The Hoe has an interesting
history and provides a haven for wildlife and visitors
alike with fascinating walks and great picnic areas.
King’s Wood in Challock and Brockhill in
Hythe have all the ingredients of a great family day
out, with picnic spots and children’s play areas.
While Wye National
Nature Reserve has a beautiful and varied
landscape of chalk downland, woodland and scrub
and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Pegwell
Bay and Western Heights
Local Nature Reserve, environmental and historical
treasures, are also well worth a visit.
Places of interest
Canterbury’s Cathedral and historic town centre
obviously offer a wealth of interesting visitor
attractions, but there is a lot more to East Kent. The
frontline castles at Dover, Walmer and Deal are
fascinating places to visit and the White Cliff s offer
outstanding views across the Channel. Experience
traditional seaside towns at Broadstairs, Margate,
Faversham and Whitstable.
Encounter wild animals at Port Lympne Wild Animal
Park, take a trip on the Romney, Hythe &
Dymchurch Railway or visit the charming Godington
House and Gardens.
East Kent Visitor Information Centres
Ashford
tel: 01233 629165
www.ashford.gov.uk
Canterbury
tel: 01227 378100
www.canterbury.gov.uk
Dover
tel: 01304 205108
www.whitecliff scountry.org.uk
Margate & Ramsgate
tel: 0870 2646111
www.visitthanet.co.uk
Tenterden (summer only)
tel: 01580 763572
www.ashford.gov.uk
North Kent - hidden gem
North Kent has some great hidden treasures with
family friendly Country Parks, Dickensian heritage
and the wonderful Saxon Shore Way, which
provides over 160 miles of coastal walking.
Walking
There are some great short circular walks available
at Meopham, Cuxton, and Camer
Park. If you are looking for more of a challenging
walk the Darent Valley Path stretching from
Dartford to Sevenoaks is a lovely long distance
route offering a 19 mile
(30.4km) journey following the River Darent from
the banks of the Thames.
Cycling
The Heron Trail, is an18 mile (29km) circular
cycling route on the Hoo Peninsula between Upnor
and Higham. The route can be broken down into
smaller parts, to give visitors a glimpse of what this
beautiful area has to offer.
Horse riding
A riding route around the boundary of Trosley
Country Park, a lovely 170 acre site of beautiful
woodland and chalk downland is great for riders of
all abilities.
Parks and open spaces
There are some wonderful open spaces to enjoy in
North Kent, with Country Parks such as
Lullingstone and White Horse Wood. Jeskyns, a
360 acre site created by the
Forestry Commission is another great open space
featuring 3,000 new trees, wildflower meadows,
grassland and a children’s adventure play area, all
connected by paths and cycle tracks.
Places of interest
North Kent has some great places to visit and
historical links to discover including the last resting
place of Pocahontas and Gads Hill Place, once the
home of Charles
Dickens. There are also some fascinating visitor
attractions including Cobham Hall and
Lullingstone Castle and World Garden.
North Kent Visitor Information Centres
Gravesend tel: 01474 337600
www.towncentric.co.uk
Maidstone tel: 01622 602169
www.tour-maidstone.co.uk
West Kent - Wealden wonders
A wonderful area of discovery, West Kent provides
a variety of experiences for all, whether you are
visiting for just a day or a whole weekend.
Walking
There are lots of great walks to choose from in
West Kent. From easy access circular routes such
as the Hadlow trail to the longer distance walks like
the Medway Valley Path and North Downs Way
National Trail.
Cycling
There is a great 5 mile (8km) cycling route running
from Tonbridge Castle to Penhurst
Place which is ideal for the whole family. Bewl
Water is a must visit for all cyclists with a beautiful
12 mile (19km) circuit around the reservoir and bike
hire available on site.
Horse riding
Dry Hill in West Kent offers some great horse riding
opportunities, through the High
Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB). The routes comprise of four loops with
nine access links, providing rides of up to 15.5
miles (25km). Bedgebury Pinetum also offers riders
a 7.5 mile (12km) trail. Horse riders with TROT (Toll
Rides Off -Road Trust) permits will find way marked
trails linking to bridleways, creating a network of
horse friendly routes around the forest.
Parks and open spaces
There are some great parks in West Kent to
explore, many of them steeped in local history.
Visitors can encounter the deer in the parkland
surrounding Knole stately home in Sevenoaks, or
enjoy the grandeur of the elegant Dunorlan Park
and many more historic parks in and around
Tunbridge Wells.
Places of interest
From beautiful gardens to historic castles there is
so much to see and do. Tonbridge
Castle set in landscaped gardens overlooks the
River Medway and is easily accessible by public
transport. Among other visitor attractions in the
area, Scotney Castle, and Groombridge Place
Gardens and are definitely worth a visit.
West Kent Visitor Information Centres
Sevenoaks tel: 01732 450305
www.heartofkent.org.uk
Tonbridge tel: 01732 770929
www.tmbc.gov.uk
Tunbridge Wells tel: 01892 515675
www.visittunbridgewells.com
Circular countryside walk from Harrietsham
Take the opportunity to escape the busy county
town of Maidstone, to visit the nearby village of
Harrietsham and enjoy a leisurely walk through the
rolling countryside. Using part of the North Downs
Way this route offers some excellent views
demonstrating why Kent is heralded as The Garden
of England.
Location: Harrietsham
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Time: 3 hours
Explorer Map: 148
Terrain: Field paths and tracks. Some moderate
slopes
Stiles: 17
Parking: There is limited parking at Harrietsham
train station
Refreshments and facilities: There is a pub and a
shop in the village and a pub half way round the
walk
Public transport: Harrietsham train station is where
the walk starts and ends
Step count: approx 10,000
Harrietsham lies on the slopes of the Kent Downs,
just east of Maidstone close to the A20.
The North Downs Way National Trail is a 153 mile
route stretching from Farnham in Surrey to Dover.
Much of the trail follows the Pilgrims Way; the
legendary route used by pilgrims on their way from
Winchester to Canterbury.
From the Downs exhilarating scenery can be taken
in, a short circular walk is the ideal way to
experience the views if you prefer not to take on the
entire 153 mile route. Much of the Downlands are
covered with rich woodland and rare chalk
grasslands, which encourages the rich diversity of fl
ora and fauna. There are nature reserves, rare
plants and butterfl ies to see. To learn more about
this protected landscape log onto
www.kentdowns.org.uk.
A well earned resting place for weary travellers on
our route is The Ringlestone, a renowned inn
steeped in history that dates back to 1533. The
Ringlestone was originally used as a hospice for
monks but became one of the early ‘Ale Houses’
around 1615.
Other circular walks along the North Downs Way
are available at Barham and Adisham, Kemsing,
Otford and Shoreham and Wye. Visit
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/northdowns to download the
walks.
Sheppey steps out to stay in shape
Twice weekly HealthWalks on the Isle of Sheppey,
supported by NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent, are
proving a great way to improve health.
The first HealthWalks began on the island nearly
three years ago under the leadership of Jenny
Chilvers and her son-in-law Ian
Jennings. Since then other volunteers have been
recruited and the walks attract beginners and
enthusiasts from all over Sheppey.
Joining them on a bright March morning,
Explore Kent stepped out from Leysdown, past
Muswell Manor (noted as being the birthplace of
British aviation 100 years ago) through Shell Ness
and other beauty spots for a two hour long walk.
Jenny said: “When we first started the walks we
found some people were happy to go on a longer
walk as well as a shorter one. Now, we hold a two
hour walk on Wednesday mornings and a one hour
stroll on Fridays. Bad weather doesn’t put us off. I
recently led a group of 14 through fog a few weeks
back.”
“People have said to me how much fitter they feel
as a result and it has become a great social event
as well. We often have around 30 people joining
us.” Jenny Chilvers, Walk Organiser
Jenny is a keen map reader and has charted out
the walks on the island’s public footpaths.
There are only a handful of paths which the groups
haven’t yet walked – but they hope to put that right
during the next few weeks.
If you would like to join any of the HealthWalks
sponsored by NHS Eastern and
Coastal Kent, please call 01304 828700 and ask for
the coordinator Julia Wells.
You can also email enquiries to
healthwalks@eastcoastkent.nhs.uk or look at our
list of current HealthWalks at
www.whi.org.uk/eastkent..
Enjoy a weekend in Faversham
We all deserve a break sometimes, but with purse
strings being pulled a little tighter at the moment
why not put off that trip abroad and take time to
experience the delights Kent has to offer?
Faversham is one of England’s most charming
historic market towns and is fast becoming the best
place for walking in the county. It provides an easy
base to explore some of the best countryside and
attractions in the area. Nestling between the rolling
Downs and the sweeping fl atlands of the North
Kent marshes, the town is both a lively community
and a heritage treasure.
With a natural water supply and surrounded by land
ideal for growing hops, it’s no surprise Faversham
plays host to Britain’s oldest brewer-Shepherd
Neame. The brewery is set in the heart of the town
and has been producing outstanding beer for
hundreds of years. There is a great visitor centre
and Shepherd Neame off ers tours and beer and
food evenings enabling you to sample some
excellent traditional ales and see how they are
produced.
For the energetic amongst us there are four
fascinating circular walks of varying lengths in the
area to help you unwind and take in some much
needed fresh air. From a short walk following in the
footsteps of pilgrims, to a longer rural route taking in
the sights of the Syndale Valley there is something
for everyone.
You can download these walks around Faversham
at www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent.
Why not include one of the many local visitor
attractions in the area on your weekend itinerary?
As well as the brewery the town centre houses a
regular farmers’ market, The Chart Gunpowder
Mills, Fleur de Lis Museum and Gallery and the
Shrine of St Jude. Just outside the town sample the
local produce at Brogdale, which houses the
National Fruit Collection, or take the children to
Farming World where they can try their hand at
rural tasks and meet animals of all shapes and
sizes.
Various options are available for accommodation,
from quaint cottages to welcoming hotels. For more
information www.visitkent.co.uk provides listings
of accommodation in Kent and you can book online.
To help you enjoy your break in Faversham, we
have included some vouchers overleaf off ering
some great discounts and deals on food, drink,
accommodation and attraction entry for two of the
four walks; Footsteps of Royalty and Romans and
Peasant’s last revolt.
WALK 1 Footsteps of
Royalty and Romans
THE ALMA
Free half pint of Masterbrew
with a main meal purchase
Painter’s Forstal,
Kent ME13 ODU
T: 01795 533835
www.shepherdneame.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Offer only valid with a purchase
of a meal. Offer cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer.
Voucher valid until 31/07/09
ARDENNES
Free dessert when purchased
with a main meal
114 West Street, Faversham,
Kent ME13 7JB
T: 01795 590008
www.ardennes.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Not valid on Saturday evenings. Only
one offer per voucher. Cannot be
used in conjunction with any other
offer. Voucher valid until 31/07/09
THE COURTYARD AT
BROGDALE
Free tea/coffee/juice with
any food purchase
Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road,
Ospringe, Kent ME13 8XZ
T: 01795 536310
www.brogdalefarm.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This voucher cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer.
Voucher valid until 31/07/09
THE ELEPHANT
On presentation of voucher
20p discount per pint of
Real Ale
31 The Mall, Faversham,
Kent ME13 8JN
T: 01795 590157
www.theelephantpub.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Only one offer per voucher.
Voucher valid until 31/07/09
SHEPHERD NEAME
BREWERY TOURS
10% discount on Brewery
Tours, advance booking
essential
Shepherd Neame Visitor
Centre, Court Street,
Faversham, Kent ME13 7AX
T: 01795 542016
www.shepherdneame.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Valid for standard daytime tours
only. Not to be used in conjunction
with any other offer. Tours must be
booked in advance. Voucher valid
until 31/07/09
THE SUN INN
Free tea, coffee & biscuits
with purchase of Light Meal
10 West Street, Faversham,
Kent ME13 7JE
T: 01795 535098
www.sunfaversham.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This voucher cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer.
Voucher valid until 31/07/09
WALK 2
Peasants’ last revolt
BED AND BREAKFAST AT
CHURCH OAST
10% off mid week
accommodation for stays
over two nights
Church Oast, Hernhill,
Kent ME13 9JW
T: 01227 750974
www.churchoast.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This voucher cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer.
Voucher valid until 31/07/09
Present this magazine at
participating venues to
take advantage of
these great offers.
THE WHITE HORSE INN
10% off food purchases
over £10
The Street, Boughton,
Kent ME13 9AX
T: 01227 751343 www.
whitehorsecanterbury.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This voucher is not valid over Easter
or Bank Holidays. Voucher valid until
31/07/09
BRENLEY FARM HOUSE
1 free evening meal for a
booked stay of over
2 nights mid week
Brenley Lane, Boughton,
Kent ME13 9LY
T: 01227 751203
www.brenley-farm.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This offer is per voucher per room
and only valid mid-week. Voucher
valid until 31/07/09
MOUNT EPHRAIM GARDENS
£1.00 off entry to
Mount Ephraim
Hernhill, Kent ME13 9TX
T: 01227 751496 www.
mountephraimgardens.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This offer cannot be used in
conjunction with any other offer.
The gardens are open from Easter
Sunday to the end of September on
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and
Sunday 12 noon - last entry 5pm,
Bank holidays from 11am. Voucher
valid until 31/07/09
THE DOVE INN
10% off purchases of food
Plum Pudding Lane,
Dargate, Kent ME13 9HB
T: 01227 751360
www.shepherdneame.co.uk
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This voucher is not valid on
weekends and Bank Holidays.
Voucher valid until 31/07/09
Spend some time in the great outdoors this
summer and make a difference by volunteering
your time to improve and enhance Kent’s
countryside.
If you enjoy fresh air and want to get active in the
countryside then you could enjoy becoming a
volunteer Countryside Access Warden. As a
Warden you will directly help your local community
and visitors to the area by carrying out a number of
simple jobs that will make the rights of way network
a lot friendlier to use and help give others the
confidence to explore the countryside. No previous
knowledge is necessary and everyone who is
capable of a little light work and walking in the
countryside is welcome to apply.
Volunteers are an essential source of help, keeping
the public rights of way network open for all to use.
To find out more about the scheme or to register to
be invited to one of the upcoming free training days,
please send your full contact details to:
E-mail: cas.volunteer@kent.gov.uk
Text: CAS (space) + your message to
07950080802. For example: “CAS Hello,
I would like to join…” You will receive confirmation
that your message has been received. Phone: 0845
3450210.
Countryside Management Projects
Kent County Council takes an active role in
protecting and enhancing the countryside,
supporting seven countryside management
partnerships across the county. These bring
together lots of organisations to help maintain
Kent’s landscape and wildlife, as well as support
Kent’s communities. The countryside management
projects play a vital part in the conservation and
enhancement of the Kent countryside.
Volunteers are required to take an active role in
helping to preserve the countryside around them.
For more details about countryside partnerships
and how to volunteer, contact Kate Phillips,
Countryside Partnership Manager at Kent County
Council, by email at kate.phillips@kent.gov.uk or
call 08458 247600.
Country Parks
Play your part in helping to manage and encourage
the rich diversity of landscape and wildlife in Kent.
Giving up some of your time in a Country Park is
interesting, rewarding and helps keep you fit and
healthy!
Most of our Country Parks have volunteer groups
who help with the maintenance and development of
the sites. Common tasks include path clearing,
hedge laying, pond work and coppicing. Volunteer
days are held throughout the year. To volunteer at
your local Country Park contact them direct. A full
list of Country Parks can be found at
www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent or call 08458 247600.
Log on and experience the bigger picture
360 degree views of Kent’s glorious countryside
and coast are now only a click away at
www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent.
Perfect if you want to sample the view before you
set off or simply for inspiration to help you get out
there and explore the paths and parks on your
doorstep. We know there are countless great views
in Kent, so why not tell us about your favourites and
you could see your much-loved panoramic scenes
on our website or even in the next issue of Explore
Kent magazine.
Great news!
The Explore Kent website has some new features!
Feedback from our customers has led to a
complete refresh of our homepage. It now includes
great new competitions and features like the
postcode search facility so you can now fi nd walks,
parks and cycle and horse rides near you.
On your bike!
A new guide to exploring Kent by bike is out now!
With cycle routes for families and experienced
cyclists as well as itineraries for short cycle breaks
it is the ultimate guide to cycling in Kent. Call 08458
247600 to order your free copy today or download it
from the Explore Kent website.
Hadlow to Farningham pipeline
If you have been out and about in Hadlow, Borough
Green, Fawkham, Plaxtol, Hadlow, Ightham, New
Ash Green or Stansted you may have noticed
construction work taking place on some of the
public rights of way in the area. This work is due to
the installation of the 22km pipeline between
Farningham and Hadlow, which is programmed to
last until the end of September 2009. Some rights
of way may be closed for a maximum of six months,
however, it is intended that paths will be made
available whenever safe to do so.
Unfortunately some disruption to users of the path
network will be unavoidable. All temporary closures
and Traffic Regulation Orders can be viewed on the
Explore Kent website interactive map. The pipeline
is being constructed by Murphy Pipelines Ltd on
behalf of Southern Gas Network. For further up to
date information please call Southern Gas Network
on 0845 094 4968 Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.
Capture Climate Change in Kent
Capture Climate Change in Kent is a photography
competition being run by Kent County Council.
Photographs can be taken by all ages, showing the
effects of climate change in Kent. The competition
opens on World Environment Day, 5 June.
Information on how to enter is available on
www.kent.gov.uk/greenkent.
Explore Kent’s Past
A fantastic project, aiming to Explore Kent’s Past,
the Kent Historical Environment Records (HER)
database is now available online at
www.kent.gov.uk/exploringkentspast, helping
people throughout Kent learn more about the
county’s past.
WIN an iPod Nano
All you need to do is answer all the questions below
correctly to enter a prize draw. Send your answers
to editor.explorekent@kent.gov.uk or
The Editor, Countryside Access Service, Invicta
House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XX.
Competiton closes on 31 August 2009. Only the
winner willl be contacted shortly afterwards.
Good luck!
1 Fill in the blanks. Kent is known as
the..........................of..........................?
2 What does AONB stand for?
3 To the nearest 100, how many stiles are
there on footpaths in Kent?
4 How many miles of public rights of way
does Kent have?
5 What historic landmark will you find on
the coast at Reculver?
6 How many miles long is the North Downs
Way National Trail?
7 The long distance walking route, the
Greensand Way, starts in Haslemere in
Surrey but in what village in Kent does it finish?
8 What is the name of the Country Park near
Gravesend that has an environmentally friendly
visitor centre?
Questions and Answers
“I like articles about real people. Can we see
more of these?”
Many of our readers have enquired about including
articles about ‘real people’. In this edition we have
included a ‘Share your great days out’ competition
with some excellent prizes to try and encourage
more articles from ‘real people’. We hope to publish
some of the best days out in the next issue. See
page 25 for details about how to enter.
“How can I volunteer to help manage and
improve rights of way?”
For Countryside Access volunteering projects,
please contact the Community Liaison
Officer, Benjamin Collins, email
benjamin.collins@kent.gov.uk, or call 01304
814534
(Ext: 211). See page 15 for more details and other
volunteering opportunities.
“I would like to see more competitions please.”
There are two competitons in this issue and we
have also added two ongoing competitions to the
Explore Kent website.
The new photographic competition and ‘Share Your
Great Days Out’ competition, both provide an
opportunity for you to share your ideas for a great
day out and inspire others to get out and about in
Kent.
“Other magazines off er discount vouchers to
local businesses. Is this something
Explore Kent can include?”
Explore Kent has managed to negotiate some great
discounts with local businesses in Faversham,
please see page 14 for more details.
“Can we advertise in the magazine?”
Explore Kent is a magazine produced solely for our
readers who are looking for ideas for days out,
things to do and walks and rides.
We want to avoid filling the magazine with
unecessary adverts and therefore reduce the
amount of space available for useful information
that we know our readers enjoy.
We would however welcome a sponsor for the
magazine to help fund future editions and the ever
increasing costs of producing the magazine. So
please contact us using the details on the back
page if you are interested.
“Why are only two issues of Explore Kent
produced each year?”
Resources are limited and whilst the magazine is
very popular we can only produce two per year.
However, if you would like to receive more
information and keep up to date with Explore Kent,
an e-newsletter is produced every 6-8 weeks.
This is a brief newsletter that usually includes a
walk, upcoming events and the latest news.
You can join the mailing list by emailing
explorekent@kent.gov.uk or calling
08458 247600.
Branching Out
The right to walk in the countryside, or take a
leisurely stroll through a country park should be
available to all. For some however, it is not always
With this in mind the Branching Out group was
formed in 2006 by members of the Maidstone
Ramblers, Maidstone MIND, Maidstone MS
Society, Maidstone Club Connect and the By All
Means Project with the aim of providing accessible
walks for all, regardless of ability. Tony Smith and
Caroline Walsh organise the walks and once a
month, a suitable location is selected, usually
central to Maidstone as the group was initially put
together for local residents (plans to roll this
initiative out across the county are in progress). All
the sites are chosen for their ease of access for
wheelchairs and push chairs, public transport links
and accessible visitor facilities.
The last walk, held at Mote Park, was a perfect
example of the need for this type of group.
46 eager participants arrived promptly for an
11.30am start. Chip, the intrepid leader, guided the
group, following a gentle sloped path across a
stone bridge and through the peaceful parkland.
The group remained together, despite the size and
crowded in to listen to Chip relay interesting facts
on the park’s heritage and wildlife inhabitants.
Many of the group had visited the park before
joining Branching Out. However a guided walk
provides the chance to make new friends, learn
more about the countryside and enjoy a shared
experience.
The vision is to see this initiative rolled out across
the county and to include other areas of interest like
nature walks, bird watching, photography and
environmental art.
With a high returning participation and new
members joining on a monthly basis it is apparent
that such a group has become vital to the
community. However, without the continued support
from partners and local organisations, the group
could face diffi cult times. To show your support and
for information about other guided walks in Kent,
please visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent and
select ‘Walking’.
Take a walking break on the North Downs Way
The North Downs Way National Trail is the premier
long distance route in the South East running the
length of the Surrey Hills and Kent Downs Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
From Farnham in Surrey the trail extends for 153
miles (246km) to Dover on the Kent coast with a
loop via Canterbury. It passes close to many towns
and villages where excellent food, much of it locally
sourced and quality accommodation can be found.
The North Downs Way makes an excellent two
week hike but it can be completed as a series of
shorter walks. For the experienced walker, an
attractive way of sampling the most scenic sections
of the trail is to take a short walking break. Small
towns and villages ideally located along the route,
provide a warm welcome to all.
Otford to Detling - 32 miles (51.5km) 3-4 days
Otford with its antique shops and good range of
pubs and restaurants makes an ideal starting point
for a North Downs Way walk. Don’t forget to look
out for the ruined Otford Palace, the only listed
village pond in the country, and the scale model of
the solar system before you set out on your journey.
From here the trail passes above the village of
Kemsing, towards Wrotham and through Trosley
Country Park. Walkers are treated to views of the
Medway Valley and the Thames Estuary before
arriving in the village of Cuxton.
Crossing the River Medway and heading towards
Bluebell Hill, just north of Maidstone, the route
passes Kit’s Coty House and the White Horse
Stone megalith, an area rich in prehistoric remains.
The next village, Boxley is worth a visit for the barn
which is all that remains of Boxley Abbey, a huge
Cistercian Abbey destroyed by Henry VIII.
Rochester to Canterbury
40 miles (64.4km) 4-5 days
A Cathedral to Cathedral walk with a strong pilgrim
theme takes walkers from Rochester to Canterbury.
Rochester with its Dickensian connections and
transport links to London is the ideal place to start
this short walking break.
Follow the Medway Valley walk and pick up the
North Downs Way at the Medway Bridge and
continue through Detling. Climbing the Downs, the
trail passes by the ruins of Thurnham Castle, and
through Hollingbourne, an ancient village with a
fascinating history.
Continuing along the Pilgrims’ Way to Charing and
beyond, following the northern path at Boughton
Aluph to Kings Wood (once the hunting ground of
Henry VIII). The route then carries on through
orchards and the hamlet of Chartham Hatch before
arriving at the wonderful cathedral city of
Canterbury.
Walk Awhile, organises both self-led and guided
walking holidays on the North Downs Way between
Rochester and Canterbury. For further details
please visit
www.walkawhile.co.uk
Lenham to Dover
34 miles (54.7km) 3-4 days
Lenham, once a fl ourishing market town, has a
good range of accommodation,
restaurants and pubs.
From Lenham, the route follows the Pilgrims’ Way
to Charing, close to Westwell village and on into
Eastwell Park. Originally housing a stately home,
which played host to royal residence, the park only
has a few remaining features left after it was
demolished in 1926.
The park is now dominated by the stunning and
luxurious Eastwell Manor Hotel, a great place to
stay for a special treat.
Past Wye, the North Downs Way scales up to the
top of the Downs passing Wye Crown (a chalk
crown carved by students in 1901) and the Devil’s
Kneading Trough, (a deep cleft carved in the chalk
downs during the ice age) with superb views
southwards.
The trail passes close to Postling, an attractive
hamlet which was once home to the author Joseph
Conrad, who wrote some of his most famous novels
there. The fi nal leg of the journey, a superb coastal
walk, welcomes you to the dramatic coastline of
Dover.
For more information on planning your short
walking break on the North Downs Way, from
accommodation to transport, telephone 08458
247600 or visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/northdowns
Kingsdown and Walmer
Enjoy the sea air and discover a wealth of history
on a leisurely and easy access coastal walk through
Kingsdown and Walmer.
Location: Kingsdown and Walmer
Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5km)
Time: 1.5 hours
Explorer Map: 138
Terrain: Field paths and surfaced paths. Some
gentle slopes
Stiles: 0
Parking: There is parking available near the
castle on Kingsdown Road
Refreshments & Facilities: There are shops and
a pub in Walmer
Public Transport: Walmer is the nearest train
station (1.5miles)
Step Count: approx 4,375
This short coastal walk, just a stone’s throw from
the villages of Kingsdown and Walmer off ers some
excellent views from Hawkshill Freedown. The
Freedown is a piece of chalky grassland, of special
importance to local wildlife. On a clear day it
provides wonderful views across the surrounding
countryside and over the Channel to France. The
site was also a World War I aerodrome, now
housing a memorial to the pilots who flew from here
and never returned.
The walk passes by Walmer Castle, a must visit
English Heritage property that is open to the public
all year round. Originally built during the reign of
Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery
defense against attack from Europe, the castle has
evolved over time into an elegant residence.
Walmer was the offi cial residence of the Lord
Warden of the Cinque Ports, a post held in 1708 by
the Duke of Wellington. Along with the castle and
the beautiful surrounding gardens, visitors can take
advantage of the tea-rooms after working up an
appetite on the walk.
Winning woodland photo
We received a staggering 180 entries; but
unfortunately there can be only one winner and this
picture of a magnificent old English Oak Tree with
the sun peeking through caught our imagination. So
many congratulations to Mary Mackins with her
image entitled ‘Sun Burst’.
The standard was so high we decided to award
three runners up, so congratulations also go to Paul
Stroud, Jodie Randall and Stephen Fooks.
The Exhibition!
You can view the entries online at
www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent. There will also be
two exhibitions. The first in Sessions House,
Maidstone, ME14 1XX from 29th July to 31st
August and the second in The Mall, Pads Hill,
Maidstone, ME15 6AT from 21st September to 27th
September.
(All dates are inclusive.) For more competitions log
onto www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent
WIN a years free entry to Bedgebury National
Pinetum and Forest worth £50
This gives unlimited free parking at Bedgebury for
one year, with access to facilities including the
National Pinetum, the cycle trails and the children’s
play area. To enter either email your great day out
to editor.explorekent@kent.gov.uk or post to The
Editor, Explore Kent, Environment and Waste,
Invicta House, Maidstone, Kent,
ME14 1XX.
The closing date for this competition is 30th
September 2009. The winner will be
contacted shortly afterwards. The winning entry will
be published in the next issue of Explore Kent and
on the website.
Competition Rules
Each entry must be no longer then 500 words.
All days out must be in Kent.
Entries may be edited.
By entering you are giving KCC permission to
publish your entry.
All entries should be deemed suitable
for all to read.
Entries should include the title of the
great day out, the location, your name
and contact details.
The judges panel decision is final.
Access the countryside
with ease at Hadlow
Offering an idyllic slice of rural life, while
taking in some great views of the local
countryside, the Hadlow Access Trail has
been specifically designed to allow all visitors,
regardless of ability or age, the chance to
experience the beauty of the local area.
Our 1.25mile (2km) route starts and finishes in the
village of Hadlow, on Church Place.
Originally the street housed the Kings Head Inn,
which used to attract bare-knuckle
fighters from near and far during the hop picking
season. Hopeful contestants would
often walk miles to fight in the pub yard. As you
continue your walk, you will notice
gates have replaced stiles which are easier for
visitors with pushchairs or wheelchair users.
Mobility scooters can also be used with a RADAR
key. Above the trees and houses, the tall tower of
Hadlow Castle can be seen dominating the valley
behind the Church. Built in the late 18th century this
gothic inspired building is thought to have replaced
an earlier Tudor mansion. Much of the castle was
pulled down in the 1950s but the tower was saved
by the artist Bernard Hailstone and now boasts
Grade
I listed status. The village of Hadlow is also known
for housing Hadlow College. Covering 630 acres
the college is a thriving land-based institute offering
courses in various subjects from Animal
Management to Floristry. Also on the grounds
Broadview, the commercial arm of the college,
contains a tea-room, garden centre, produce shop
and beautiful landscaped gardens, perfect for a
summer’s afternoon.
Although our pathway is well surfaced, the
immediate area surrounding it is still a hive of
activity for wildlife and plant life, boasting woodland
carpeted with bluebells, rare flowers, elusive
woodpeckers and stoats. This, accompanied by the
views of the Greensand Ridge and Medway Valley,
makes the Hadlow Access Trail an ideal springtime
experience for the whole family. For a leaflet about
the route
visit www.hadlowpc-kent.org.uk/l&t.htm.
Walk and dine
There’s no better way to round off your countryside
walk or ride than with a delicious and well deserved
lunch in a cosy Kentish pub.
Here’s a selection of walks and rides with pubs that
serve freshly prepared, Kentish produce giving you
a taste of the very best that the Garden of England
has to offer.
Bluebell Hill ride 4.5 miles (7.25 km)
The Robin Hood
364 Common Road, Bluebell Hill,
Chatham, Kent, ME5 9RJ
Tel: 01634 861500
Charing North Downs Way Lost
Landscapes Heritage Trail
The pub is accessible from the primary route –
5.5 miles (8.8km)
The Red Lion
Charing Heath Road, Charing,
Ashford, Kent, TN27 0AU
Tel: 01233 712418
Chartham walk 5 miles (8km)
The Chapter Arms
New Town Street, Chartham Hatch, Nr.
Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7LT
Tel: 01227 738340
The Artichoke Inn
Rattington Street, Chartham,
Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7JQ
Tel: 01227 738316
Horsmonden walk 5 miles (8km)
The Gun & Spitroast
The Heath, Horsmonden, Kent, TN12 8HT
Tel: 01892 722 925
National cycle route 2 (from Dover along
the Kent coast to Rye, East Sussex)
The Shepherd & Crook (at Burmarsh)
Shear Way, Burmarsh, Kent, TN29 0JJ
Tel: 01303 872336
North Downs Way – Thurnham walk
5.25 miles (8.4km)
The Black Horse Inn
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr. Maidstone,
Kent, ME14 3LD
Tel: 01622 737185
Pluckley walk 4.2 miles (6.7km)
The Mundy Bois
Mundy Bois Road, Pluckley, Kent, TN27 0ST
Tel: 01233 840048
The Swan Inn
The Street, Little Chart, Ashford,
Kent, TN27 0QB
Tel: 01233 840702
The Black Horse
The Street, Pluckley, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0QS
Tel: 01233 841948
Regional cycle route 17
(Canterbury to Dover)
The White Horse Inn (at Bridge)
53 High Street, Bridge, Kent CT4 5LA
Tel: 01227 830249
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve
walk 0.6 miles (1km)
The Red Lion
Stodmarsh, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 4BA
Tel: 01227 721339
Maps and guides of these routes
can be downloaded at
www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent, or
call 08458 247600 for more information.
Escape to your local Country Park
A treat at Trosley
Trosley Country Park,
Waterlow Road,
Meopham, Kent, DA13 0SG.
Tel: 01732 823570
Directions
The Park is signposted off the A227 between
Meopham and Wrotham, near Vigo village,
and opens 9.00am to dusk. The nearest main
line train station is Borough Green which is
four miles away.
Parking
A pay and display car park operates in Trosley
Country Park throughout the year, seven days
a week. Charges are Monday to Friday Åí1.20
weekends and Bank holidays to Åí1.70.
An annual parking pass which gives you best
value and is valid at all Kent County Council
parks is also available. The parking pass costs
£30 and is available by calling 08458 247 600.
Facilities and other information
Cycling allowed
Riding allowed
Parking
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Refreshments
Events programme
View points
Visitor centre
Trosley Country Park was once part of Trosley
Towers Estate and covers 170 acres of beautiful
woodland and chalk downland on the North Downs.
The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, and is
classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI), supporting a vast array of butterflies each
summer.
The park’s two waymarked trails benefit from some
fantastic sights. The easy access trail winds
through the dense woodland, which is rich in
wildlife. More adventurous walkers will enjoy the
walk on the downland, which offers spectacular
panoramic views across the Weald, from the steep
grass slopes.
Trosley Country Park also has a Trim Trail, great for
those looking for a more challenging exercise
especially if you find the local gym daunting,
expensive, or simply prefer your exercise ‘au
naturel’. It includes a wide range of outdoor gym
equipment to work-out the whole body, designed to
give you the chance to work at your own pace and
ability. Step ups, chin ups and a variety of other
exercises are possible, with instructions located at
each station.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy in our
parks, whether you’re looking for a place for a
picnic, a sunny spot to sit or to just admire the
views whilst wandering through beautiful woodland.
We have lots of ‘regulars’ who visit every day
because they want to stay active and enjoy the
fresh air”. Andy Gorman, Head Ranger - Trosley
Country Park
Orienteering
Trosley Country Park offers a permanent
orienteering course which can be enjoyed
either individually or as a team activity. The course
has been planned in accordance with normal
orienteering practice and offers a range of
challenges from easy (2.3 km) to hard (5.7km).
A particularly interesting feature of Trosley is the
extension to its visitor facilities. Winner of the Kent
Design Award in 2005, the timber building is
constructed from sweet chestnut from the park’s
own woodland. The building has been designed to
be environmentally friendly and includes a water
recycling system, natural ventilation and a living,
green roof.
The ‘Trosley Tea Room’ cafe is also located on site,
and is a great place to take a break after all the
adventuring.
Lots to see and do at Kent Country Parks for
children of all ages
Throughout the year, many of Kent’s Country Parks
host a range of events and
activities for visitors of all ages. The Mini Buzz Club
offers - holiday fun for younger
children, crafts and games, welly walks, nature
trails, kite festivals and photography
workshops.
Country Parks also offer many opportunities for
learning. With education
services at Canterbury, Lullingstone and Shorne
Woods, there are courses to suit all.
In addition to the full programme of public events,
the services offer a wide range
of National Curriculum-linked courses, ideal for
educational groups of all ages
and abilities. For further information on education
courses, events and activities at
Country Parks near you, please visit
www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent or call
08458 247600.
Spike’s Spotter Guide
Nature spotting when you’re out and about this
summer!
When you are outside this summer remember to
have a good look around and see what you can
spot. There are hundreds of different plants and
animals!
A field book could help you record everything you
have spotted over the summer. Use your field book
to record anything you like and then take it back to
school with you to impress all your teachers and
friends! Species lists, pictures of where you went,
drawings of what you spotted and you could even
write a story or a poem about the things that you
saw and did. Use your imagination - you could put
anything in it!
If you are having problems identifying any plants or
animals you’re out, take a picture of it or draw it and
you may identify it later. Remember to leave any
plants and animals the site for others to enjoy!
Spike says...
When you’re out walking, why not have a
competition with your family or friends about who
can spot the biggest variety of species? You don’t
need to be able to identify them you just need to be
able to tell that they are different.
Bumblebee
There is a huge variety of bumblebees to spot in
Kent! See how many different bees you can spot
when you’re out walking, count how many different
combinations of stripes they have.
This is a buff tailed bumble bee – so called for the
pale stripe at the base of the body.
Dragonflies and Damselflies
On sunny days you will be able to see a huge
variety of dragonflies and damselflies. You can
usually spot them around or near water.
What type you see depends whether you are near
rivers, ponds or streams. The banded demoiselle,
pictured, likes to live near slow flowing streams and
rivers. This is a female in the photo with a green
coloured body, the male looks slightly different as it
has a blue body.
Butterflies
Look more closely at patches of flowers and you
may spot a huge variety of butterflies feeding on the
plants.
Look carefully at a patch of thistles and you may
spot a peacock butterfly like the one in the picture
below. Peacock butterflies are easily recognisable
by the large spots on the tips of their wings that look
like eyes.
Join Explore Kent for FREE
You will receive this magazine, regular enewsletters and the latest
publications about walking, riding, cycling and
country parks.
• tel: 08458 247600
• email: explorekent@kent.gov.uk
• www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent
The Editor, Explore Kent Magazine,
Countryside Access Service,
Kent County Council, Invicta
House, County Hall, Maidstone,
Kent, ME14 1XX.
Report a problem on a public right
of way. Tel 0845 3450210.
While every care has been taken to ensure the
accuracy of information in this magazine, Kent
County Council cannot accept responsibility for any
subsequent alteration or for any error, omission or
mis-statement in any material published herein.
Views expressed in Explore Kent are not
necessarily those of Kent County Council.
This magazine is available in other formats and can
be explained in other languages. To obtain a copy
please call: 01622 221568.
Minicom users, please call 08458 247905.
What do you think of Explore Kent?
Explore Kent is produced by the Countryside
Access Service for you. Let us know what you think
of it by returning this questionnaire to Explore Kent,
Countryside Access Service,
Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent, ME14
1XX, for your chance to win a walk guidebook of
your choice like the one shown here. The winner
will be drawn on 31 August 2009.
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