Area: Kent

'Explore Kent is a Kent County Council led partnership initiative with public, private and voluntary sector partners that promote and actively encourage Kent's residents to access, enjoy and benefit from the great natural resources that Kent has to offer. We also work alongside our friends at Visit Kent to promote Kent to the wider UK and European community as an outdoor leisure destination.'

'Ashford Green Corridor is a green space that runs through the town of Ashford in Kent, England. The Green Corridor is made up of parks, recreation grounds and other green spaces alongside the rivers that flow through Ashford.'

'Established as a country park in 1992 on the site of a disused claypit Beacon Wood is now a thriving ecosystem home to an abundant range of wildlife and a popular retreat for local residents escaping the hussle and bustle of every day life.'

Download from the Website PDFs of walks around and about Boxley: 'You can leave your comments and feedback about each of the walks using the feedback form provided.'

Note also: Vinters Valley Nature Reserve 'is your local wildlife oasis tucked away between the Vinters Park and Grove Green housing estates and also close to Vinters Community School ... You are welcome to visit on any day of the year and spend some time exploring the reserve on one of the many pathways provided, or just to sit and breathe in the quiet atmosphere on one of the seats dotted around the reserve'.

And: Waterslade Woodlands 'There are numerous paths, and you can spend hours peacefully walking along them, imagining that you are deep in rural Kent rather than just a few hundred metres from a motorway.'

'Originally named for the Chart well on the property, the 800 acres of rolling farmland and woodland have been part of Chartwell since 1848 when the Colquhoun's owned the property. It wasn't until 1921 that the land was split into smaller lots at auction, with the house and 82 acres being bought in 1922 by one legendary statesman.'

'Offers a remote landscape with open horizons and skies - ideal for long summer walks and attracting spectacular numbers of wintering waders. A number of trails at varied lengths afford great views over the pools, the wildlife, and the River Thames running alongside.'

'The managed wood pasture at Cobham is historically significant as it is considered by many to be the closest type of landscape in lowland Britain to that which existed in prehistoric times. Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the site is also classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the rarity of the wood pasture habitat.'

'Dartford Ramblers was formed in 1992 with Gravesham added four years later. Our membership consists of people from all walks of life who live not only the two districts mentioned but also in Bexley and south east London.'

'Deal, the first town in the South of England to be awarded Walkers Are Welcome status, is a hidden gem on Kent’s coast ... The town's seafront is a delight, full of interest and leading to the White Cliffs, which start a couple of miles on at Kingsdown. There is an excellent network of well maintained paths taking ramblers into the countryside ...'

Doddington Place Gardens is part of a 850 acres Edwarding estate, located on the edge of Doddington village, near Faversham in Kent.'

'Our walks take place all year round on public rights of way, in the districts of Dover, Thanet and sometimes Canterbury ... Members work with other local walking groups to help keep rights of way in good order and accessible to all.'

'If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare you for the landscape – mile after mile of shingle, which is wild and a little weird! On a cold winter's day, it is a delight to sit snug in the visitor centre and look out through a huge picture window at all the waterbirds on the large gravel pit just outside. Often a rare grebe or diver is among them, and it is perhaps the best place in the UK for watching the delightful smew.'

'The East Kent Group generally walk on the last Sunday of each month 8 -10 miles all day walks, bring your own luch with pub / cafe stops for drinks.'

Access to details of a number of shorter walks around and about Ashford, as well as of the longer district walks which pass through Ashford.

Shorter walks around and about East Kent, plus links to some longer distance walks that traverse the Dover District.

Links to details of over a dozen walks and groups of walks around and about Maidstone and West Kent.

Almost a score of links to descriptions of long and shorter walks around and about the Borough.

Details of about three dozen walks, all freely available to download.

'Owing to the way that the rural district's boundaries are drawn, Frindsbury Extra (which is basically a continuation of the parish of Frindsbury in Strood) has the villages of Wainscott, Upper and Lower Upnor plus other outlying settlements while Frindsbury parish, which contains the parish church of All Saints, does not. Nonetheless, Frindsbury Extra parish, with its neat rows of houses stretching down the hill on whose crest the boundary is now drawn, still contains some six thousand inhabitants, and is the third largest population centre in the district.'

'Nestling between the River Thames, its estuary wetlands of international importance, and the North Downs, the countryside to the east and south of Gravesend is an exceptional Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, containing Ancient Woodland and Country Parks, and historic villages of windmills, country houses and cricket on the green ...'

Offer several 'walking' groups, with distances walked ranging from 2 to 9 miles.

'Hadlow has a range of footpaths, walks and countryside trails for you to explore. In particular, two routes are available for leisure walkers to follow ...'

'The High Weald is a fantastic place to walk. There is an amazing network of paths (2395km) as well as lots of countryside sites (61) owned by organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission.'

'This large and engaging site offers a mix of ancient woodland, new tree planting and open grassland; together with a wealth of archaeological gems, wonderful walks, interesting wildlife and breath-taking views - set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

'The Kent Downs are well served by an extensive network of Public Rights of Way and permissive access routes – offering a variety of walks for everyone. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover when you leave the roads behind ...'

'Short, local walks designed to help you to get active, get outdoors and meet new people. Led by friendly volunteers, Health Walks are especially good for people who are recovering from illness, or who just need a bit of extra motivation to take more exercise. Walks usually take from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and leave from central locations such as your local library or leisure centre. There’s no need to book, just turn up and join in!'

'Kent Life brings together everything you love about your county in a monthly glossy celebrating the finer things in life. It is always relevant, informative and entertaining to our readers The magazine offers readers with a passion for their region a comprehensive diary of events and a guide to what's on, what to see and where to be seen.'

'A coppiced ancient woodland which was once the hunting ground of King Henry VIII, is now the site of an exciting arts project [which used to be] managed by Stour Valley Arts. It features sculptures which draw on the natural landscape and materials and creates art which works with the countryside rather than imposing upon it. A three mile green route not only takes in the art works, but also reveals the full beauty of the wood itself and links into other walks including the shorter "brown route".'

'One of the earlier groups in the Association, Kent Group of the LDWA was established in 1974. It is an active group with over 100 current members.'

'Woodland Walk (2 milles) ... Lullingstone Loop (4 miles) ... Discovery Trail (1.5 miles) ... Short Walks - including routes along the river path.'

'Medway has nearly 186 miles (300km) of Public Rights of Way, many of which offer a chance to explore some of the beautiful countryside, such as the chalk down land at Ranscombe Farm near Cuxton, the marshes at Cliffe on the Hoo Peninsula and the riverside walks at Upnor and Hoo. For those who wish to go beyond Medway, two major trails, The North Downs Way and The Saxon Shore Way, also pass through Medway.'

'We are a walking group based in the Medway Towns. Our current membership is around 150 although it is unusual to have more than 40 members on a walk. We walk mainly on Sunday mornings with some longer Saturday walks and in summer occasional evening walks. We walk all year.'

'A very active organisation. There is a regular walks programme both within the parish of Meopham and further afield. Walks are held on Sundays and mid week throughout the year, with evening walks during the summer months ... The Group has now been in existence for 50 years and has over 250 members. It was formed out of adversity in 1962 when our Founder and President Mrs. Pat Wilson found a footpath, close to her home at Harvel, was closed by a major obstruction ...'

'We are friendly group of people who enjoy participating in a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Members are from all walks of life and are encouraged to share their interests and skills with the rest of the group. We have been going for nearly 25 years and are affiliated to the YHA.'

'Milton Creek Country Park is Sittingbourne's newest green space, it is a jewel, a tranquil oasis for wildlife, hidden from the world by a screen of industrial and residential development that hems it on three sides. The park is open at its northern end to Milton Creek, a shallow tidal inlet running north-east from Sittingbourne to join the Swale at Elmley Reach ... '

'Kent is the fourth largest of the Ramblers' sixty or so Areas.  Within Kent Area we have thirteen Groups that organise varied walking and social programmes and support our work to safeguard the interests of walkers in Kent.'

'Organise "led" walks throughout the year. Usually they are circular of about 4 to 6 miles, either on the marsh or in the surrounding countryside. Members will receive the current walks programme and can choose which walks to attend. The walks are generally at weekends, either Saturday mornings with a pub lunch afterwards or Sunday afternoons.'

'Samphire Hoe is an amazing place. There is something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors and wildlife: a stunning location and outstanding scenery, peace and quiet, walks, wildflowers, birds, sea angling and picnics. And the further you go from the car park, the wilder the site becomes. This tranquil setting never fails to impress, with many visitors coming back time and time again. In 2013, more than 80,000 visitors explored the nature reserve. Most of the Hoe is accessible for wheelchair and pushchairs and there is a recommended route sign posted "Front path" and "West shore".'

Details of over sixty Walks via the Club Website's 'Walks by Tag' facility.

'One of the most popular country parks in Kent, Shorne Woods Country Park offers everything you need to spend a day enjoying the great outdoors.'

'Walking group based in North East Kent with a membership of around 200, many of whom live in and around the town of Sittingbourne.'

'Discover numerous walks in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay.'

'Kent is a place to just pick up your pack and go. Here day hikes and long distance trails deliver wide horizons, stunning scenery, rich history and an exhilarating sense of freedom ... For more than 70 walks, complete with information and downloadable guides, visit Explore Kent or check out their short walking film.'

Over seventy Walks around and about the County of Kent: 'Once you have paid your Subscription access to the walks is totally free. There are no restrictions on the numbers of walks you can download and print out during the year ... On Walkingworld you can find over 6500 routes, contributed by more than 450 walk authors.'

'The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (WCCP) has done a lot to encourage walking and improve walking facilities in East Kent.  You can explore the 17 nature and history trails, 57 country walks in 6 walks' packs, 8 town walks and 7 long distance walking trails, In addition, there are many countryside sites where you can walk freely.'

Held Late August.

'Rochester's characterful streets are straight out of a Dickens novel.'

'Four walks in the countryside in and around the villages of Aylesford, Blue Bell Hill and Eccles and connects the woodlands of Walderslade with the woodlands south of the M2. Leaflets available in the Parish Office ... This Trail is part of the [former] Valley of Visions Community Trails project, encouraging people to enjoy, explore and learn about their local area and surrounding countryside.'

Note that a PDF of the 'Aylesford Community Trail' no longer seems directly accessible via the Parish Council Website; nor via the Kent Downs AONB Site. But a Google search of the Title at the time of Review [12 February 2016] generated an archival PDF from the Kent Downs Site.

'Benenden lies in the High Weald, of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, a hilly area with generally small fields and woods, well-timbered hedges and narrow, often deeply-sunken, lanes. In Kent, the High Weald stretches east from Edenbridge (10 miles west of Tonbridge) to Tenterden. It contrasts with the Low Weald, or Vale of Kent, a much flatter area of heavy clay-land which borders it to the north and east.'

'Circular walk through one of the largest and most distinctive areas of ancient woodland in England. The Walk, combined with 18 new interpretive panels is part funded by Heritage Lottery and the Kent Wildlife Trust and has been developed by the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership as a member of the Blean Initiative.

Access to PDFs of five walks produced by the Black Horse Inn - albeit some time ago ... The Inn is 'a family run business, tucked beneath the steep face of the North Downs on the Pilgrims Way at Thurnham near Maidstone in Kent'.

'One hour walk around Broadstairs, its fascinating history and its landmarks.'

'We have two MP3 audio walks around Canterbury, Heritage Highlights and The Pilgrims' Trail. You can download them individually for £3 each, or buy both together for £5. All our walks include a map in PDF format, which you will find within the zip file that you download immediately after purchase.'

'I did this walk on Sunday 6th January 2008 ... Earlier in the morning I had walked into Canterbury from Chartham along the Stour Valley Walk to reach this point and, having walked round the Centenary Walk, subsequently resumed my walk along the Stour Valley walk down to Sturry ... Although on the Ordnance Survey map the route is marked as the Canterbury Centenary Walk the signposts show the walk as the Kent County Council Centenary Walk ... Although nothing special, this had been an interesting diversion from the walk and would make a nice half day trip for someone staying in Canterbury who wanted to get out of the town for a while.'

'On older versions of the Ordnance Survey Maps for the area (163 and 148) there is a recreational trail marked called "Centenary Walk Rochester". There were also similar Centenary walks devised in Canterbury and Maidstone to celebrate the centenary of the Kent County Council which took place in 1989. These walks appear to have not been promoted for some time and I have been unable to find any real information about them on the internet. On the ground the routes had once been way marked although now almost none of this way marking remains. However while the routes remained marked on the OS maps both the Canterbury and Maidstone centenary walks, which were both circular walks, were relatively easy to follow. The Rochester walk however has always appeared more confusing ...'

'The Crab & Winkle Way is part of National Cycle Network Route 1 ... The "Way" uses about one third of the old railway line, although with the agreement of local landowners and support of local organisations it is hoped that more of the line can be brought into use ... '

'Cranbrook In Bloom have been working with the Kent High Weald Partnership to develop the walks which start and finish in Cranbrook and include the surrounding villages of Sissinghurst, Benenden and Goudhurst as well as Bedgebury Pinetum. Each walk has a free guide which includes a detailed map and interesting information on the history and landscape walkers will encounter along the route.'

'Canterbury is probably best known for its cathedral, home to the principal leader of the Church of England, and an ever-present reminder on the horizon. However, there's plenty more to see and explore - a ruined castle, a large and vibrant park with historic connections, city walls and ancient city gates, a Butter Market - a place where bulls were tethered and baited by butchers and their dogs - and home to Chaucer's Canterbury tales ...'

Two Self-Guided Walks to purchase online.

'The beauty of the Darent Valley has inspired generations of artists and writers eager to capture the essence of this classic English countryside with its rolling hills, luxuriant meadows and picturesque riverside villages.'

'The Heath, one of the last remaining lowland heaths in the south-east, is registered Common Land and is designated as an area of Local Landscape Importance, Site of Nature Conservation Interest ...'

'There are so many great walks around Dartford that it's only fair to share so we've produced a series of wonderful walks for you to enjoy.'

'Starting at the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway station, the trail features 30 buildings ranging from single cottages to an old gaol.'

'Follow the banks of the River Eden and the River Medway and along delightful paths and lanes, through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.'

'Despite being only 25 miles from London, the Eden Valley is a tranquil gem of the English countryside, its acres of farmland broken by quiet country lanes, its hills swathed in woodland, all surrounding the quietly meandering River Eden.'

'From the seaside bustle of the south coast, through to the historic city of Canterbury, the Elham Valley Way meanders through ancient woodlands, secret byways and charming, unspoilt villages'

''Market Town Faversham is Kent's magical destination for day walks and walking holidays, and for savouring fine food and drink while enjoying some of the county's best scenery. Each circular walk is studded with great local food and drink offers. Our Faversham Food Trails showcase the best of local Kent produce ... Channel 4 Southcliffe Series was filmed in Faversham and three of our walks take you past land marks as seen in the series.'

'The village of Hamstreet is surrounded by public woodland including Hamstreet woods, an area of special scientific interest renowned for the presence of wild service trees and nightingales. The routes in this guide explore the contrasting elements of the local area, including Romney Marsh and the banks of the Royal Military Canal.' Unfortunately the original Website cited here seems to have become unavailable; so I have replaced the Link with one to a Walk from the Saturday Walkers' Club.

'Fine views from the heights of the North Downs are a hallmark of this route in the heart of Kent ... The steep climb up the slopes of the North Downs is rewarded by the opportunity for a few minutes rest at one of the county's most famous public houses - The Ringlestone Inn.'

'Jane Austen was born at Steventon in Hampshire on 16 December 1775 to George and Cassandra Austen. Her father had been born in Tonbridge in 1731, and there are many family links to the town ...'

'There is a rich Jewish history to be discovered in Canterbury both from the medieval and modern period. The sites of the medieval Jews are readily traceable and there are strong historical associations with more modern buildings such as the County Hotel ...'

'The origins of the Dover Jewish community are surrounded in some mystery. The community may have begun in the medieval period, though the evidence is incomplete.'

'This Trail was the first ever Jewish heritage trail of Ramsgate, originally created in 2004.'

'The Jewish heritage and history of Sheerness and Blue Town is fascinating and virtually unknown in this still remote part of England. The Jewish community in Blue Town grew up alongside the Naval Dock Yard during the Napoleonic Wars and echos of this past can still be detected in the western part of Blue Town next to the old Dock Wall.'

PDFs of six walks from and to stations on the light railway line which runs from Tenterden in Kent to Northiam in East Sussex.

'We're looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers with the passion, knowledge and skills to help people enjoy the Garden of England. You may have experience in: [1] leisure and recreational activities including walking, horse riding, cycling, carriage driving and motor vehicle use of byways - - - : [2] farming or land management - - - : [3] nature conservation - - - : [4] history or archaeology - - - : [5] rural business - - - : [6] tourism - - - : [7] minority groups - - - : [8] access for disabled people'

'A walk along the banks of the Thames in Kent, one of the most unknown and amazing walks in South-East England.'

'Map of Langton Green and the surrounding villages of Ashurst, Speldhurst, and Groombridge, shows the footpaths that interlink them. Highlighted on the map are three suggested circular walks that start and finish at the car park of the recreation ground, located along the Langton - Speldhurst Road.'

'A 350 km orbital walking trail around London. The route never actually enters Greater London but runs through the countryside of neighbouring counties. The surroundings are hugely varied, ranging from dead flat fens to rugged chalk hills, rich in cultural and heritage interest and an outstanding showcase for London's protected green belt. The trail is easily walked as a series of day walks from London using public transport.'

'A bracing tramp along the wooded escarpment of the North Downs above Maidstone, with sweeping views across the Kentish Weald; with a medieval castle and two megalithic burial sites thrown in ... Much of this route follows the North Downs Way national trail.'

'Whether you want beautiful countryside, coastal scenery, industrial archaeology or military history, you can access them all via the Medway Valley Line and SwaleRail ...'

'Ancient castles, historic villages and some of Kent's finest wildlife sites are to be discovered along the Medway Valley Walk, which runs from Tonbridge to Rochester.'

'Winds its way through the picturesque countryside of East Kent, linking together pretty villages, small farmsteads, grand country estates and remains of this area's industrial and mining heritage. Much of this arable landscape, profuse with hedges and woodlands, has not changed since Saxon times and the names of the villages and hamlets you pass on the route are firmly lodged in their Old English origins.'

'Celebrate the life of Octavia Hill on a walk to the picturesque village of Ide Hill and her commemorative seat, passing Emmetts Garden on the way back ... Also download the Octavia Hill Centenary Trail West ... that can be done separately or together with the Centenary Trail East.'

'Penshurst is a small unspoilt village in beautiful countryside situated in an area known as "The Weald of Kent". It lies between two rivers and is famous for an ancestral home once owned by Henry VIII. Old timber-framed buildings and converted oast houses afford interest to visitors but traditions such as cricket, still played on one of England’s oldest pitches, and the village fair are still very much part of the community today.'

'The farthest corner of the Isle of Thanet is arguably where the east coast of England meets the south coast, though the gently curving coastline makes it hard to identify a precise turning point. This gentle walk along the coast passes 3 historic seaside towns and many bays and beaches.'

'The Thirteenth Annual Linton Parish Boundary Walk will take place on Rogation Sunday, 1st May 2016. Why not come along? See the fantastic views, talk to friends and neighbours, and enjoy a pleasant, not-too-challenging walk ...'

'Runs for 28 miles along the entire length of the Royal Military Canal from Seabrook, Kent to Cliff End in East Sussex. The route treads a path between the vast openness of the Romney Marsh and the old cliff line with its wooded hills and quiet villages. '

'Imagine stepping back in time and discovering the coastline of the Garden of England as it stood more than 1,600 years ago. The Saxon Shore Way long distance walking route is named after the line of historic fortifications that defended the Kent coast at the end of the Roman era.'

'Folkestone has a wide variety different options for seafront walks, depending on how energetic you're feeling and what you're looking for.' ALERT Website Links changed.

'There has been a settlement here since before the Norman Conquest. Speldhurst is close to other notable landmarks including Hever Castle, Penshurst Place, Groombridge Place and Chartwell ... Selection of walks in the surrounding countryside using the many established public footpaths which historically were the principal connecting routes for local inhabitants.'

'Follows the route of the River Stour from its source at Lenham, in the heart of the Garden of England, to the historic city of Canterbury and down to the Straits of Dover near Pegwell Bay.'

'Travel through Kent along the Swale Heritage Trail from Murston to Goodnestone. The walk runs parallel to The Swale - the strip of sea separating North Kent from the Isle of Sheppey. It passes through the villages of Tonge and Oare and through the attractive market town of Faversham. Highlights include Little Murston Nature Reserve at the start of the route and the creeks at Conyer, Oare and Faversham.'

Half a dozen walks collectively visiting over a dozen pubs throughout the Swale District.

'Here are a set of 7 delightful circular walks in the beautiful High Weald countryside, which start and finish in Tenterden. The walks were produced by [the former] Tenterden Improved with funding by SEEDA through Kent Rural Towns, and with the assistance of the Tenterden Footpaths Group.' ALERT The Link formerly used here (www.tenterdentown.co.uk) seems to have disappeared. So I have replaced it with a Link to the My Tenterden Website where PDFs of the seven Walks I list on the ‘Full’ Record are now accessible via its ‘Tenterden Tourism News’ Page (and many thanks to Sue Ferguson for that information).

'Following the Thanet Coastal Path is a unique experience following the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk coastline in the country - and covers the extensive Blue Flag beaches and wealth of coastal and marine wildlife that is covered by the international designation of the North East Kent European marine site ... In many places, the coastal path has been upgraded as part of longer Viking Coastal Trail [32 miles cycle route] that roughly encircles the former Isle of Thanet from the coast (Reculver to Pegwell Bay), to the inland villages of Minster, Monkton and St Nicholas-at-Wade.'

'Travel in the footsteps of St Augustine and discover the birth of Christianity in England in the beautiful Stour Valley from Ramsgate to Canterbury.'

'These high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast. The best way to see the cliffs is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. You’ll get a great view of the cliffs and also see the chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects like the chalkhill blue butterfly and the pyramidal orchid.'

Walk connecting two Timeballs, one in Deal, the other in Greenwich, which used to be synchronized via the Telegraph wires of the South Eastern Railway.

'It's now been two years since the publication of the enormously popular Tranquil Treks booklet. We were therefore delighted to be asked to introduce the second volume of walks through the hidden areas of Medway ...'

'The sheer variety of landscapes, from patchwork fields and small hamlets to steep sided wooded valleys and fast flowing streams, makes the 27.5 mile Tunbridge Wells Circular one of the most popular long distance walks in the county.'