From wonderful woodland trails that the whole family can get involved with to long countryside circuits for those looking to push their step count up a notch, we’ve rounded up six spectacular walking routes from across the Garden of England to enjoy this month…
Setting the scene:
With signs of summer on its way, there’s simply no better place to make the most of these lighter, brighter days than right here in the glorious Garden of England. With an eclectic mix of coastline, countryside, and character-filled towns throughout the county choosing your next springtime stroll may leave you feeling a little puzzled. Fear not! We’ve rounded up not one, not two, but six spectacular walking routes to choose from across Kent this month, with each offering something unique to walkers. All that’s left for you to do is pick your perfect walking companion (or companions) and head outside…
The town trail - Ramsgate Town Walk (Town Rounders)
● Summary: Home to the UK’s only Royal Harbour, some incredible regency architecture, and a host of beautifully positioned leafy squares, Ramsgate offers walkers something special at every turn. With two walking loops to explore either separately or together, this route offers the chance to soak up everything this historically rich harbour town has to offer… without so much as a muddy stile in sight!
● Make a day of it: Spend a day beside the seaside, with a trip a few miles further along the coastline to Ramsgate’s neighbouring town, beautiful Broadstairs. With a sandy beach at Joss Bay, plenty of independent shops to explore, and a true sense of British seaside nostalgia, Broadstairs is the perfect coastal spot to enjoy a long, lazy spring afternoon.
● Perfectly-placed refuel spot: What’s a trip to the coast without a steaming bag of fish and chips? Look no further than Peter’s Fish Factory - easily identifiable by the queue forming out of its doorway!
● Route followed: https://explorekent.org/activities/ramsgate-town-walk-town-rounders/
● Steps, stats & stiles: Choose between two separate loops from this walk, or combine the two loops together for a slightly longer route. Loop 1 is 1.4 miles (2.3km) in length, and Loop 2 is slightly longer at 2 miles (3.2km). Allow 45 minutes for Loop 1, 1 hour for Loop 2, or 2 hours to complete both loops together at a leisurely pace.
The wildlife wander - Faversham & Oare Marshes
● Summary: Explore a tranquil nature reserve on this North Kent circular walk. Leave behind the quaint village of Oare, where boatbuilding and fishing have been a way of life for centuries, and follow the creek towards the coast to discover the wildness of the marshes. Trust us when we say you’ll want to have your binoculars to hand for this one!
● Make a day of it: Wearing its title of the oldest market town in the county proudly, there’s plenty to be perused in this historic North Kent hotspot. Seek out seasonal produce available from one of the town’s many market stalls, wander charming streets lined with timbered buildings, or quench your thirst with a tour of Britain’s Oldest Brewery when you pay a visit to Shepherd Neame’s Faversham Brewery, nestled in the heart of town.
● Perfectly-placed refuel spot: Rest those weary feet and enjoy a leisurely lunch creekside when you book a table at Posillipo, Faversham. Serving traditional Neapolitan cuisine prepared using only the freshest local ingredients, a thirst for Italian wine, and love for great company!
● Route followed: https://explorekent.org/activities/oare-marshes-walk-wetlands-and-wildlife/
● Steps, stats & stiles: At 5 miles (8km) in length, you should allow approximately 2 hour 30 minutes to complete at a consistent pace. This route contains no stiles, multiple gates, narrow footbridges, and a few sets of 4-5 steps.
The riverside ramble - Appledore Circular Walk
● Summary: This riverside walk starts in the charming village of Appledore, following part of the Saxon Shore Way through gently rolling hills, taking in majestic views of the wild and unique landscape of the Romney Marsh. The route returns along part of the 28 mile long Royal Military Canal, which was built in 1809 as a defensive barrier against Napoleon, and is now used to manage water levels and for flood protection across much of the local area.
● Make a day of it: Sitting just outside of Appledore village, why not taste the fruits of the Garden of England with a visit to Gusbourne Estate? Explore the vineyard here and find out what makes this corner of England so special for winemaking, before sampling the goods for yourself at Gusbourne’s tasting room the Nest, with views stretching out over the vines.
● Perfectly-placed refuel spot: When the setting is this quintessentially British, there really is no better way to reward yourself after a springtime stroll than with an indulgent cream tea from Miss Mollett’s High Class Teamroom, situated right in the heart of Appledore village. Sink your teeth into freshly baked scones topped with clotted cream and jam, while warming up with a pot of loose leaf tea… the ultimate post-ramble refuel!
● Route followed: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/kent/appledore-circular-walk
● Steps, stats & stiles: At 5 miles (8km) in length, this looped trail takes an average of 1 hour 47 minutes to complete at a consistent pace. It is generally considered an easy route, popular for birdwatching and hiking.
The all-ages amble - Bedgebury Pinetum
● Summary: If you go down to the woods today… you might just spot a Gruffalo! Yes, you heard that right - families paying a visit to the National Pinetum at Bedgebury this spring should keep an eye out for six large wooden Gruffalo characters hiding amongst the trees. It’s encouraged that families download Forestry England’s explorer's guide or take a picture of the map at the visitor centre before starting their adventure. The explorer's guide introduces each character's real life animals and their habitats, so you can learn more about Bedgebury's wildlife as you walk.
● Make a day of it: Still got energy left to burn? Why not take to the trees with Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, located very handily right on-site at Bedgebury Pinetum. This award-winning adventure offers a true forest experience, and a chance to make even more unforgettable memories with the family.
● Perfectly-placed refuel spot: There’s no need to travel far for a post-ramble refuel here, with Bedgebury’s very own cafe located on-site right next door to the Visitor Centre. Serving a wide range of tasty food that caters for all types of taste buds, along with a range of hot and cold drinks.
● Route followed: https://www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury-national-pinetum-and-forest/gruffalo-sculptures-bedgebury
● Steps, stats & stiles: The Gruffalo and his friends are not waymarked and are hiding off of hard paths along a 2.5 mile (3.5km) walk, with some steep and grassy slopes along the way.
The countryside circuit - Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk
● Summary: As the days continue to get lighter and longer you may well be itching to increase that daily step-count. If so, we can assure you that this challenging countryside circuit is the one for you. This fantastic circular route in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty begins outside Royal Tunbridge Wells, visiting High Wood, Chase Wood, Whitehill Wood, Forge Wood, Broadwater Warren, Birchden Wood, Friesland Wood, and the River Gram.
● Make a day of it: Located in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tunbridge Wells district is peppered with picturesque towns, villages, and areas of interest, perfect for exploring on a sunny spring day! Why not enjoy a leisurely peruse of the independent stores and cafes within the picturesque Pantiles shopping area of Royal Tunbridge Wells? Alternatively, a trip to nearby Bewl Water - the largest stretch of open water in the South East - offers a slice of peace and tranquillity.
● Perfectly-placed refuel spot: Commencing and concluding close to Royal Tunbridge Wells, we would recommend heading into this wonderful West Kent town to enjoy a spot of food and drink before or after your hike. Head to Juliet's Cafe for the freshest seasonal food (and the most delicious cake by the slice) on the highstreet. Alternatively, settle in for a warm welcome at The White Bear - a stylish pub in the heart of town.
● Route followed: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/kent/tunbridge-wells-circular
● Steps, stats & stiles: At just under 15 miles (24km) in length, this is the longest route from our spring suggestions, taking an average of 6 hours to complete. If completing this circular course in one go, hikers should ensure that they are properly equipped with food, drink, and sensible footwear.
The historic hike - Deal Historic Walking Tour
● Summary: For our final springtime stroll, why not let somebody else take charge of the directions by booking a guided walking tour around delightful Deal? Discover all there is to know about Deal’s fascinating history in a fun and informative way. Join The History Project’s founders George Chittenden and Peter Fishlock on a journey into the town’s past, with four themed walking tours to choose from, from a Smugglers Trail to a deep-dive into Castles on the Coast!
● Make a day of it: Why not expand on your coastal capers and spend an afternoon exploring over eight acres of award-winning gardens, in the grounds of wonderful Walmer Castle? Admire the herbaceous borders, colourful planting and impressive cloud hedge in the striking Boardwalk or relax in the tranquil setting of the Queen Mother’s garden, all before heading inside to uncover previously untold stories of the castle and famous residents from its history.
● Perfectly-placed refuel spot: Situated right at the end of Deal’s iconic pier, Deal Pier Kitchen offers panoramic views out to sea, and an enviable menu of locally sourced lunch and brunch. With its ‘oh-so-photogenic’ location, fabulous array of fresh food, and dog-friendly policy, this spot is a pretty spectacular one to rest those weary feet post-seaside saunter…
● Route followed: https://www.visitkent.co.uk/attractions/the-history-project-54591/
● Steps, stats & stiles: The History Project’s tours run at various times on Saturdays and Sundays, with each tour type lasting between 35 and 60 minutes. The tours all take place around Deal itself, with some leading you into the town centre and some focussing more on the coastline. Look out for the yellow stand by Deal Pier (opposite Deal Beach Parlour) which is where each tour starts and ends.
