The month of May is National Walking Month, which out of many celebration and awareness events that are celebrated (we’re looking at you National Chocolate Day), is one of the healthiest – we can’t think of much better than getting out in the fresh air on a gentle or brisk stroll in the spring air.
To bring together everything that this month celebrates, we’ve put together some of the best walks and places to wander in Kent. Plus, as May is the start of Kent Sport's Everyday Active Challenge, which encourages Kent residents to log their daily steps to help smash an overall county target of 40 million steps in a month, there couldn't be a better time to slip on those walking shoes!
There’s nothing quite like finishing off a countryside ramble in a pub garden, either grabbing a quick refresher or putting back on those calories burned. With Kent’s most famous brewer having a selection of pub walks to choose from, each starting and ending up at one of their country pubs, you can stride out on your Sunday wanders safe in the knowledge that you'll have a pint and bite waiting when you get back.
The Royal Spa town is well worth a walk around regardless, with its rolling hills and beautiful historic centre - seek some countryside solace at The Commons. However if you’re looking for an out of town experience, then head out on the (only if wish to make it as long) 27.5 mile route. From stops such as Groombridge Place to sites painted by JMW Turner. With this varied and beautiful walk you may just end up walking further than expected! If you need a little more inspiration, take a look at some additional, possibly shorter routes at Visit Tunbridge Wells.
Surrounding yourself with trees to relax whilst you walk is a fast track way to recharging those batteries. At Bedgebury National Pinetum, their beautiful landscape is ideal for beginners as well as being home to longer trails for the seasoned walker. Immersed in the noises of nature too, there'll be a natural soundtrack to your stroll during early summer with all sorts of birds and insects. Picnics are encouraged at Bedgebury, so plant yourself on a fallen log among the shade of the giant redwoods along Dallimore Valley. What's better is that this particular trail is all-ability accessible, and if needed, people with limited mobility can book Bedgebury's all-terrain vehicle for free.
There’s a perfect combination in a countryside walk and ice cream. Around Solley’s farm yard, you can head out on a trail which gives visitors the chance to learn more about the nature that inspires their ice cream through to how their working farm is utilised all year round. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then there are plenty of routes across the rolling country and through the small villages. Once you’ve either tackled a 2km, or even a 7km route, you can restock on the calories you’ve burned by stopping at the ice cream parlour – what’s not to like!
With more favourable weather in Kent during May, the coast becomes an even more reliable option for a wander. The King Charles III England’s Coastal Path, is a new walking route that follows the entire coast of England, soon to be when completed, the largest coastal path in the world! Now, before you begin your adventure, you must check out the interactive map to view what sections of the trail are open in the South East, and so fair you can find Folkestone, Ramsgate and Whitstable on the map.
Surrounding the 14th century manor house Penshurst Place and its gardens, visitors can find a myriad of public footpaths and walking routes to take in the views and surroundings of this ancient countryside estate. If you're not after ramping up those steps, take a simple route by parking at the visitor car park before making your way up the concrete-track hill where a circular walking route begins. Make sure to have a refreshment stop off at the Porcupine Pantry Café before perusing the Gift Shop and Plant Centre. If you've got a little more time, there's a stunning countryside walk that takes you over to Chiddingstone Castle...
If you've headed here from Penshurst Place or not, with 35 acres of Kentish countryside, Chiddingstone Castle is another of Kent's iconic spots to truly relish in springtime. A simple wander around the grounds means you'll take in views of the Kent Weald, with the imposing castle backing your garden views. Yet, if you're after something a little more bracing, take a 4 mile trail around the local area spotting locations such as Ide Hill and Greensand Ridge, or perhaps you'd be daring enough to do the 11 miles back again to Penshurst Place!
An 11 mile or 4.5 hour walk from Chiddingstone to Penshurst Place
Gentle strolls await in Thanet, as the home of the sandy beaches and quaint seaside towns has plenty of trails to discover. You may have heard of the iconic Viking Coastal to the Turner and Dickens walk, but there are even more to ramble on. If you fancy scratching under the surface of Margate a little more, then the self-guided town route is for you – covering the Surfboat Memorial to The Tudor House. For those with a little more time and energy – there’s the Pilgrimage journey, quite literally! The Way of St Augustine can be done in 2 days and covers around 17 miles, from the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate to Eastbridge Hospital in Canterbury.
Sitting on the coastline, and with the Downs on its doorstep, the town in south east Kent is the perfect base for Walking Month, but if you're more inclined for the easier strolls, head out on the UK’s largest outdoor exhibition of contemporary art - Folkestone Artworks. Not only is it the place to spot some of the country's and worlds top artists it also happens to be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Head over to their website and download the map to find 74 sites.
With no less than 11 acres of stunning woodland to wander and get those steps racked up, Reuthe's, The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks will spark wonder in spring. With specialist plants such as suitably flowering rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias your walk won't feel difficult at all - and don't worry if you stop to take pictures, that'll still count toward the goal! Equally, if you cover all 11 acres you might need some fuel, so head to their Basecamp Café which is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Did you know that some of your favourite Kent attractions such as Ightham Mote and Chartwell have acres of walks just waiting to be trodden? The National Trust have helpfully put together a list of their properties that feature both short and longer walking routes. For instance, Scotney Castle have guided walks led by volunteers that take in the hidden gems of the estate, and towards Sevenoaks, you can take in magnificent viewpoints on a walk circling Emmetts Garden.
Get those walking boots on, it’s time to hike with Hike South East! Choose from a selection of guided walks along the beautiful countryside of the South East including areas of outstanding natural beauty!
‘Toys and Mariners Hills’ is a 9 mile hike from the village of Westerham through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Toys Hill and Mariners Hill. Oh yes, you’ll be sure to spot some stunning view along the way and you’ll also pass the historic Chartwell!
The ‘Via Francigena: Canterbury to Shepherdswell’ is a 12 mile hike, pilgrimage route from Canterbury Cathedral along the North Downs Way, finishing at Shepherdswell before catching the train back to Canterbury. Along the way you’ll visit the beautiful Norman church of St Mary and hear all about the pilgrimages and Anglo-Saxon culture.
Looking for your next walking break to the Kent to coast? Or maybe you’re a local looking to explore what’s right on your doorstep? Either way, White Cliffs Country have a host load of walking routes through Deal, Dover, Sandwich and surrounding villages that are ready to be explored! From picturesque routes such as The North Downs Way National Trail to local town trails where you can discover the rich heritage of the local area.
Head to the Medway Ramblers Walking Festival this June for their first ever festival and join the friendly walking group on a countryside or city walk. This adventure is perfect for anyone of all ages and abilities! With different walking grades, it’s down to you to decide the level of difficulty for your walk, from ‘Easy Access’ (including people with conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, using easy access paths) to ‘Technical’ (more experienced and very fit walkers with additional technical skills). Let the fun begin!
Click here for more details.
You didn’t think we’d miss helping you out on where to rest those legs and relax after your hike did you? Because of course Keepers Cottages have lots of amazing cottages that make the perfect base for your hiking trip!
Reed Loft, Kingston - Located close to Canterbury so you can explore walks such as Bridge, Barham, Bishopsbourne and Elham Valley.
Keepers Lodge, Faversham/Doddington - Circular walks of the surrounding area, close to Doddington Place Gardens.
Flamingo House, Peace Cottage, The Corner House, Whitstable - All located in the beautiful seaside town of Whitstable, making the perfect base for the Crab and Winkle Way!
Looking to find your perfect base to retreat back to whilst on your walking holiday? We’ve got just the thing. Just steps away from the Kent Downs, and you’ll find the University of Kent, a 4.5 start campus accommodation conveniently located just a 30-minute walk from the heart of Canterbury. With stunning views that overlook the famous Canterbury Cathedral and with the local area consisting of beautiful walks such as the River Stour which leads to Chartham or the Crab and Winkle Way, this might just sound like your ideal spring walking break!
And no, we don’t mean training for these routes! If you need to travel to these starting points, or stop earlier than you predicted then there will be a train nearby to take you home! Be sure to find your nearest station at Southeastern’s website.