Kent

Think of Kent, and the phrase 'The Garden of England' will most likely spring to mind. The county derives this reputation from its abundant orchards, hop fields, market gardens and, more recently, its successful vineyards. Whilst this rich cultivation is true of much of the county, in particular the Vale of Kent, the geography of Kent is more complex than this characature suggests. The diversity of the landscape makes Kent a facinating and rewarding county to explore on foot.

One of the most dominant features of the county is the chalk ridge of The North Downs, in particular the south facing escarpment overlooking the Kentish Weald. Stunning views and open space make for exhilararting walking along the ridge top paths.

South of the North Downs lies the heart of Kent, the richly wooded Weald, densely forested from pre-historic times to the middle ages and still containing areas of ancient decidious forests of oak, beech and chestnut; the name 'Weald' comes from the Anglo Saxon, meaning wood. This is a great area for summertime walks through cool woodland filled with abundant wildlife and exploring the Wealdon hills with their fertile farmland where fruit, hops and corn are grown. There is also the added interest of discovering some of the signs of the region's distant industrial past, particularly the now secluded and attractive hammer ponds which once powered the forge hammers of the 16th century iron industry. Cranbrook, with its impressive parish church, Goudhurst and Lamberhurst are all good centres for local walking.

Explore the cliffs and countryside of south-east Kent from Hythe through to Dover and Deal. The walks from Brockhill Country Park will take you through woodland, by lake and stream and over chalk downland, with many points of historical interest and fine views overlooking Romney Marsh to the sea. Folkstone Downs contain one of Britain's richest wildlife habitats and have a long and rich history. They are an excellent place for walks with outstanding views. At The Warren, landslips have created a natural wilderness rich in wildlife. Discover Dover's Western Heights, one of the largest and strongest fortifications in the country, with splendid views of Dover, the castle and harbour. Explore the internationally famous White Cliffs with dramatic views of the coast, and rare and colourful wildlife, or enjoy the walk along the unspoilt cliffs of the South Foreland.

	Guide Books: [For further information or to purchase]
	100 Walks in Kent compiled by: Jim Shean. The book is ideal as a valuable reference book for residents and visitors to the region. The wide choice of routes are spread very evenly across the county, so no matter where you find yourself, a walk in this book will not be far away. The walks vary in length from 2 to 12 miles, the majority being in the 4/6 mile range. They are listed by length, making it easy to find routes that suit your circumstances. In addition to the route descriptions, details are given of points of interest along the way, places to eat and drink and where to park the car. Sketch maps and route descriptions are on facing pages.
	A Year of Walks in Kent by: Roy Woodcock. The walks reveal the changing aspects of Kent throughout the year; from the first spring flowers to the stark beauty of bare winter trees. The basic routes provide 26 possible walks from 4 to 16 miles. There's information about the weather, folklore, the countryside and interesting things to look for as you enjoy the walks. Highlights include Dover - spectacular cliffs with views across the English Channel; Canterbury - pilgrims, apple orchards and hop fields; Lympne - Roman ruins, a castle and Napoleonic relics; Cobham - an inn from Charles Dickens "The Pickwick Papers"; Westerham - renowned for its fine buildings and beautiful trees.
	Kent Walks Pathfinder Guide compiled by: John Brooks. Clear and easy to follow directions are accompanied by OS Explorer mapping. With 28 colour-coded routes to choose from, varying from extended strolls to exhilarating hikes, there is a walk to suit all situations. The guide introduces you to the area and highlights the most scenic walks. The walking routes include Appledore, Bridge, Bishopsbourne and Pett Bottom, Chilham and the Stour Valley, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst, Deal and Sandwich Bay, Farthing Common, Faversham, Luddenham, Ightham Mote, Blueberry Hill, Knole Park, Lamberhurst and Hook Green, Mereworth Woods and West Peckham, Penshurst, Chiddingstone, Reculver, Shoreham and Lullingstone Park, Stowting, Sutton Valence, Westerham and Chartwell, Wye and Crundale Downs.
	Walking in Kent - Volume 2 by: Kev Reynolds. 40 routes reveal the essential charm of this diverse county; along the North Downs and the Greensand Ridge, in the valleys of the Eden and Medway, among the rich acres of the Weald and the parklands and clifftops of eastern Kent. The walk locations are: North Kent - Keston; Downe; Chevening; Shoreham; Lullingstone Park; Stansted; Trosley Country Park; Camer Country Park; High Halstow. West Kent - The Greensand Way from Crockham Hill to Yalding; Westerham; Crockham Hill; Toys Hill; Ide Hill; Sevenoaks Weald; The Eden Valley Walk from Edenbridge to Tonbridge; Chiddingstone; Cowden; Groombridge; Shipbourne; Platt; Teston Bridge. The Weald - Tudeley; Brenchley; Lamberhurst; Cranbrook; Linton; Ulcombe Church; Pluckley; Doddington; Tenterden. East Kent - Wye; Bridge; Elham; Alkham; St Margaret's at Cliffe.
	50 Walks in Kent by: Rebecca Ford. 50 themed walks of between 2 and 10 miles, each with fascinating background reading. There are clear, easy-to-follow route descriptions, including detailed sketch maps, for every walk. Information on what to look out for during the walk and places to eat and drink is provided, including guidance for dog owners on where to walk and dog-friendly establishments. The walk locations include: Sandwich; Elham; Dover; Stodmarsh; Barham; Canterbury; Bishopsbourne; Blean; Aldington; Perry Wood; Chilham; Ivychurch; Charing; Pluckley; Wye; Hastingleigh; Appledore; Lenham; Sutton Valence; Bethersden; Small Hythe; Benenden; Sissinghurst; Hawkhurst; Bewl Water; Goudhurst; Aylesford; West Farleigh; Boxley; Rochester; Offham; Brenchley; Trottiscliffe; Tunbridge Wells; Shipbourne; Hadlow; Eynsford; Westerham; Penshurst; Hever; Chiddingstone; Toy's Hill.
	Walks in the Kent Hills by: Janet Spayne and Audrey Krynski. This book describes twenty circular walks varying in length from 4.5 to 9 miles, with shorter options on some routes. The hills of Kent offer a rich variety of landscape: the wooded hillsides and rocky outcrops, riverside paths and secluded villages make it excellent walking country. The walk locations are as follows: Tatsfield; Cudham, Knockholt; Otford, Polhill, Shoreham; Romney Street, Kemsing; Kemsing, Woodlands; Westerham; Toy's Hill, Mariners Hill, Crockham Hill; Brasted; Ide Hill; Yorkshill, Bore Place, Bough Beech Reservoir; Borough Green; Shipbourne; Hadlow, West Peckham; Cowden; Cowden, Hill Hoath, Chiddingstone Hoath; Kent Water, River Medway; Leigh; Speldhurst, Bidborough; Ashurst, Groombridge.
	Kent Nature Walks by: Michael Easterbrook. The 20 circular walks vary in length between 2 and 7.5 miles and follow country lanes, open fields, towpaths and footpaths. The walk locations are: Westerham; Shoreham, The Darent Valley and Lullingstone Park; Knole Park; Haysden Lake, Leigh and the River Medway; Ryarsh Wood, The Coldrum Stones and the North Downs; Teston and the Medway Valley; Bluebell Hill and Burham Down; Camer Country Park and Luddesdown; Northward Hill and River Thames; Cranbrook; Charing and Westwell Downs; Hothfield Common and Stour Valley; Oare Marshes and Swale Estuary; Wye Downs; Appledore and Warehorne; Blean Woods; Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh; The Elham Valley; Sandwich Bay; St Margaret's and the White Cliffs.
	Tea Shop Walks in Kent by: Norman and June Buckley. Walks with afternoon tea in The Garden of England. It sounds too good to be true, but for centuries this quintessentially English county has been known as the 'Garden of England', with its famous orchards, hop fields, vineyards and gently wooded countryside. The 28 circular walks, all easily accessed from such major centres as Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Dover, Folkestone and Canterbury, are suitable for all the family. Favourite areas such as the North Downs and the Weald feature strongly, but coverage is comprehensive with walks based on attractive towns and villages throughout Kent. Each walk includes at least one personally tried-and-tested 'walker friendly' tea shop.
	Village Walks in Kent by: Bea Cowan. Within Kent's villages, or close by, lies a rich heritage of moated manor houses, half-timbered cottages, parish churches, rivers, orchards and footpaths. The twenty routes in this book introduce the walker to an ancient deer park; to a village owned by the National Trust; to the sites of smugglers' activity; to cricket on the village green; and to a nature reserve. The villages on which the routes are based have been carefully chosen for their interest and beauty. Among the most picturesque are Groombridge, Beneden, Hernhill and Smarden. Many will recognise the pretty village of Pluckley too, where scenes for the television series of H.E. Bates' 'The Darling Buds of May' were shot. The walks vary in length from 2.5 to 6.5 miles.
	Wantsum Walks - Coastal Walks in Kent by: Kent County Council The Wantsum Walk will enable you to explore and experience the variety of the north Kent coast and countryside between Herne Bay and Birchington. The area is of interest for its natural history, geological, archaeological, architectural and landscape features. The network of recreation walking routes will give you the opportunity of enjoying the seashore and coastal path, and an area of marsh and farmland now occupying the former sea channel which seperated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland. The routes are well signposted and waymarked, and are suitable for family groups as well as seasoned ramblers. A special Wantsum Walk logo is used on all signs and waymarks. This is a loose leaf walking pack containing individual walks booklets in a folder and plastic sleeve.
	Shorne and Highham Marshes Circular Walks by: Kent County Council. This little guide to Shorne and Higham Marshes walks will enable you to explore and experience a part of the north Kent marshes between Gravesend and Rochester. The network of four circular walks ranging between three and five miles link to a section of the Saxon Shore Way; they will give you the opportunity of enjoying the Gravesend Reach on the River Thames and an area of marshland with its panoramic views. The area is of interest for its natural history and archaeological, historical and riverain features. The routes are colour coded and well waymarked. The clear maps in the guide are also colour coded and the walking routes printed onto laminated waterproof paper.
	Pub Walks for Motorists - Kent, Surrey and Sussex by: Michael Easterbrook and David Weller. The 40 circular walks in this book are between 3 and 8 miles in length and take the walker through some of the most beautiful scenery in south-east England. Pretty village greens, with duck ponds, cricket pitches and a village pub, rub shoulders with Iron Age hill-forts, Roman Villas, Tudor Mansions, moated manor houses and half-timbered cottages. In Kent there are fruit orchards, hop gardens, the Weald, the North Downs and Romney Marsh to visit. The walk locations in Kent are: Fordcombe; Eynsford; Ightham; West Malling; Brenchley; Sissinghurst; Hollingbourne; Egerton; Warehorne; Chartham Hatch; Fordwich; Bridge.