Walks Programme 11 January 2004

MEDWAY SPRING AND SUMMER WALKS PROGRAMME
Please Note : Coffee, tea and lunch breaks will be taken as appropriate. Walkers are reminded to bring their own light refreshments as necessary, particularly on the longer walks. The length of breaks will be at the discretion of the leader. If you decide to leave a walk part of the way through please ensure that you have advised the leader of your intentions. Suitable walking attire should be worn.
The walks with dates shown in dashed boxes in June (14 WALKS) are also included in the Medway Council North Kent Walking Festival. Copies of the "North Kent Walking Festival 2010" brochure, which also contains other walks for June covering various interests, will be obtainable from various Council outlet / information centres. Note: The Town shown below the walk date is the nearest town to the start, not necessarily the actual start point. The Post Code beneath the Grid Reference is the closest available to the start point (for Sat Nav users).

Sun	14-Mar	Graham	Jenkinson	07989753278	Time:	10:00 AM	4.75	miles	GR:	TR053468
Wye								Post Code:		TN25 5EG
Meet and park in the public car park in Wye village (If car park is full, please park considerately on local roads). Walk leaves Wye through orchards and fields belonging to Wye College where they do experimental work. We then climb through woods onto Wye Downs with superb views to the south. We then descend onto the plain below and return to Wye past the buildings of Wye College and the local cricket field. (One steep climb but worth it for the views). Views of buildings of Wye Agricultural College and occasional kite flying.Pub at end (lunches available).
Sun	21-Mar	Peter/Kate	Ware	01622 738609	Time:	10:00 AM	6	miles	GR:	TQ680606
Birling								Post Code:		ME19 5JF
Meet and park in car park behind Birling Village Church. Circular walk out via Birling Place Farm to pick-up the North Downs/Pilgrims Way continuing onto Trosley Court, returning via Long Barrow and Cleggetts Farm. Pub at end.
Sun	28-Mar	Tony/Ann	Faulkner	01634 406634	Time:	10:00 AM	6.5	miles	GR:	TQ555586
Kemsing								Post Code:		TN15 6ND
Meet and park behind the Community Hall in Kemsing. The walk starts off in an eastward direction toward Heaversham, through St Clare Estate, then north at West Yalden Farm and up onto the Downs. Then west along the top of the Downs and then south down hill through Kemsing to start. On this walk there are varied farm land, countryside, woodlands and Downs. Possibility of great views from the top of the Downs. Note: two steep hills (one up, one down) which may be slippery if it has rained. Numerous stiles and gates. Not suitable for dogs unless on a short lead at all times. Bring picnic lunch. Pub at end (lunches available).

Sun	4-Apr	Tony/Ann	Faulkner	01634 406634	Time:	10:00 AM	5.5	miles	GR:	TR054595
Boughton Street								Post Code:		ME13 9BL
Park considerately in Boughton Street village or use the Village Hall parking which is up Bull Lane near the White Horse Inn and then right at sign and down lane (shorter walk back using footpath to village street). Meet outside the White Horse Inn. Walk goes through the village and up to Mount Ephraim. Footpaths to Staplestreet, Hernhill and Dargate. Return through Blean Wood (with possible detour to Holly Hill) to Boughton-under-Blean and walk back to start through village. See many listed buildings and old houses, Mount Ephraim. Bring snack for break en route. Pub at end with meals available.
Sun	11-Apr	Sally	Starbuck	07860243119	Time:	10:00 AM	5	miles	GR:	TQ755502
Linton								Post Code:		ME17 4AW
Meet in free car park adjacent to Linton Church on A229 opposite the Bull Inn. A ramble across the Greensand Ridge and through parkland and orchards. Good views over the Weald. Pub at end with lunches available.
Sun	18-Apr	Bob/Kath	Dyson		Time:	10:00 AM	6	miles	GR:	TQ758521
Loose								Post Code:		ME15 0BL
Meet and park by Chequers PH at the bottom of Loose Hill. Circular walk from Loose, through the Quarries, the Nature Reserve and on to Boughton Monchelsea Church and return through Loose. Pub at end with meals available.
Sun	25-Apr	Mike/Coral	Patrick		Time:	10:00 AM	6.5	miles	GR:	TQ799629
Bredhurst								Post Code:		ME8 0LU
Meet and park at the commuter car park just north of Bredhurst. Walk via Darland Banks, Capstone Country Park and Hempstead. Bring snack. Pub at end.
Wed	28-Apr	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	6:30 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ622630
Hodsell Street								Post Code:		TN15 7LH
EVENING WALK: Meet and park at the Hodsell Street Village Hall car park (near the Green Man PH). A short evening walk, through woods and fields passing through the tiny hamlet of Ridley. Hopefully the bluebells should be in full bloom. Pub at end.
Sat	1-May	Geoff	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	5:00 AM	4.5	miles	GR:	TQ748608
Blue Bell Hill								Post Code:		ME20 7EZ
MAY DAY WALK : Meet and park at Mickey's Restaurant on the site of the Shell Petrol Station on the Medway bound lane of the A229 near the bottom of Bluebell Hill. We will visit Kits Coty House, view the Weald from Blue Bell Hill before descending to Eccles and calling in on Little Kits Coty before returning to the start and breakfast at Mickey’s. This walk is aimed at viewing the sunrise on May Day and the Waking of Jack-in-the-Green - in order to work up an appetite for a 'group breakfast' at Mickey’s - you will need to pay for your own. Bring a torch for the start of the walk. Non walkers welcome for breakfast - 8am – walkers will be back between 7:45 and 8am.
Sun	2-May	Pat	Coveney	07846948987	Time:	10:30 AM	4	miles	GR:	TQ743621
Blue Bell Hill								Post Code:		ME5 9RG
Park at Blue Bell Hill picnic site in Common Road, just off the A229 at top of Blue Bell Hill. Walk includes woodland, Downs scenery and Kits Coty House (neolithic burial chamber). Pub at end with lunches available in Robin Hood PH (01634 861500 to book).
Wed	5-May	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	7:00 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ669681
Cobham								Post Code:		DA12 3BG
EVENING WALK: Meet and park in the Cobham Village Hall car park on right (opposite the Church) after the Leather Bottle PH. Starting from the church, a pleasant walk through farms, fields and orchards. Fine views of Luddesdown Valley. Pub at end.
Sun	9-May	Beryl	Murr		Time:	10:00 AM	5	miles	GR:	TQ702569
East Malling								Post Code:		ME19 6AN
Meet at East Malling Railway car park (free parking at time of walk submission). Limited on road parking in village but not at the King and Queen PH. A mainly flat walk through orchards and woodland with views of North Kent Downs. The final part of the walk takes us through East Malling Horticultural Research Station. Pub at end with lunches available.
Sun	16-May	Mike/Coral	Patrick		Time:	10:00 AM	6.5	miles	GR:	TQ837582
Hucking								Post Code:		ME17 1QS
Meet and park at Hook and Hatchet Inn (far car park) in Hucking. Route goes through Hucking Estate to Hollingbourne and uses part of the North Downs Way. There is a steady climb on return section. Bring snack. Pub at end.
Sun	23-May	Geoff	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	10:00 AM	7.5	miles	GR:	TQ650633
Harvel								Post Code:		DA13 0BU
Park courteously around Harvel village. Meet in front of the Amazon & Tiger PH (The Landlord has not given permission to use his car park). Route heads south form Harvel picking up the Weald Way passing Coldrum Long Barrow on the way to view the Addington Neolithic Tombs. We return to Harvel via Trosley Court/Trosley Country Park. There is one short but very steep climb to reach the North Downs Way from Trosley Court. We will visit two of the five sites known as the Medway Megaliths. The church at Trosley Court will provide a nice place for our picnic lunch. Bring picnic lunch. Pub at end (should be back in time - lunches available).
Sun	30-May	Bob/Kath	Dyson		Time:	10:00 AM	5.5	miles	GR:	TQ793583
Detling								Post Code:		ME14 3JT
Meet and park in road near the Cock Inn PH in Detling. Route is via Detling, Thurnham and Coldblow. Very hilly. Pub at end.
Wed	2-Jun	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	10:00 AM	5	miles	GR:	TQ641652
Meopham								Post Code:		DA13 0PZ
Park around the Village Green in Meopham. Leaving Meopham we walk through woods and over fields into Happy Valley and pass though the village of Harvel. A pleasant walk with fine views with a couple of sharp hills. Bring a drink and snack for midway break. Pub at end.
Thu	3-Jun	Tony/Ann	Faulkner	01634 406634	Time:	7:30 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ737670
Rochester								Post Code:		ME1 3AE
EVENING WALK: Meet at car park at Recreation Ground off Priestfields, Rochester. We will go in and around the parts of Rochester that other walks do not reach. Using old footpaths we will visit bridges and landmarks and secret parks. Binoculars may be useful. Bring water if it is a hot evening. Walk should end by 09.30pm.
Fri	4-Jun	Geoff/Liz	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	10:00 AM	4.5	miles	GR:	TQ836775
Allhallows								Post Code:		ME3 9PG
Park courteously around the village of Allhallows. Meet at All Saints Church, Allhallows, opposite the Rose and Crown PH for the start of the walk. A gentle marshland/estuary walk past Binney Farm to Yantlet Creek and returning through the Allhallows Hoilday Park. Bring binoculars to view bird life/shipping. Pub at end.
Sun	6-Jun	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	10:15 AM	4.5	miles	GR:	TQ712667
Cuxton								Post Code:		ME2 1NR
Park considerately in roads of Cuxton. Meet outside The White Hart PH. Walk is via Cuxton Church, woods and fields to Upper Bush and return via the North Downs Way. Pub at end.
Thu	10-Jun	Tony/Ann	Faulkner	01634 406634	Time:	7:30 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ737670
Rochester								Post Code:		ME1 3AE
EVENING WALK: Meet at car park at Recreation Ground off Priestfields, Rochester. We will go in and around the parts of Rochester that other walks do not reach. Using old footpaths we will visit bridges and landmarks and secret parks. Binoculars may be useful. Bring water if it is a hot evening. Walk should end by 09.30pm.
Fri	11-Jun	Geoff/Liz	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	6:45 PM	4.5	miles	GR:	TQ733627
Bluebell Hill								Post Code:		ME5 9RH
EVENING WALK: Park and meet in the Robin Hood PH Car Park at end of Common Road (off the A229 - Bluebell Hill). We will 'drop down ' to Nashenden Farm and then follow the CTRL to pick up the North Downs Way (with woodland, valley and river views) to return to the pub. Pub at end with food available.
Sat	12-Jun	Derek	Kent	07768448633	Time:	10:00 AM	6	miles	GR:	TQ738690
Strood								Post Code:		ME2 4AB
Park in old car park behind what was the Civic Centre in Strood. Walk goes up to and over the M2 motorway bridge and back. Short history of all six of the Bridges over the Medway will be provided. Pub at end.
Sun	13-Jun	Mike/Coral	Patrick		Time:	10:00 AM	6	miles	GR:	TQ799629
Bredhurst								Post Code:		ME8 0LU
Meet and park at the commuter car park just north of Bredhurst. Walk via Bredhurst Hurst, Scragged Oak Road and Monkdown Wood. Pub at end.
Sat	19-Jun	Geoff	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	6:30 AM	4	miles	GR:	TQ748608
Blue Bell Hill (Part 1)								Post Code:		ME20 7EZ
PLEASE NOTE: All of the walks on Saturday 19 June start from Mickey's Restaurant on the site of the Shell Petrol Station on the Medway bound lane of the A229 near the bottom of Blue Bell Hill. We head eastwards to greet the rising sun, to Harp Farm, and return through ancient yew woodland along North Downs Way and Pilgrims Way. With our appetite primed we can enjoy a Gutbusting breakfast at Mickey's (unfortunately all must pay for their own food). Non-walkers are welcome - walkers should be back between 08.15 and 08.30am. Undertaking this walk with the other two, scheduled for today, is a good way to determine if you are up to the 18 mile walk on 26 June.
Sat	19-Jun	Geoff	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	10:00 AM	6	miles	GR:	TQ748608
Blue Bell Hill (Part 2)								Post Code:		ME20 7EZ
Please see parking details on 06:30am description. We head southwards towards Pratling Street and onto the River Medway. We follow the river a short way before heading northwards through Sandling and past the site of Boxley Abbey to find the Pilgrims Way/North Downs Way that will take us back to Mickey's for lunch (unfortunately walkers must pay for their own food). Point of interest : Ruins of Boxley Abbey - During the destruction of the Abbey during the Reformation it was found that a statue that it was claimed had miraculously moved was in fact controlled by wires. Records are silent as to whether the monks or some divine power pulled the wires. Undertaking this walk with the other two, scheduled for today, is a good way to determine if you are up to the 18 mile walk on 26 June.
Sat	19-Jun	Geoff	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	2:00 PM	7	miles	GR:	TQ748608
Blue Bell Hill (Part 3)								Post Code:		ME20 7EZ
Please see parking details on 06:30am description. We head westwards along the North Downs Way to pick up paths that will take us through Burham to find the Medway Valley Walk. We follow this route to find paths that will take us towards Eccles and onto Kit's Coty before picking up the North Downs Way and onto tea at Mickey's (unfortunately walkers must pay for their own food). We pass through a newly planted vineyard that should produce its first bottling of sparkling white wine in time for the Olympics. We will also visit Little Kits Coty House – ruined burial mount or Neolithic building site? Undertaking this walk with the other two, scheduled for today, is a good way to determine if you are up to the 18 mile walk on 26 June.
Wed	23-Jun	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	10:00 AM	5	miles	GR:	TQ718673
Cuxton								Post Code:		ME2 1LD
Meet and park at Ranscombe Farm Car Park of off the A228 at top of Sundrige Hill (just south of the M2). A nice easy walk along the new footpaths of Ranscombe Farm and stopping for a drink at the Mausoleum before we return. Ben Sweeny, who works for Plantlife, will hopefully join us to share his knowledge of the wild flowers and vegetation that we will see. Bring refreshments. Pub at end.
Sat	26-Jun	Geoff	Ettridge	07525161766	Time:	9:00 AM	18	miles	GR:	TQ905638
Sittingbourne								Post Code:		ME10 3EB
Meet in the front of Sittingbourne railway station for a prompt start. Information on car parks in Sittingborne can be found on Swale Council’s website. Our walk will take us from the urbanation of Sittingbourne to a ‘hidden-Kent’ that we tend to rush past on the A2 /M2. We will pass through Teynham, Lewson Street, Newnham and Lynsted before returning to Sittingbourne. We pass a number of houses of architectural and historical merit. Some marvellous topiary will be seen as we approach / leave Newnham. Quite a bit of road / track walking with only 800ft of ascent over the whole circuit. We pass at least 5 PH where people could safely leave the walk and make their own arrangements to be picked-up or for a taxi to take them back to Sittingbourne. Walk should be completed between 6 & 7pm. Bring picnic lunch. Pub stop midway. Pub at end. Lunches available.
Sun	27-Jun	Frank/Mim	Ewen		Time:	10:30 AM	4	miles	GR:	TQ736766
Cliffe								Post Code:		ME13 0PY
Meet at Cliffe Church. Please park considerately. Circular walk taking in Cliffe Church, Cooling Castle and St James' Church. Pub at end.
Sun	4-Jul	Tony/Ann	Faulkner	01634 406634	Time:	10:00 AM	6.25	miles	GR:	TR015613
Faversham								Post Code:		ME13 8PW
Park in one of the Faversham town car parks (fee charged for parking) and meet at the Market Place in the main square. Walk is through Faversham to Ospringe. Through lanes and fields to Painter's Forstal and then footpaths to Square Wood and back to Brogdale Road, Perry Court and return to start through Faversham. Many town and country houses to be seen. Bring snack for break part way round. Choice of pubs at end with meals available.
Wed	7-Jul	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	7:00 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ732713
Wainscott								Post Code:		ME3 8EW
EVENING WALK: Park neatly near to The Stone Horse PH in Dillywood Lane (just off the B2000, north of the A289). Nice short local evening walk over fields and old orchards. Pub at end.
Sun	11-Jul	Mike	Patrick		Time:	10:00 AM	11	miles	GR:	TR125581
Lower Harbledown								Post Code:		CT2 9AQ
Meet and start outside Vernon Holme School, Lower Harbledown, 2 miles west of Canterbury. The walk is via Upper Harbledown, Church Wood, Dunkirk and Chartham Hatch, through woods, fields and orchards. Halfway, short stop at the Red Lion PH in Dunkirk.
Wed	14-Jul	Bob/Maureen	Bassett	01634 578721	Time:	7:00 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ779659
Luton								Post Code:		ME5 7PN
EVENING WALK: Park in Luton (Chatham) Recreational Ground car park at corner of Ash Tree Lane and Capstone Road. Walk is via Tangle Wood, Luton Memorial Meadow, Darland Banks, Spekes Bottom and return along Capstone Road. Views over Luton Valley, Darland Farm and Ski slope. Pub at end.
Sat	17-Jul	Sally	Starbuck	07860243119	Time:	5:00 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ557521
Underriver								Post Code:		TN15 0SB
EVENING WALK: Meet outside The White Rock Inn, Underriver, near Sevenoaks. The village is signposted off the B245 between Sevenoaks and Hildenborough. Route is via Kettle's Farm, One Tree Hill, Rooks Hill and Absolom's Farm. Explores part of the Greensand Way with views over The Weald. One steep hill at the beginning. Bring picnic tea. Pub at end.
Sun	18-Jul	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	10:00 AM	5	miles	GR:	TR007628
Oare								Post Code:		ME13 0PY
Meet in Oare and park considerately in the vicinity of the The Castle PH (not in the PH car park please). An easy walk following Oare Creek around Oare Marshes and past the Nature Reserve. After the walk a Ploughman's Lunch has been arranged for 1.30pm at the Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, just south of Faversham. Those who wish to partake in the Ploughman's Lunch (cost £7.50) should contact Peter on 01634 718895 before 1 July. See Newsletter for full details.
Sun	25-Jul	Lesley/Terry	Thomson	07958574363	Time:	10:00 AM	6.5	miles	GR:	TQ526638
Lullingstone								Post Code:		DA4 0JF
Park and meet at the Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre (small parking fee payable). Walk starts along the River Darent past Lullingstone Castle, taking undulating paths (part of the Darent Valley Path) through fields and woodland with views across the valley and the Shoreham Memorial Cross. Descending into Shoreham village and past the Shoreham Aircraft Museum and returning through fields with views of Lavender farms back to the Visitor Centre. Pubs available at end in Shoreham Village.
Wed	28-Jul	Peter/Ann	Green	01634 718895	Time:	6:30 PM	4	miles	GR:	TQ670661
Luddesdown								Post Code:		DA13 0XE
EVENING WALK: Meet and park at Luddesdown Village Hall (near the Church). Pleasant countryside walk. Pub at end.

Sun

1-Aug

Peter/Kate

Ware

01622 738609

Time:

10:00 AM

miles

GR:

TQ833547

Eyhorne, Hollingbourne

Post Code:

ME17 1TR

Park and meet in the village hall car park located behind the Windmill PH in Eyhorne, Hollingbourne. A comfortable walk out via Leeds Castle returning via Old Mill Farm. Pub at end.

Fri

6-Aug

Geoff

Ettridge

07525161766

Time:

7:00 PM

3.5

miles

GR:

TQ712644

Wouldham

Post Code:

ME1 3TD

Evening Walk : Meet in front of All Saints Church in Wouldham. Park courteously on the street /in the village. From Wouldham we head up to the North Downs Way and follow it for a short way before dropping down to the River Medway just past Starkeys. We then follow the Medway Valley Walk back to Wouldham. Total ascent approximately 380 feet. We have a bit of a climb at the start of the walk then a nice gentle (largely downhill/flat) stroll with nice river views back to Wouldham - which affords the opportunity for a drink with fellow adventurers at the end.

Sun

8-Aug

Lesley/Terry

Thomson

07958574363

Time:

10:00 AM

6.25

miles

GR:

TQ992589

Painters Forstal

Post Code:

ME13 0EF

Park considerately around village green at Painters Forstal and meet by The Alma PH. A fairly flat walk merging both town and countryside starting at Painters Forstal through fields to Brogdale Farm, famous for its collection of fruit trees. A short loop takes in the historic medieval town of Faversham and returning via Queens Court Farm and Ospringe Churchyard with its impressive lych-gate. Pub at end.

Thu

12-Aug

Jan

Carroll

Time:

11:00 AM

miles

GR:

TQ953739

Minster-on-Sea

Post Code:

ME12 2NJ

Park and meet in sea front car park at bottom of Seaside Avenue, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness. We promenade along the sea defence path to Sheerness where we spend an hour exploring the town and/or supporting the local economy, before walking back to the car park in Minster where we will find a cafe. The walk is largely on a concrete surface with a short part over 'compressed' shingle. Interesting aspects of the walk are the shipping and the estuary birds. Sheerness is worthy of some exploration as it has not been entirely taken over by national chains. In Sheerness there are plenty of pubs/cafes in which to eat, or a park in which you can eat a picnic lunch. Route is suitable for pushchairs, but toddlers will need to be closely supervised as there are drops into the sea.

Sun

15-Aug

Mike/Coral

Patrick

Time:

10:00 AM

5.5

miles

GR:

TQ708533

Teston

Post Code:

ME18 5BX

Meet and park at Teston Bridge Picnic Park (parking fee). The walk is mostly along the river bank between Bow Bridge and Barming, with some road and field walking. Pub at end.

Sun

22-Aug

Derek

Kent

07768448633

Time:

10:00 AM

miles

GR:

TQ742621

Bluebell Hill

Post Code:

ME5 9RG

Start at Picnic car park at top of Bluebell Hill, off Common Road. Walk goes to the Medway Bridge along to Wouldham, on to Burham and return up hill.

Sun

29-Aug

Geoff

Ettridge

07525161766

Time:

10.00/12.15

5.5/3.0/8.5 miles

GR:

TQ963566

Eastling

Post Code:

ME13 0AZ

This walk has two options. Meet in front of the Carpenters Arms, The Street (near junction with Kettle Hill Road) in Eastling for both walks. Please park with care and respect around village. Route 1 at 10.00am: Eastling, Seed, Doddington and Newnham before returning to Eastling (5.5 miles). Route 2 at 12.15pm: Eastling and back via Belmont Estate (3 miles). Lovely countryside walk(s) with no significant climbs. You can choose to do either or both walks. If you choose to only do the second walk be ready to leave the Carpenters Arms at 12.15 - we will not leave before 12.15 but Route 1 walkers cannot be guaranteed to be back by then - but they should be! The Carpenters Arms do Sunday lunches - booking advised (01795 890234).

Sun

5-Sep

Mike/Coral

Patrick

Time:

10:00 AM

miles

GR:

TQ837582

Hucking

Post Code:

ME17 1QX

Meet and park at the Hook and Hatchet Inn (use far car park) in Hucking. A meander around Hucking Estate. No roads. Pub at end.

Sun

12-Sep

Tony/Ann

Faulkner

01634 406634

Time:

10:00 AM

7.5

miles

GR:

TR016613

Faversham

Post Code:

ME13 7AA

Park in one of the Faversham town car parks (pay and display - allow 4 hours minimum). Meet at Market Place. Walk leaves Faversham and heads towards Oare. Then it follows Oare Creek and river shore to Harty Ferry. Return is via Luddenham Court Farm to Oare and retrace steps to Faversham. Interesting features are river wildlife, Oare Marshes nature reserve, historic churches and Faversham houses. Bring picnic lunch for midway break. Pub at end with lunches available.

Sun

19-Sep

Derek

Kent

07768448633

Time:

10:00 AM

8.5

miles

GR:

TR053468

Wye

Post Code:

TN25 5EG

Park and meet in car park off Churchfield Way in Wye. Walk is via Crundale Down, Hassel Street and down off Downs alongside Devils Kneading Trough and return to Wye. Pub at end.

Sun

26-Sep

Susan

Whiteoak

'07719836173

Time:

10:00 AM

4.5

miles

GR:

TQ772553

Maidstone

Post Code:

ME14 5SS

Meet in Mote Park (Main Gate at junction of Mote Avenue and Willow Road) in Maidstone and park near the children's play area for a walk via Otham and the medieval manor of Stoneacre. Enjoy spectacular views of the North Downs. Cafe at end and pubs in vicinity.

Sun

17-Oct

Lesley/Terry

Thomson

07958574363

Time:

10:00 AM

5.25

miles

GR:

TR055595

Boughton

Post Code:

ME13 9AD

Meet and park at the White Horse PH in Boughton. We walk past fine old buildings through Boughton to Mount Ephraim, famous for its beautiful gardens. Through villages of Herne Hill and Dargate into the ancient woodland of Blean, emerging at Boughton-under-Blean and returning to Boughton. Pub at end.

Sun

24-Oct

Susan

Whiteoak

07719836173

Time:

10:00 AM

4.5

miles

GR:

TQ798561

Bearsted

Post Code:

ME14 4PH

Meet at Bearsted Village Green. Walk includes Longham Wood, Cobham Manor and Pilgrims Way. Pub at end.

Sun

31-Oct

Derek

Kent

07768448633

Time:

10:00 AM

8.5

miles

GR:

TQ949491

Charing

Post Code:

TN27 0HZ

Park and meet in Charing Railway Car Park (note: there may be a charge) off Station Road, Hither Field. Walk is via Lenham Forstal, Cobham Farm, Stalisfield Green and return down Charing Hill.

Sun

7-Nov

Arthur/Jan

Waters

01634 711734

Time:

10:00 AM

8.8

miles

GR:

TQ715707

Higham

Post Code:

ME3 7NX

Meet and park in lay-by (used to be the Old Gravesend Road at Higham), 0.4km SE of the John Falstaff PH. Route is Higham, Lillechurch, Church Street, Hoo Junction, Shorne, Park Pale and return to Higham. Bring picnic lunch for midway break. Pub at end.

Sun

14-Nov

Tony/Ann

Faulkner

01634 406634

Time:

10:00 AM

6.5

miles

GR:

TQ714667

Cuxton

RAMBLERS BATON WALK

Post Code:

ME2 1AB

RAMBLERS BATON WALK: Park in Cuxton Station approach road (not sure if this is a pay & display or not?) Meet where station approach road meets A228. We walk from the meeting point to Church Hill, then through Merril's Shaw to North Downs Way. Along North Downs Way to Upper Bush with a diversion to the Mausoleum and Toe monument and back to start via May's Wood and the A228. Interesting ancient woodland, Ranscombe Farm , Mausoleum and Toe Monument are features of this walk. Beginning and end of walk will be on the A228. Bring picnic lunch for midway break. Pub at end with meals available.

Sun

21-Nov

Marge

Goatman

Time:

10:00 AM

miles

GR:

TQ839665

Upchurch

Post Code:

ME9 7AY

Park and meet at Upchurch Golf Club in Oak Lane (please use overflow car park). A pleasant circular walk through orchards and rural farmland and return to the Golf Club. Meals can be arranged at the Upchurch Golf Club. You may not wish/be able to walk but would still like to join the group for the meal. In either case please contact Peter Green (01634 718895) to book the meal before 7 November.

Sun

28-Nov

Graham

Jenkinson

Time:

10:00 AM

miles

GR:

TQ762713

Upnor

Post Code:

ME2 4XF

Park and meet in the public car park at the far (east) end of Lower Upnor. Leaving Upnor we pass the castle and walk alongside the river after which we turn inland via Wainscott and Chattenden returning along the ridge above the river and back to Upnor. No steep climbs, some roads but mostly quiet. This is a local walk dodging the new roads and housing which has sprung up. Pub at end with lunches available.