KENTISH WONDERLAND CONT .
RIVER STOUR
HEVER CASTLE
ASHENBANK WOOD
RIVER STOUR STROLL
Our next walk is the perfect outing for any resident near Canterbury ; a jaunt couples and families can both enjoy . The walk takes you from Canterbury city centre to the tiny , yet charming village of Chartham . The 3-mile linear walk along the Great Stour Way consists of stunning country views and follows the winding River Stour along its journey through the Canterbury countryside . Crunch along the frozen ground and take in that fresh country air while gazing upon the frozen lakes and frosty orchards you pass on your travels . This is the perfect lazy Sunday excursion ; its sprawling , wide open fields making it easy to give children and animals the freedoms they need to run and play while still being able to keep an eye on them . Just as you leave Canterbury , you will find yourself wandering past beautifully rustic cottages whose gardens back onto the River Stour . Here you ’ ll be greeted by the wholesome sight of dogs lounging in the winter sun and couples enjoying a nice cup of warming tea as they admire the flowing river that babbles by . The path is not challenging , but it provides the perfect place to chat to family and friends and catch up on each other ' s lives while taking in the sights . Alternatively , because this route is also part of section 18 of the National Cycle Routes , it is also the perfect place for a leisurely winter cycle should the idea take your fancy . If we ’ ve piqued your curiosity , allow us to seal the deal by telling you the best part of this walk – the treat of a pint , some hot grub and a crackling fire upon your arrival at Chartham ’ s traditional country pub : the Artichoke ! Furthermore , if you intend on over indulging a little and are feeling a little full to walk , or you ’ ve simply worn the kids out , wander down to the train station and take the six minute train journey back to West Station . A simple walk , it might prove to become a Christmas tradition for years to come .
FROZEN FOREST ADVENTURES
If you are looking for a romantic walk through a majestic , frozen forest , why not check out Ashenbank Wood in Gravesend . The ancient forest spans an incredible 74 acres and has no shortage of enchanting corners and winding pathways for you to explore . Adventurous dogs will love jumping over logs , running through fallen crunchy leaves and will go into sensory overload with all the hibernating animal smells scattered over the frozen ground . The winter sunlight will warm your chilly face as it shimmers through the bare branches of trees awaiting the arrival of spring . There is parking onsite making it easy to access . Will you get lost in between the gnarled trunks of the Ashenbank Wood or are you brave enough to take on the Darnley Trail , a 6 mile , circular hike that borders the woodland and several other parks and forests . Be sure to watch out for horses slowly trotting up the trail and to wrap up warm as the shade of the towering trees may send a few shivers down your spine and leave some muddy patches along the path - wellies recommended ! As you follow the undulating floor of Ashenbank Wood you may come across some historic relics from the forest ’ s past , including a Bronze Age Barrow and structures from the Second World War when the RAF accommodated personnel
from the Gravesend Airfield in the wood . Savour the history and romance of the forest this winter and allow yourself to be swept away into your very own winter wonderland .
A WALK FIT FOR A QUEEN
Hever Castle ’ s gardens offer a wonderful opportunity to walk and enjoy the fresh air in 150 acres of outdoor space that has additional safety measures in place including : social distancing , enhanced cleaning and limits on visitor numbers . Visitors can follow the trail which takes in Anne Boleyn ’ s Walk and Diana ’ s Walk or for those wanting a longer stroll , Lake Walk , the Japanese Tea House folly and Smugglers Walk are spectacular . Those wishing to stick to the main paths can marvel at the classical statuary in the Italian Garden ; admire the giant topiary chess set in the Tudor Garden and stroll through Blue Corner . The Loggia , overlooking the 38-acre lake , is the perfect spot to relax before exploring the many cascades , grottoes and fountains . Seasonal walkers can also delight in the castle ’ s Peter Pan-themed Christmas event which offers a magical journey along the immersive Christmas trail through Neverland , will you spot all the characters ? After dark , enjoy a walk under the stars , to fully witness the enchantment of the Castle , gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights , capturing the spirit of Christmas .
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