SUMMERSTAYCATION
Summer Days Out IN KENT CONT .
WONDERFUL WALKS
© National Trust Images / John Millar
THE GROUNDS OF SCOTNEY CASTLE
The Grounds of Scotney Castle Lamberhurst , Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN
An absolute favourite fact about Scotney Castle is that there is a footprint of an Iguanodon in the quarry . So quite literally , take a walk around here and you ’ ll be walking in the footsteps of giants .
This enchanting two-mile walk includes some moderate climbs with great views to Scotney Castle . It takes you through the estate with vistas of the old hop farm , the ‘ new castle ’ – an elegant Victorian country house – and the ruins of a much older medieval castle , surrounded by a motte and bailey on a lake island .
From Scotney Castle ' s car park , head through Salvin Gate and continue along the old carriageway over two bridges that cross the River Bewl . Climb the hill and turn left at the fingerpost . Pause to admire Hornbeam Pollard , one of the oldest trees on the estate .
The Coastal Desert of Dungeness The Old Lighthouse , Dungeness , Romney Marsh , Kent TN29 9NB
This fascinating place , often referred to as ‘ Britain ’ s only desert ’ is a baron and arguably eerie landscape – a bit of a fairytale ’ s landscape of oxymorons – the lush greenery is replaced with stone and sands where few living things look like they can survive and instead of leading you towards the beautiful castle on the horizon , you have the grim reaper of buildings – Dungeness ’ Nuclear Power Station .
This three-mile circular walk explores the ever-shifting longshore drift , where the sea is constantly reshaping the sand and shingle . Starting at the old lighthouse , take time to climb the stairs to view Romney Marsh , then make your way across the boardwalk to the abandoned fishing boats and shacks with their ‘ recycled ’ gardens before taking the path in the direction of the house with the square tower . Continue north along the main road to a black house with yellow window frames , once home to the film director , Derek Jarman , then continue to the Pilot Inn , a good lunchtime option , then head for the white coastguard cottages . Follow the green public footpath sign to return back across the shingle to the old lighthouse .
Emmetts Garden to Chartwell House Ide Hill , Sevenoaks TN14 6BA
“ If you ’ re going through hell , keep going ” famously instructed Churchill . Maybe because he knew there was a walk like this to enjoy once you got through .
This beautiful five mile walk near Sevenoaks , links the Edwardian hillside gardens of Emmetts with Winston Churchill ’ s family home at Chartwell . It takes you over the Weald , with vistas opening out to the surrounding countryside . Leave Emmetts Garden ( National Trust charges apply ) along the path beside the tearoom and continue through Scords Wood to Chart Lane . Stop for a pint at The Fox and Hounds , then continue into Toys Hill woodland , passing the site of Weardale Manor ( destroyed by a bomb in World War II ).
Follow the country lane of French Street into the hamlet . Take the bridleway to Hosey Common Lane and follow the National Trust signs for Chartwell , where you can explore the gardens and pause for lunch .
Return to the junction at French Street and take the footpath to the north , leading east towards Stanhope Wood . Cross Chart Lane again , north of the pub . Head through a glade to Emmetts Lane , then right at Ide Hill House back to Emmetts Garden .
The Elham Valley Way Elham Valley Road , Barham , Canterbury , CT4 6DQ
This is almost a marathon of a walk , covering a blistering 22.5 miles , so although a moderate challenge , you will be rewarded by being immersed in nature for hours and some of the best countryside Kent has to offer . The trail leads down from the coastal town of Hythe to the beautiful cathedral city of Canterbury . You ’ ll walk through part of the nationally protected Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ; experience the quaintness of Hythe which boasts both a canal and a sea front just minutes from one another ; explore the beautiful Seabrook Valley ; see the dramatic escarpment of the downs ; pass through unspoilt villages such as Elham , and the ornamental parklands and ancient woodlands near Barham , before heading towards the historic city of Canterbury and the cathedral .
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