For keen walkers |
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© English Heritage |
WALMER CASTLE |
Walk off the Christmas pudding and go on a journey of discovery by foot to seek out some of Kent ’ s favourite winter walks – there ’ s quite a few to choose from . The Downs are significant to Kent , often making the perfect backdrop to many of our landscapes , so it makes sense that you start there . The North Downs Way stretches an incredible 153 miles , right from the Surrey Hills through the Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty . Starting in Farnham and ending in Dover , there is the option to loop at the eastern point which leads to the cathedral city of Canterbury . The route is the ideal place to explore ; steeped in rich heritage and history , it ' s the ultimate postcardperfect landscape . Also , the great thing about this walk is that it can be as challenging or as easy as you like . Another of Kent ’ s famous walks , The Saxon Shore Way runs from Gravesend in the north of Kent right through to Hastings over the border in East Sussex . The footpath follows the exact same route along the coastline between Folkestone and the Romney Marsh . Watch out for the wildlife and bounty of beautiful birds along the way and wine lovers should keep an eye out for the Gusbourne Estate . Located in Appledore , a quaint countryside village just outside of Ashford , this Kentish vineyard is conveniently located along |
the Saxon route . Stop by The Nest ( the vineyard restaurant ) for a glass or two , or take a tour of the estate – you ’ re able to book these all year round . Imagine how idyllic that would be in the snow . For a little coastal scenery , follow the rugged Thanet coastline , which offers spectacular views of the chalk bays . In the wintertime , there ’ s lots of opportunity for one-off sunsets , given that the weather is good of course . Scratch the surface and explore seaside gems Margate , Ramsgate or Broadstairs , or go all out and take the Pilgrimage Journey which starts at the Shrine of St Augustine . This covers 17 miles and requires a little more energy .
Home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the county , there are a fantastic collection of routes and footpaths that surround Royal Tunbridge Wells . Explore the High Weald and its sprawling views with some of the best national trails in the country . The Circular Walk passes through this area and past Royal Tunbridge Wells through rolling landscapes , wood and parkland . Whatever your fitness level , there ’ s a walk in Kent for you and , as luck would have it , you ’ ll likely stumble across a few pubs along the way too .
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BETTESHANGER PARK |