BEWL WATER
SCOTNEY PARKLAND TRAIL
Cross the road to the path opposite , which winds down through towering oak trees and lofty birches . Turn left when this meets a bridleway , following it up on the left side of a campsite . Almost at the top , turn right on to a narrow path which leads down the north side of the campsite to a lane . Turn left and just before the houses turn right on to a bridleway which climbs up to , and passes through , a ravine . At the top , the walking is through woods with glimpses of beautiful open country to the left . This is the ancient Oldbury Hill where there was once an Iron Age fort . Take a moment to appreciate the sacred history of this spot which has seen humans come and go for centuries .
The path passes a pond and soon after this a track leads to the right ; keep straight on here but a few yards further the track divides , take the right path . At the next bridleway junction turn right and follow the path , which winds on through more bewitching woods , bear left when it meets with another track , walk down another ravine and you will soon emerge on to the A25 . Avoid the road by turning sharply right here onto a bridleway , which leads to a quiet lane where there is a car park . Turn left down the lane to reach the main road again . Take the steep right-hand side of the track to climb up to the top of the valley . Turn left and follow a path close to the edge of the escarpment – from which you can marvel at magnificent views through clearings in the trees . Keep close to the edge to find a path which leads down the steep slope to a road . Cross the road to continue on the bridleway opposite . There is an orchard to the right and then the way becomes rocky as the path descends a hill . The bridleway reaches a road by the pretty Mote Hill Cottages . Turn right to return to Ightham Mote Cafe to enjoy tasty homemade treats , light lunches and refreshing drinks , the ideal place to relax and reward yourself at the end of a walk before exploring Ightham Mote itself . If you are craving something a little more substantial and perhaps a local beverage or two , visit The George and Dragon ( www . georgeanddragonightham . co . uk ) in the picturesque village of Ightham , which serves excellent food in a historic pub setting .
Meanders in Maidstone
With miles of countryside and rural villages surrounding Maidstone , it ’ s no surprise this spot has some excellent walking routes . Follow the two-anda-half mile route along the River Medway from Wateringbury to Yalding and you ’ ll have two pubs to choose from , The Railway at Wateringbury which welcomes dogs and their walkers for homemade Sunday roasts , and the Boathouse ( www . boathouseyalding . co . uk ) at Yalding , a stylish pub with stunning riverside views , both perfect for a tipple and a bite to warm yourself up after your stroll . Along the top of the North Downs , White Horse Wood Country Park is the start of plenty of trails , with routes to Thurnham Castle , The Pilgrims Way and the Black Horse all within reach .
A Romantic Castle and Lovely Lakes in the High Weald
Circling around the beautiful estate of the 14th century , fairytale-esque Scotney Castle ( www . nationaltrust . org . uk / scotney-castle ) the Scotney Parkland Trail is the perfect walk to discover the little stream that feeds the moat and the beautiful woodland and panoramic views of the castle and its parkland . The total distance is just under two miles , and is therefore ideal for a shorter afternoon stroll after some scones with cream and jam at the castle ’ s eatery . If you still have a little energy left , head across to nearby Bewl Water ( www . bewlwater . co . uk ), where you can walk the total lakeside distance of three miles while admiring the birds and other wildlife near the water .
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