OUTDOORSINKENT
SAMPHIRE HOE
© David Sellman / National Trust Images
DEAL CASTLE KNOLE PARK
Sandwich Bay to Kingsdown Beach
Starting at the beautiful Sandwich Bay , with its private road lined with gorgeous houses and leading out onto this tranquil nature reserve beach , runners will find a tarmac promenade between the sea and Prince ’ s Golf Club on either side . A beautifully peaceful run is guaranteed as this beach is always quiet with only the sounds of nature and gentle waves crashing upon the shore . This eventually turns into the pretty Georgian town of Deal , with its historic hotpotch of houses that line the shore and look out to sea . You will run past the iconic Deal Pier , The Royal Hotel , The Kings Head pub with its hanging baskets of flowers before reaching the historic defence fort of Deal Castle . Thus , there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the way . Continuing past Deal Castle , you will run past Deal Bandstand on the green , still with the pebble beach and ocean on your left . Eventually Deal will turn into Walmer and Walmer will turn into Kingsdown , with even more architecturally impressive houses , with decorative blue lead roofs and ornate scalloped eves , typical of the seasideloving Victorians and Edwardians that built them . Walmer is a great place to finish the run , treating yourself to a glass of something cool at The Zetland Arms while looking out to sea or towards the White Cliffs . For those wanting to troop on for a long-distance run , the path trails up Kingsdown ’ s cliffs , on through St Margarets Bay past The Coastguard , the closest pub to France , and towards Dover and the Port . A supremely scenic run with a wonderful mixture of nature , architecture and the roaring ocean to admire along the way .
Samphire Hoe
A prime and perfect example of Kent ’ s Heritage Coast ’ s glorious landscape is Samphire Hoe , which also showcases the county ’ s commitment to the preservation of wildlife and biodiversity . Created by Eurotunnel and managed with The White Cliffs County Partnership in 1997 , the time of the construction of the Channel Tunnel , Samphire Hoe is now a vast and extraordinary nature reserve . Home to a plethora of flora and fauna , it is one of the few places for short , easygoing routes which allow joggers and runners the opportunity to appreciate the dramatic scenes of the White Cliffs . Samphire Hoe is wheelchair and pushchair friendly , with a recommended ‘ access for all ’ way around the Hoe . The route follows the front path , signposted ‘ West shore via the Hoe ’ passing through the chicane . The full circuit is two kilometres long and the section through the Hoe is tarmac . The sea wall is smooth concrete with two ramps giving access to and from the middle terrace providing good sea views . The average gradient is 1:15 with some steeper sections and occasional cross slopes maximum 1:25 . Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead . Refresh yourself with a cold drink from the tea kiosk , which is open every weekend .
Igtham Mote to Knole Park , Sevenoaks
Follow this circular route from Ightham Mote through the Kentish countryside along the Greensand Way , passing through areas of outstanding natural beauty to Knole Park before returning to Ightham Mote via the Duchess Walk , Godden Green and Broadhoath Wood . Starting at Ightham Mote , you will really get a sense of being secluded in nature before even stepping out thanks to the Kent valley that conceals this perfectly preserved medieval moated manor house . Emerging from the natural landscape almost 700 years ago , Ightham Mote is built from Kentish ragstone and great Wealden oaks . In the tranquil gardens , there are streams and lakes fed by natural springs , an orchard , flower borders and a cutting garden . The wider estate offers secret glades and countryside views , which you will pass through on your jog .
Going on to pass along some of the Greensand Way , pause for a break and some water to take in some utterly spectacular countryside views across the Weald . Named after the sandstone ridge , which crosses Hampshire , Surrey and Kent – The Greensand Way is one of a series of ridges running west to east . As well as this you will pass the main entrance to Knole House before going on to the Duchess Walk . Sitting proudly within Kent ’ s last medieval deer park , take in the scale and magnificence of this 600-year-old estate which passed through royalty to the Sackville family who still live there today . A circular route , you will see some rural elements that make up an adored part of Kent ’ s identity before finding yourself back at Ightham Mote , including enchanting fruit orchards and charming hopper huts .
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