insideKENT Magazine Issue 140 - December 2023 | Page 50

KENTSTAYCATION
COLDRUM TRAIL

WINTER WONDERLAND

WALKS

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF KENT THIS WINTER THROUGH BREATHTAKING WALKS TRAVERSING ANCIENT SETTLEMENTS , QUAINT VILLAGES , ROLLING HILLS AND STUNNING COASTLINE .
BOWLEYS AT THE PLOUGH
We may be in the depths of midwinter , but despite the cold winds and icy frosts , there ' s no need to stay cooped up indoors when you ’ re in Kent . With its picturesque countryside and glorious coastline , the county offers some of the best winter walks in the UK . From brisk strides along our blustery beaches to scenic hikes through frosty hills , there ' s a route to suit every type of rambler . Walking through Kent offers the opportunity to discover quaint villages , ancient woodlands and beautiful coastal paths , all while enjoying the crisp winter air and some breathtaking scenery that can ’ t be found anywhere else . So grab your coat , lace up your boots , and set off on one of our recommended winter walks in Kent – complete with delicious food , drinks and boutique places to stay .
Perhaps Kent ’ s most well-known patch of countryside is the Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty . Spanning across 878 square kilometres it offers stunning landscapes , rolling hills , deep valleys and chocolate-box villages ; this is the ideal area for long rambles rounded off by a hearty meal . With a plethora of guided routes with clear trails and signed footpaths , walkers can embrace any area of the Downs with clarity and confidence . As well as picturesque scenery , the Kent Downs offers a host of historical sites to marvel at . This includes the prehistoric long barrow that can be found on the Coldrum Trail . This trail follows the North Downs Way and the historic Pilgrims Way , which pilgrims once travelled on between Winchester and Canterbury . Included on this trail is Trosley
Country Park , which offers a unique habitat for flora and fauna and boasts lots of resident wildlife including tawny owls , badgers and dormice ( although the little dormice will be cosily asleep in winter !). You ’ ll pass through a mixture of farmland and woodland along this walk before finally reaching the wonderful setting of the Coldrum Stones , a 6,000-year-old burial site dating from around 4000 BC that is the best example of its type in Kent and offers magnificent views across the countryside . After your walk , stop by at Bowleys at The Plough in the village of Trottiscliffe where the route also passes through . Simply enjoy drinks at the bar or enjoy the culinary sensations created by young master chef Alex Yates .
50