HARVEL HIKE
LONDON & PARIS HOTEL
© Kent Downs AONB
ROYAL MILITARY CANAL
Another nearby walking route that takes in the beautiful scenery of the Kent Downs Area of Natural Beauty is the Harvel Hike from Otford to Cuxton . Ramble high up on the North Downs on this epic adventure – it ’ s a long route at just under 24 km , but with plenty of beautiful sights to reward you . Start in the charming village of Otford and you will soon climb high up onto Otford Mount , one of the highest hills on the North Downs Way . Continue into Kemsing Down Nature Reserve with its array of wildlife , wind past the ancient village of Wrotham and stop by at The Bull Hotel . After this long walk ( that you should allow six hours for ), you will love the cosy wholesomeness of this pub . The inviting atmosphere of open fires , chit-chat , comforting food and a pint will be the perfect , wellearned end to your day ’ s walking . Stop by for gorgeous food or a sumptuous Sunday roast , or make your visit that little bit more relaxing by booking a room here . The Bull prides itself on being a traditional rural retreat , recently restored to reveal richly beamed walls and ceilings , stunning fireplaces and oak floors . All 11 rooms have en-suite facilities , central heating , TV , free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee facilities for optimum comfort . There are four-poster , king-size , double , twin and single rooms , and the excellent cooked-to-order breakfast is served every day – the perfect way to fuel up for a hike . If you needed any more persuading that The Bull is a top-spot to stay at , they won series 13 of Four in a Bed !
The Kent Downs Area of National Beauty stretches so far it takes in an array of varied landscapes . As well as sprawling acres of hilly countryside and woodland , Kent ’ s coast can also be enjoyed . The seaside towns of Folkestone , Sandgate and Hythe promise stretching beachfront promenades with panoramic views of the ocean , as well as some incredible places to stay at and dine in . This includes Folkestone ’ s London & Paris Hotel , which serves incredible seafood showcasing the best of coastal cooking from the South Coast . Open Wednesday to Sunday , enjoy sea views and a vibrant atmosphere before or after a stroll along the beach to or from Sandgate and Hythe . If the weather is a bit too blustery for a beach walk , then nearby countryside offers the perfect sheltered escape . The Tolsford Trek Walk starts at the popular Brockhill Country Park , Folkestone , with its famous deer paddock , alder valley and lake , and follows part of the North Downs Way .
Leave the park to climb to the top of Tolsford Hill , an impressive natural feature that remains wild and unspoilt . At 181 metres above sea level , Tolsford Hill is one of the highest hills of the Downs in East Kent and is owned by the Military of Defence . A BT tower stands on the plateau at the summit of the hill , which is one of the few British telecommunications towers built of reinforced concrete ; it is more than 70 metres high and quite a marvel . There are magnificent views from the hill , which has streams and rivers coursing around its base including the Nailbourne and the East Stour . As you pass through the chalk grassland , look out for buzzards and skylarks soaring high above the hills . Follow the route through Peene and the beautiful village of Saltwood . Here , look out for
the village ’ s historic church and castle before returning to the country park .
Another lovely walk with plenty of unique sights and historically important points is the Royal Military Canal in Hythe . This easygoing walk sets out from West Hythe , but walkers can choose from a shorter route up to Palmarsh Bridge . Before crossing the bridge , walkers can decide to retrace their route back to West Hythe or continue along the towpath and along a quiet country lane to reach Hythe – the starting point of the Romney , Hythe and Dymchurch Railway . On days when the trains are running , you are likely to see a spot of steam from the heritage trains heading towards the canal – this is a wonderful reminder of the historical bygone age of canal and steam power . The railway was the dream of millionaire racing drivers , Captain J . E . P . Howey and Count Louis Zborowski , it was built in the 1920s and later extended to its current route , which runs to Dungeness . The Royal Military Canal was built between 1805 - 1809 as a defensive structure designed to protect against possible invasion by Napoleon ’ s army . Fortunately , such an attack never happened , however the canal still acts as an essential form of irrigation providing drainage to much of the surrounding marshland . After stopping off at the Station Café for some light refreshments , you can walk back to West Hythe along the other side of the canal . The Royal Military Canal is 28-miles ’ long and forms the long distance Royal Military Canal walking route .
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