DAYSOUT
Walk This May cont ...
Bedgebury Pinetum
FOR NATURE LOVERS : Alkham Valley Just outside of Dover , you can enjoy the rural backdrop of the Alkham Valley . And , the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a favourite spot for nature lovers to visit . Nestled within the valley you will find Sladden Wood , one of the Kent Wildlife Trust ’ s nature reserves where you can birdwatch , seek out fungi and enjoy a moment of calm away from it all . Alkham Valley also has a five-mile circular route where you can clock up those 10,000 steps in one hit . The route starts and ends in Alkham , a pretty village lying deep in a valley between Dover and Folkestone , and offers spectacular views across the Alkham Valley . Not only that , this countryside circuit ends right by the award-winning Marquis of Granby pub where you can rest weary legs and enjoy seasonal produce sourced from Kent ’ s finest makers and growers .
FOR RETAIL THERAPY : Bluewater If you ’ re determined to hit that step goal but you ’ re facing spring showers , you could get to 10K just by indulging in a little retail therapy . Bluewater is the UK ’ s fifth biggest shopping centre and stands at an impressive 240 acres while also being surrounded by a 50-acre landscape of lakes , parkland and trees . A day shopping at Bluewater is an easy way to get to 10,000 steps and you don ’ t even need to plan a route or have a map . Plus , you can stop for food and drink whenever you like and you won ’ t need to pack a raincoat ! With 300 stores to browse , over 50 bars , restaurants and cafes to indulge at and other activities like trampolining and kids ’ soft play to enjoy , a trip to Bluewater is the ideal way to rack up those steps without a muddy puddle in sight .
FOR CULTURE VULTURES : The Darent Valley Rail Trails - Ridges and Valleys For those looking to do a bit of sightseeing and learning on their strolls , the Darent Valley rail trail could be the perfect blend of exercise and education . This five-mile circular route will take you on a magical tour through a rich heritage of history , meadows , valleys and streams , lavender fields , mills and wildlife .
There are 17 different Darent Valley rail trails but the five mile ‘ ridges and valleys ’ route begins in the pretty village of Shoreham , near Sevenoaks , and returns you back to the station . On the way , you ’ ll explore hidden dry valleys that cut deep into the downs and enjoy fine views of rolling countryside . There ’ ll be a chance to visit a monument to the aviation pioneer , Percy Pilcher , you ’ ll pass through a former military firing range and you can take in the panoramic vistas across the landscape from the valley tops . Looking for somewhere to refresh yourselves after your efforts ? The Mount Vineyard in Shoreham is an excellent place to sample award-winning English wines , or you could head to one of the village ’ s three pubs for some revivification .
FOR ACCESSIBILITY : Royal Military Canal For a more inclusive walking route that doesn ’ t include stiles or steep hills , head to Hythe ’ s Royal Military Canal . The tranquil linear route which begins at one end of the canal at West Hythe is almost two miles each way and you can make up a few extra steps by continuing to follow the canal path further than the suggested turning point at Scanlons Bridge . ( However , The Royal Military Canal is 28-miles long so unless you ’ re looking to hit those 10K steps five times over , maybe don ’ t go too much further !) This route is mostly flat so is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs , and the paths are wide , too .
FOR FOODIES : Routes Around Bridge The PIG at Bridge has become one of the ultimate Kentish foodie destinations , so incorporating it , along with several other food and drink pit stops along the route , seems like the perfect way to plan a walking trip . In this area there are several different walking routes ranging from a couple of miles to over 20 ( maybe plan more stops for that one !) But , in the area , which sits just a few miles from Canterbury , not only do you have the infamous PIG , there ’ s also Simpson ’ s Wine Estate , Woolton Farm with its rustic restaurant and award-winning wines , the Tadpole Tearooms ( known to be Colin Firth ’ s favourite ) and more . Book a stay at The PIG and plan a different route each day to make the most of the culinary delights on your doorstep .
FOR BEACH LOVERS : Ramsgate to Broadstairs Walk For those seeking a little vitamin sea on their walk , you ’ ll find it in abundance on this coastal five mile trek between Ramsgate and Broadstairs . The circular route begins and ends in Ramsgate ’ s bustling harbour area . You ’ ll pick up the Thanet Coastal Path , pass the Royal Victoria Pavilion and Ramsgate Sands and might even catch a glimpse of France on a clear day . Depending on the tide , you can either follow the route up on to the cliff top or down on to the beach at Dumpton Gap where you will be rewarded with some stunning views . If you ’ ve been inspired by Ramsgate ’ s offerings ( and fancy going above and beyond your 10K ), then head into the town where you can do the 1.4mile ‘ town rounders ’ circular route which takes you past the former homes of Vincent Van Gogh and John-Gibson Lockhart to the harbour and more .
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