DAYSOUT
Kent Beauty Spots cont...
TOYS HILL SAMPHIRE HOE
For the best hiking trails …
Barton’ s Point Coastal Park, Sheerness explorekent. org
An attractive park with walking trails, bridle ways and cycle path with a stunning saltwater lake, Barton’ s Point Coastal Park is a hidden gem for hikers in Kent. During the summer months, visitors can fish, sail, windsurf or kayak on the water, and The Sheerness Way cycling route runs directly through the park for those wanting to explore their surroundings on two wheels. Facilities at the park include The Boat House Cafe, designated areas for camping with changing rooms during the summer season, and a pirate-themed adventure playground for little ones to enjoy.
Adjoining Barton’ s Point Coastal Park are the Queenborough Lines, known locally as Canal Bank. An earthwork defensive line built in the nineteenth century in an effort to protect the dockyard from attack, the Queenborough Lines are a serene, open space with waymarked trails and rest points for those looking to expand their outdoor adventure. Offering sweeping views across the Sheerness Peninsula, a hike across the Queenborough Lines is unlike anything else in Kent.
For wildlife lovers …
Toys Hill, Sevenoaks nationaltrust. org. uk
An 81-hectare stretch of woodland that forms part of the Greensand Ridge, Toys Hill is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its abundant wildlife and national importance for nature conservation. The perfect place for wildlife lovers to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing walk over the Weald of Kent, the extensive woodland nearby is home to a variety of rare and unique flora and fauna. For those who can navigate their way to the nineteenth century well sunk by the National Trust’ s founder, Octavia Hill, the reward will be panoramic views of the county’ s beautiful scenery.
With a landscape primarily consisting of lowland heath, woodland and sandy soil, the wildlife that Toys Hill supports varies from dormice and reptiles to fungi and bats. This time of year in particular, the golden marsh marigolds and pink ragged robins will likely catch your eye, with wildflowers aplenty to make some photoworthy backdrops. To keep yourself and the surrounding wildlife safe, make sure to leave gates as you find them, steer clear or disturbing circular dormice nests and take care not to touch any toadstools as many fungi can be poisonous!
For picturesque viewpoints …
Samphire Hoe, Dover samphirehoe. com
An entirely man-made nature reserve created from chalk marl excavated during the building of the Channel Tunnel, Samphire Hoe is a 30-hectare site with rich biodiversity and wildlife.
Offering spectacular views of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there’ s no better viewpoint on the South Kent coastline to see one of Earth’ s most simple sights- the sun rising and setting across the horizon. Set against a scene of dramatic cliffs and rolling waters, Samphire Hoe is often frequented by locals wanting to enjoy a gentle stroll or picnic in the fresh sea air. Though, with a vivid landscape that attracts over 220 species of birds and 30 types of butterflies, Samphire Hoe is equally beloved by Kentish wildlife.
Wheelchair and pushchair friendly with toilet facilities, a rangers office and tea kiosk open every weekend, it’ s easy to plan a day’ s adventure in and around Samphire Hoe. At the Education Shelter, visitors can even meet the area’ s volunteer ranges to discover more about Samphire Hoe, with regular exhibitions and events taking place there. A must-visit location for picturesque viewpoints, Samphire Hoe can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike who want to embrace the natural wonder of Kent’ s coastline.
42 • www. insidekent. co. uk