insideKENT Magazine Issue 37 - April 2015 | Page 104

DAYSOUT

Tunbridge Wells Circular
Fancy a challenge? This popular long-distance route showcases the variety of landscapes
in the High Weald. From patchwork fields and small hamlets to steep-sided wooded valleys
and fast-flowing streams, it's easy to see why the Tunbridge Wells Circular is one of the
most popular walks in the county!

Starting by the Old Forge Farm House, head
North East and continue along the edge of
Appletree Wood, keeping an eye out for signs.
Passing through the villages of Southborough,
Pembury, Frant, Groombridge, and Speldhurst,
the route is renowned for its natural history,
heritage, archaeological and architectural features.
Walkers can enjoy the undulating countryside of
the High Weald, a landscape of rolling fields,
broad-leaved woodland and parkland. The Weald
is the name given to the area between the North
and the South Downs. This title derives from the

Anglo-Saxon name, Andredes Weald, which
relates to the original handle for Pevensey Castle
(Anderitum) – the nearest Saxon Shore Castle.
The Tunbridge Wells Circular is an exciting way
to explore the unspoilt countryside of the High
Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
surrounding the historic spa town of Royal
Tunbridge Wells. The route is 27.5-miles long
and is waymarked in a manner that means it can
be walked in either direction. Waymarking consists
of coloured arrows, together with the route's own
symbols, inset onto posts around the entire route.

If you don’t want to take on the full 27.5 miles,
there are plenty of opportunities to sample
sections of the walk. Why not dip into some of
the quaint towns and villages along the way for
a pit stop (involving cake) to keep you going?
Then, if you’ve got the time and the energy at
the end, be sure to take a trip into Royal T
unbridge
Wells and explore the spa town's rich heritage,
variety of great eateries, and shops.
Please note that sections of this route are not
well waymarked, so be sure to take an OS map
with you.

Location: Tunbridge Wells TN4 9EG
Distance: 27.5 miles (44 km)
Time: This long-distance route can be completed in short
sections over a number of days – or in one go, if you feel like taking
on a challenge
OS Explorer Map: 135 and 136
Terrain: Country lanes and woodland tracks
Parking: Parking is available near Southborough Common
Refreshments & facilities:
There are a range of pubs and teashops, as well as a few public
conveniences in towns and villages along the walk
To find out about other walks in Kent or for
information on cycling, riding, and country
parks, visit the brand new Explore Kent
website, www.explorekent.org. Follow
@explorekent on Twitter and Facebook.

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