insideKENT Magazine Issue 64 - July 2017 | Page 89

DAYSOUT
a walk IN THE PARK cont.
THE BEST PARKS FOR FITNESS
KEEPING FIT IS SO IMPORTANT, BUT SOMETIMES GOING TO THE GYM IS SIMPLY TOO MUCH HASSLE. IMAGINE IF THERE WAS A WIDE, OPEN SPACE
TO ENJOY WHILST ALSO WORKING OUT. WELL THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT A PARK IS – AND SOME OF KENT’S FINEST ARE IDEAL FOR THOSE WHO
WANT A LITTLE FITNESS WITH THEIR FUN.
Trosley Park
Waterlow Road, Vigo Village,
Meopham DA13 0SG
The little village of Vigo near Meopham has a lot
going for it. One of those things is that, right at the
far end, you can find Trosley Park. Trosley Park
covers 170 acres of beautiful woodland and chalk
downland on the North Downs and provides some
spectacular views.
There are three waymarked trails – the Downland
Trail is very steep in parts, while the Woodland Walk
is much gentler. The Trosley Trail is an easy access
route suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. All
provide spectacular views over the downs. There's
also an outdoor trim trail should the steep paths not
prove tough enough. That’s plenty of space for
working out in beautiful surroundings which, if it
doesn’t make getting fit something that might be
called enjoyable, at least it offers some sort of comfort
during the whole process!
Teston Bridge
Teston Lane, Teston ME18 5BX Lullingstone Park
Castle Road, Eynsford DA4 0JF
Combining 32 acres of grazed meadow, river walks,
a children's play area and of course the picturesque
14th-century Teston Bridge, this country park makes
the most of its beautiful natural setting on the banks
of the Medway. Bridge Meadow, the large grass area
adjacent to the car park and playground, is perfect
for picnics and ball games. Several events take place
here throughout the year, including the famous Kite
Festival. For those wishing to venture into
the wider countryside, you can
follow a 6.5-mile circular walk,
passing through the nearby village
of Shoreham. It’s a beautiful trail
to follow, taking in some of the
best of the Kent countryside.
Tutsham Meadow and Coombe Hill are used to
graze cattle, and because of this are awash with the
colours of native wildflowers in summer. The areas
closest to the river tend to flood in winter, creating
a natural wetland habitat.
A variety of bird and mammal life can be spotted
here too – keep an eye out for the otters which can
occasionally be seen hunting along the river.
Trosley offers more than a workout arena, however.
The chalk grassland there is classified as a Site of
Special Scientific Interest, and this is where you can
find an abundance of butterflies each summer. One
of the most beautiful is the Chalkhill Blue, which is
specific to the area. No matter what your ability, this is an ideal place to
enjoy a walk. Take a short stroll around the easy
access trail in the park, or if you are more
adventurous carry on along the Medway Valley
Walk. With a children's play area it makes for an
ideal day out.
www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/kent-
country-parks/trosley-country-park#tab-1 www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/kent-
country-parks/teston-bridge-country-park#tab-1
Lullingstone is famous for many
things, not least its collection of
over 300 veteran oak, beech, sweet
chestnut, hornbeam and ash trees
– some of them are over 800 years
old.
Just to the north of the park is the
impressive English Heritage site,
Lullingstone Roman Villa. There
are rare mosaics and Roman wall
paintings here, and if you are
taking a walk about the area, it is
always worth popping in here.
www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-
community/kent-country-
parks/lullingstone-country-
park#tab-1
The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGO) based in Faversham are the UK pioneers of outdoor gyms.
For 10 years, TGO have led the field in outdoor gym innovation, n ow with over 800 sites in the UK,
Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, South America and Australia as well as many sites in
Kent. The company’s mission is to increase physical activity, improve wellbeing and promote sustainability
through their work.
All TGO equipment is made in Britain and complies with safety standards and Inclusive Fitness
guidelines. TGO’s world-first Green Energy Gyms allow users to generate electricity as they work out,
to charge mobile phones, power lights or send back to the grid. TGO enjoy hundreds of partnerships
with councils, schools, universities, health partners, employers and housing associations. The company
has designed and installed for the United Nations at COP22 in Marrakech, the global climate change
conference. www.tgogc.com
TGO are bringing out a new app in July and will be testing it in Faversham. Watch this space!
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