insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 45

For anyone who craves more of a challenge, the Harrietsham Walk is the
perfect choice! With steep climbs up the slopes of the North Downs and crossing
paths with the historic Pilgrims’ Way, this circular, 5-mile walk offers all the best
places to capture the best views of the winter landscape. With such historic value,
this walk also offers many educational and interesting opportunities to explore
Kent’s history. From uncovering evidence of the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman
and Saxon times, to admiring one of the county’s most famous public houses -
The Ringlestone Inn. Once owned by the renowned monks, the preserved ancient
building welcomes travellers after a long day walking or cycling in the area,
where cosied up in the inglenook fireplace, visitors delight in tales of highwaymen,
smugglers and ghosts.
Whilst the Cranbrook Walk, a circular 3-mile walk, offers the ideal place
to admire the most attractive area of the county, the Kentish Weald, where
the wintery season adds a layer of beautiful shimmer when the light frost hits
the rolling hills. With the town once being the agricultural industries hub, you
can enjoy venturing through the local orchards and hop gardens whilst chasing
the ongoing views of the wintery landscape of Cranbrook. As well as once being
an important market town, it is also home to a number of interesting houses
and buildings dating back 600 years. One, the restored 19th century Union Mill,
is the second tallest surviving windmill in the British Isles. You can also
enjoy a visit to the village of Sissinghurst, home to the stunning gardens at
Sissinghurst Castle, which highlight the season’s beauty with a sea of colour from
its winter blooms.
WHAT NEXT?
For more information on walks, cycle rides and canoe trails including the North Downs Way 40th-
anniversary celebrations, please visit www.explorekent.org and discover the great Kentish countryside
or follow Explore Kent on Twitter and Facebook - explorekent.
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