More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
63. HIGH ROCKS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Down a quiet Tunbridge Wells road hides a piece of ancient history – these beautiful rocks are tucked away in woodland, and date back millions of years. Believed to once be a camp from the Stone Age, the acres of sandstone rocks offer a magnificent scenic walk. Located near the monument is a beautiful pub and restaurant, The High Rocks, which takes its name from the natural wonder. Visitors can really make a day out complete by finishing a long walk, or rock climb, by enjoying home cooked food with a cold drink. The rocks are open from 10.15am until dusk, offering free parking with admission only costing £3 for adults, and children go for £1.
Postcode: TN3 9JJ
Contact: www.highrocks.co.uk
64. SMALL PROFITS, WATERINGBURY
If you are rushing towards Yalding on the B2010 you might miss the little right hand turn before heading down the hill and into the village. It’s a tree-lined single-track lane, meandering past orchards and wheatfields, before it joins Hunt Street and on down Bow Hill to the bridge over the River Medway where geese and boats await. Fellow travellers are more likely to be on horseback; although sadly the Riverside Restaurant, which had graced a spot near Wateringbury Station has now closed. However, you can still get a pint at the Railway pub opposite the level crossing.
Postcode: ME18 5EB
65. OAKEN WOOD, BARMING
Strolling through meandering paths framed by ancient woodland nestled in the middle of sprawling suburbia is like discovering nature’s equivalent of Narnia. Oaken Wood is a peaceful haven for runners, riders and ramblers offering silence and space with vantage points providing views across the Kent countryside towards West Malling and the North Downs. The woodland is private, but owner businessman Pat Gallagher has provided footpaths and riding tracks. Fortunately no on-site parking keeps numbers down, so leave the car elsewhere and walk in through one of the routes along North Pole Road, Wateringbury Road or Sweets Lane.
Postcode: ME18 5BB
Contact: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
66. ELVEY FARM, PLUCKLEY
With a backdrop of golden corn fields and an oasthouse rising up into the blue sky, it’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially Kentish spot to spend a summer’s day than Elvey Farm. Sip sparkling wine, cool beer or afternoon tea on the lawn in front of the former medieval farmstead that houses restaurant Stramacchio Italiano, or pick a bridleway and explore the surrounding countryside. Watch the sun set over the gardens, then head inside for an Italian feast. To prolong the experience, spend the night in the Canterbury suite with its own hot tub.
Postcode: TN27 0SU
Contact: www.elveyfarm.co.uk
67. WYE HILL, WYE
A magnet to any cyclist who fancies a challenge, Wye Hill, near Ashford, offers spectacular rewards once you’ve got to the top. Looking out towards Romney Marsh and the Weald from a stunning vantage point, even the sea is visible on a clear day. A short walk away along the Downs is the Wye Crown, which was carved in 1902 to commemorate the Coronation of King Edward VII. Just make sure you’re wearing walking boots, not cycling shoes.
Postcode: TN25 5HE
Contact: www.kentdowns.org.uk
68. THE WARREN, ASHFORD
Nestled between the M20 and the old A20 is the unspoilt countryside of the Ashford Warren. Woodland is hidden away in the maze of housing and new developments springing up on the outskirts of the town. Now a protected nature reserve maintained by the Kent Wildlife Trust, The Warren is one of the town’s hidden gems. It’s great for walkers of all ages with an all-weather path around the outside of the park while more challenging walks are an option on the lesser trod paths and climbs through the trees. Important natural habitats have been retained and secured with a host of ancient trees. It is home to rare grassland, swamp land and pools. Access is off Warren Lane, Ashford, with parking and disabled access.
Postcode: TN24 8UF
Contact: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
Check out the rest of the 68 summer days out
Sporting days out Along the coast
