1: THE ELHAM VALLEY WAY: HYTHE TO CANTERBURY
22.0 miles 10.5 hours strenuous linear
08:30am. Meet Nicola Foad and Cathy Waters at Hythe Public Library, Hythe CT21 6BQ (TR161345)
This challenging 23 mile walk is led by the Kent Long Distance Walkers Association. The route starts at Hythe on the Channel coast passing through woodlands, secret byways, beautiful downland, and unspoilt villages to Canterbury arriving at about 6 pm for the bus back to Hythe. Bring bus fare, packed lunch and plenty of water.
Dogs not permitted.
2: HEAD OF THE VALLEY PANORAMA
7.0 miles 3.5 hours moderate circular
10:00am. Meet Andrew Cornford at Lyminge Library car park CT18 8HS.
From Lyminge climb to the crest of the North Down’s scarp with panoramic views towards the English Channel and northward toward the Elham valley. Then down, through the lovely village of Postling and climb back up to the heights of Farthing Common, before the return to Lyminge via rolling grassland and narrow lanes.
3: ELHAM VINEYARD
3.5 or 7.0 miles 2.0 or 4.0 hours moderate circular
10:00am. Meet Chris Jelly in The Square, Elham CT4 6TJ
Traversing both sides of the valley, this walk covers the beautiful section between Elham and Barham. At the half way point coffee and cakes (outdoors) beckon at the Elham Valley Vineyard before either catching the 17 bus back to Elham or ascending to more fantastic views on the return leg. Continuing via shady lanes and sleepy meadows, Elham’s church steeple soon comes into view, finally re-joining the Elham Valley Way to the finish.
Find out more about the VINEYARD
4: EXPLORING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF LYMINGE
1.0 mile 2.5 hours easy circular
10:00am. Meet Rob Baldwin at Church Road, Lyminge (at the top of Tayne field opposite the Methodist Church) CT18 8JA.
A short guided walk led by local historian and archaeologist Rob Baldwin around the key sites in Lyminge that have contributed to our understanding about settlement in Lyminge over the past 10,000 years, with particular emphasis on the early Medieval (or Anglo-Saxon) period.
5: ROYAL SAXON WAY PART 1: FOLKESTONE TO ELHAM
11.0 miles 5.0 hour moderate linear
10:45am. Meet Andrew Swarbrick at Folkestone Parish Church CT20 1SE
A guided linear walk starting from the site of an early Saxon monastery founded by St Eanswythe, follow the shore to Sandgate then climb the Kent Downs to visit the site of a second Saxon monastery founded by another member of the Saxon Royal family, St Ethelburga, before continuing to Elham. Bring a packed lunch.
Assistance dogs only. If needed the 17 bus links Elham and Folkestone.
Please check times at www.stagecoach.com
6: OLD BLADBEAN STUD GARDENS
5.5 miles 4.0 hours moderate circular
11:00. Meet Peter Corkill in The Square, Elham CT4 6TJ
Wander along the western slopes of our valley through the changing landscape that inspired the layout and planting of these exquisite gardens. Explore the gardens guided by their creator, Carol Bruce. Then stroll back down the lanes to Elham. Bring a picnic lunch. Assistance dogs only.
Elham Valley Walkers 