8: A BREAKFAST APPETISER
5.0 miles 2.5 hours moderate circular
7.15am. Meet Peter Corkill outside The Abbot’s Fireside, Elham, CT4 6TD (TR176438)
Enjoy a brisk morning walk in the Kent Downs through fields, meadows and ancient woodland before taking breakfast (optional) at the historic Abbot’s Fireside Hotel. Breakfast (full English £10, Continental £5) may be booked at the start of the walk.
9: A BISHOPSBOURNE RAMBLE
4.7 miles 2.0 hours moderate circular
10.30am. Meet Michael Wilkey outside St Mary Church, Bishopsbourne, CT4 5HS (TR188526)
A circular ramble outward to the west of the village, taking in the former railway station, Gorsley Wood, the Tumuli, and the fruit orchards and strawberry fields of Pett Farms. We return downhill along paths and over stiles to the valley of the Nailbourne, then continue along the Elham Valley Way via Bourne House and The Wilderness. Refreshments in the Mermaid Inn, booking recommended, tel 01227 830581.
10: OBSERVING SUMMER ORCHIDS: PARK GATE DOWN
4.5 mile 3.5 hours moderate circular
10.30am. Meet Alfie Gay in The Square, Elham, CT4 6TJ (TR177439)
Enjoy a scenic walk from Elham Village to Park Gate Down. Then spend time learning about the special ecology of this secluded downland nature reserve where several varieties of wild orchids grow, expertly led by Alfie Gay of the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership. Return to Elham Village where there is a choice of pubs and eateries.
Visit the website of the White Cliffs Countryside Partnertship
11: ELHAM STRIDE-OUT 2019
12.0 miles 5+ hours strenuous circular
10.45 am. Meet Ros Humphreys in The Square, Elham, CT4 6TJ (TR177439)
Stride out to the west of Elham enjoying the shade and shelter of forests and ancient woodlands interspersed with open arable lands affording far-reaching views. We stop for our picnic lunch at Stelling Minnis Windmill where tea, coffee and a brief guided tour are on offer. We continue along the Minnis towards a public house. This is well over half way so fortify yourself before the short, sharp hills on the route back to Elham!
12: OLD BLADBEAN STUD GARDENS
7.0 miles 4.0 hours moderate circular
11.00am. Meet Chrissie Upson in The Square, Elham, CT4 6TJ (TR177439)
Wander along the western slopes of our rolling valley through the changing landscapes 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. There is no charge for entry to the gardens. Bring a picnic lunch (tables provided). Only Registered Assistance Dogs allowed.
13: CHILDRENS’ FUN WALK AND PLAY
Approx 1.5 miles 3.0 hours (including activities) family walk circular
2.00pm. Meet Tom Humphreys at Elham’s football ground, CT4 6UU (GR176445)
‘We’re going on a GIANT hunt!’. Take your children exploring on a hunt for some hidden GIANTS, find the clues and capture their fun with some GIANT selfies.
Once completed the children can play action-packed Nerf battles run by Primary Sports Giants.
Learn more about Primary Sports Giants
14: PATHWAYS TO THE PAST: IN AND AROUND LYMINGE VILLAGE
2.5 miles 2.0 hours easy circular
2.30pm. Meet Mike Foxon at Church Road, Lyminge (opp. Methodist Church) CT18 8JA (TR162411)
A guided history stroll that follows footpaths in and around Lyminge in order to explore its fascinating Anglo-Saxon past. Walk in the footsteps of Queen Ethelburga and the Kentish royal family as we visit and learn about the sites that have unearthed their story.
Learn more about Pathways to the Past
