8: THE ELHAM STRIDE-OUT
12.0 miles 5.0 hours strenuous circular
10.45 am. Meet Ros Humphreys at 10:45 am in The Square, Elham CT4 6TJ (GR177439)
This robust hike starts in Elham from where we stride briskly over the nearby Downs encountering hills, stiles, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens. A respite in our walk through this varied landscape will be at the historic Tappington Hall, where the owner will give a short talk on this local gem listed in the Domesday Book, with some refreshment provided. Bring a packed lunch.
9: OLD BLADBEAN STUD GARDENS
7.0 miles 4.0 hours moderate circular
11.00 am. Meet Chris Burrows in The Square, Elham CT4 6TJ (GR177439)
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).
Learn more about Old Bleadbean Stud Garden
10: ELHAM VILLAGE: A HISTORY STROLL
1.0 mile 1.5 hours easy circular
11.00 am. Meet Derek Boughton in The Square, Elham village: CT4 6TJ (GR177439)
Step back in time as you stroll through this gem of a village, stopping along the way to learn about the fascinating history of its buildings and people. Guided by the Elham Historical Society’s village expert and long-term inhabitant Derek Boughton.
Visit the website of the Elham Historical Society
11: A BREAKFAST APPETISER
5.0 miles 2.5 hours moderate circular
7.15 am. meet Peter Corkill outside The Abbot’s Fireside, Elham CT4 6TD (GR176438)
Enjoy a brisk morning walk on the nearby Downs through fields, meadows and ancient woodland before taking breakfast (optional) at the historic Abbot’s Fireside Hotel Breakfast: full English £10, Continental £5.
The Abbots Fireside
12: HEAD OF THE VALLEY PANORAMA
6.5 miles 3.0 hours moderate circular
10.00 am. Meet Les Preston at Etchinghill Village Hall Car Park (50p), CT18 8NQ (GR 167394)
Great panoramic views towards the Channel coast and across the Elham Valley with local history and features described along the way. Sandwich/baguette at the Coach & Horses, Lyminge (optional)
13: CHILDRENS’ FUN WALK AND PLAY
Approx 2.0 miles 3.0 hours (including activities) family walk circular
2.00 pm. Meet Tom Humphreys & Briony Williamson at Elham’s football groundCT4 6UU (GR176445)
Hosted by Primary Sports Giants and Play for Elham, an afternoon of fun for families with children age 4 years and over – starting with a jigsaw hunt in the nearby fields to create a giant with the reward on finishing of a free go (for children and adults) at Nerf Battles…… you’ll love it!
Learn more about Primary Sports Giants and Play for Elham
14: BARHAM & DERRINGSTONE WOODS RAMBLE
5.3 miles 2.5 hours moderate circular
10:30 am. Meet Michael Wilkey in the Valley Road (Opposite Red House) CT4 6QQ (GR206505)
A ramble through fields and woods above Barham and Derringstone, winding through Covert Wood and returning along Long Ruffet Wood and Heart’s Delight Farm. Optional lunch at the Duke of Cumberland pub.
