Walking in Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” offers a diverse range of landscapes from rolling hills and woodlands to dramatic coastlines and historic sites. This picturesque county in southeastern England is laced with footpaths and trails that cater to casual walkers and serious hikers alike.
Popular Walks in Kent
1. The White Cliffs of Dover
- Length: Various routes, typically around 2 to 10 miles depending on the chosen path.
- Highlights: Iconic white chalk cliffs offering expansive views over the English Channel. Popular routes include walking from Dover to Deal or shorter loops around the cliffs themselves. The area is rich in history, with points of interest like Dover Castle and WWII fortifications.
2. North Downs Way
- Length: 153 miles in total, with several sections passing through Kent from Farnham to Dover.
- Highlights: This long-distance trail follows the North Downs, providing spectacular landscapes, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. Notable sections include the walk through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and visits to historic sites like Rochester Cathedral and Castle.
3. Saxon Shore Way
- Length: 160 miles in total, following the historic Saxon shoreline from Hastings, East Sussex to Gravesend, Kent.
- Highlights: The trail offers coastal walks with views of the Thames Estuary and passes through nature reserves, marshlands, and coastal towns. It’s ideal for bird watching and enjoying the maritime heritage of the area.
4. Viking Coastal Trail
- Length: Approximately 32 miles (circular route)
- Highlights: This trail around the Isle of Thanet explores Kent’s coastal heritage, including sandy beaches, bays, and the seaside towns of Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. It’s great for family rides and walks, with plenty of cultural attractions and cafes along the way.
5. Canterbury to Whitstable
- Length: About 7.5 miles
- Highlights: This walk from the historic city of Canterbury to the coastal town of Whitstable allows you to experience both urban and rural Kent. The trail takes you through the Blean Woods, one of the largest ancient woodlands in England, ending at the vibrant Whitstable harbour famous for its oysters.
6. Greensand Way
- Length: About 108 miles, stretching from Surrey into Kent, ending at Hamstreet.
- Highlights: The path follows the Greensand Ridge and offers diverse scenery including forested areas, open heathland, and historical estates. Kent sections feature views over the Weald and visits to places like Knole Park and Chartwell, the family home of Winston Churchill.
Tips for Walking in Kent
- Prepare for Variable Weather: Always pack suitable clothing for changeable weather, including waterproofs and layers.
- Check Tide Times: When walking coastal routes, especially near cliffs and estuaries, check the tide times to avoid getting caught out by high tides.
- Respect the Countryside: Follow the Countryside Code; respect other people, protect the natural environment, and ensure all gates and property are left as found.
- Footwear: Good quality walking boots or shoes are recommended, especially for the rural and coastal paths which can be uneven or slippery.
- Plan Your Route: Consider starting or ending your walk near towns or villages where you can access public transport, restrooms, and places to eat.
Walking in Kent offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rich history of one of England’s most scenic counties. Whether you’re meandering along cliff-top paths, strolling through historic cities, or wandering through verdant woodlands, Kent provides an ideal setting for a memorable walking experience.
- Walks from Appledore
- Walks from Ashford
- Walks from Belvedere
- Walks from Boxley
- Walks from Broadstone
- Walks from Capel
- Walks from Charing
- Walks from Cheriton
- Walks from Chilham
- Walks from Chipstead
- Walks from Cobham
- Walks from Cross Keys
- Walks from Doddington
- Walks from Dover
- Walks from East Stour
- Walks from Fairfield
- Walks from Ford
- Walks from Goodnestone
- Walks from Goudhurst
- Walks from Kemsing
- Walks from Kingston
- Walks from Leigh
- Walks from Lenham
- Walks from Linton
- Walks from Lyminge
- Walks from Mile Oak
- Walks from Mill Hill
- Walks from Parkgate
- Walks from Pluckley
- Walks from Rhodes Minnis
- Walks from Ridgeway
- Walks from Seaton
- Walks from Selling
- Walks from Sevenoaks Weald
- Walks from Shoreham
- Walks from Sole Street
- Walks from Stoke
- Walks from Stone
- Walks from Sutton
- Walks from Tenterden
- Walks from Tong
- Walks from Upton
- Walks from Ware
- Walks from Woolage Green
- Walks from Wye
Waymarked Trails
| Path Name | Distance | Path Type | Waymarked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berrys Green Circular | 13 km / 8 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Bromley Circular Walks | 125 km / 78 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Canterbury Inner Ring | 3 km / 2 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Canterbury Middle Ring | 16 km / 10 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Chelsfield Circular Walk | 11 km / 7 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Darent Valley Path | 32 km / 20 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Darent Valley Path – Chipstead | 3 km / 2 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Eden Valley Walk | 24 km / 15 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Elham Valley Way | 35 km / 22 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| England Coast Path – Ramsgate To Camber | 109 km / 68 miles | National Trails (England & Wales) | Yes |
| Greensand Way | 179 km / 111 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| High Weald Landscape Trail | 151 km / 94 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Medway Valley Walk | 47 km / 29 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Miner’s Way Trail | 43 km / 27 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| North Downs Way National Trail | 201 km / 125 miles | National Trails (England & Wales) | Yes |
| North Downs Way National Trail Canterbury Loop to Dover | 51 km / 32 miles | National Trails (England & Wales) | Yes |
| Royal Military Canal Path | 43 km / 27 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Royal Saxon Way | 56 km / 35 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Saxon Shore Way | 262 km / 163 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Stour Valley Walk (Kent) | 82 km / 51 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Sussex Border Path | 220 km / 137 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Tandridge Border Path | 87 km / 54 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Thanet Coastal Path | 32 km / 20 miles | Other Paths | Yes |
| Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk | 44 km / 27 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Vanguard Way | 106 km / 66 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Viking Coastal Trail | 40 km / 25 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |
| Wealdway | 134 km / 83 miles | Paths Marked on OS mapping | Yes |