The county of Kent offers an extraordinary diversity of walking landscapes across the Garden of England, from the chalky escarpments of the North Downs and the rolling Greensand Hills to fertile river valleys, historic villages and lively coastline. 

Walking in Kent, by experienced guidebook writer Kev Reynolds, brings together 40 carefully selected circular day walks, each ranging from 7 to 15 km (5–9 miles), showcasing the very best of Kent’s countryside and coastline. 

Divided between west Kent and The Weald and north and east Kent, the guidebook also outlines 11 longer-distance trails such as the Saxon Shore Way and the North Downs Way, giving both quick day routes and extended options for further exploration.

• 40 circular routes are described to explore the full breadth of Kent’s landscapes, from the rolling hills of the North Downs and lush Weald valleys to riverside paths and coastal stretches along the English Channel and estuaries
• Clear, easy-to-follow route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 OS mapping, helping you navigate through woodland walks, ridge lines, farm tracks and waterfront paths with confidence
• Walks are organised into two key areas – west Kent & The Weald, and north & east Kent – making it simple to base yourself in centres such as Canterbury, Folkestone or Maidstone and explore a different region each day
• Practical details on access, parking, public transport links from London and surrounding towns, local facilities, geology and wildlife add valuable local context and help you plan each outing efficiently
• Inspiring background on the Garden of England’s orchards, vineyards, historic buildings and ancient sites enriches every walk, bringing Kent’s landscapes and stories to life

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from London, a series of day trips or a longer walking break, Walking in Kent provides all the details you need to explore the Garden of England with confidence. With 40 carefully graded routes across the coast and countryside, it’s the essential guide for making the most of every step in Kent.

Walking in Kent – Quick Facts

Guide name: Walking in Kent 
Location: Kent, South‑East England, UK (North Downs, The Weald)
Total walks: 40 circular day walks
Typical duration: ~2–6 hours per walk
Distance range: 5–15 km (3–9 miles) per walk
Walk type: Day-long and shorter walks through hills, valleys, riverside paths, orchards, vineyards, woodlands, and coastline
Navigation: Reasonably well-waymarked; 1:50,000 OS mapping and detailed route descriptions in the guidebook
Difficulty: Graded routes suitable for a range of abilities; no technical sections
Terrain: Chalk escarpments, rolling hills, farmland, woodland, river paths, estuaries and coastal trails
Highlights: North Downs ridge walks, The Weald valleys, Canterbury, coastal paths along the English Channel, historic villages, vineyards and hop gardens
Best season: Year‑round walking; spring and summer for gardens and orchards, autumn for colour and quieter paths, winter for dramatic coastal views

Author Highlight

“The diverse nature of its landforms makes Kent a wonderland to explore on foot, and with more than 4200 miles/6876km of footpaths, bridleways and byways criss-crossing the county, the walker is spoilt for choice. Every natural feature has its own particular charm, and every season its own brand of beauty.”

- Kev Reynolds, author of Walking in Kent 

Preface
Overview map
Map key
Route summary table
Introduction
The North Downs
The greensand hills
The Weald
Coastline
Rivers
When to go
What to take
Footpaths
Using this guide

The walks

West Kent and the Weald
1    Lullingstone Park to Shoreham 
2    Shoreham to Romney Street
3    Westerham to French Street and Chartwell 
4    Crockham Hill to Toys Hill and Obriss Farm 
5    Toys Hill to Ide Hill, Crockham Hill and French Street 
6    Ide Hill to Manor Farm
7    Sevenoaks Weald to Boarhill 
8    Shipbourne to Underriver and Ightham Mote
9    Four Elms to Winkhurst Green and Bough Beech
10    Marsh Green to Crippenden Manor 
11    Cowden to Horseshoe Green and Bassett’s Farm
12    Cowden to Hoath Corner
13    Chiddingstone to Penshurst 
14    Penshurst to Salmans and Nashes Farm
15    Penshurst to Fordcombe 
16    Groombridge to Speldhurst 
17    Brenchley to Matfield 
18    Yalding to Hunton and Buston Manor 
19    Teston Bridge to Wateringbury and East Farleigh
20    Linton to Boughton Monchelsea Place 
21    Ulcombe Church to Boughton Malherbe and Grafty Green 
22    Pluckley to Little Chart and Egerton
23    Wittersham Road station to Small Hythe and Tenterden
24    Appledore to Stone-in-Oxney and Royal Military Canal

North and East Kent
25    Camer Country Park to Luddesdown and Great Buckland
26    Stansted to Fairseat, Hodsoll Street and Ridley 
27    Trosley Country Park to Coldrum Stones and Ryarsh
28    Newington to Upchurch and Lower Halstow 
29    Leysdown-on-Sea to Shellness and Harty 
30    Faversham to Oare Creek, Uplees and Oare 
31    Faversham to Ham Marshes and Oare Creek
32    Wye to Crundale and Coombe Manor
33    Wye to Wye Downs and Cold Blow
34    Chilham to Stour Valley
35    Stodmarsh Nature Reserve to Grove Ferry 
36    St Nicholas at Wade to Chitty and Sarre
37    Bridge to Patrixbourne, Kingston and Bishopsbourne
38    Elham to Breach 
39    Sandwich to Sandwich Bay
40    Dover (White Cliffs Picnic Site) to St Margaret’s at Cliffe

Longer walks
41    The Darent Valley Path
42    The Eden Valley Walk
43    The Elham Valley Way
44    The Greensand Way
45    The High Weald Walk
46    The Medway Valley Walk
47    The North Downs Way
48    The Royal Military Canal Path
49    The Saxon Shore Way
50    The Stour Valley Walk
51    The Wealdway

Appendix A    Useful addresses
Appendix B    Recommended reading
 

Seasons

It is possible to walk in Kent all year round

Centres

Sevenoaks, Westerham, Faversham, Canterbury, Wye, Tenterden, Sandwich, Appledore, Dover

Difficulty

The walks are suitable for all abilities, and are perfect for days out and getting 'away from it all'. No specialised equipment or clothing required

Must See

North Downs; greensand hills; vineyards, orchards and farms of the Weald; dramatic coastal cliffs; marshland and land that once was sea; riverside walks along the Medway; historic buildings and ancient sites

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