Chilham, Godmersham and the Stour Valley walk.

Off message but Gill and I had a marvellous walk 2 weeks ago in Kent. Check out the route and map in this Pathfinder book. It is a 10 mile circular walk (graded as a "Orange walk" - which are described as "a more challenging walk"). 

Start of walk is in Chilham which is a very pretty "chocolate box", medieval hill top village with a square, a pub, a church and an impressive Jacobean Mansion. 

You soon join the North Downs Way uphill through woods and tracks then leave it to join a track into Godmersham Park. Some great views and a real sense of isolation.  The park Manor House was once owned by the brother of author, Jane Austin, who used to visit him here and used it to provide details for some of her novels. 

The main picture above is of the weeping willows and the River Stour is from the park. 

You later follow the Stour Valley path and come across many superb views but hardly any other walkers. 

While there is lots of ups and downs, there is nothing too strenuous but 10 miles is a bit of a stretch but you can shorten the route if necessary. As a reward at the end, the village pub has a very nice beer garden, while the café does great coffee and cream teas.  

I will post lots of other photos from the walk on Facebook.