Chilham walk

This is a walk of around 12.5 miles, which starts from the ever popular historic village of Chilham, where we've started from on numerous occasions.

This clockwise circuit, commences through the village, crossing both the A28 and the railway, passing the water mill, to ascend fairly steeply up Julliberre Downs to meet the Stour Valley Walk (SVW). We continue our climb, onwards and upwards through Denge Woods, remaining in the woodlands for about four miles to eventually reach Sole Street. The quirky Timber Batts at the Compasses is situated here, but we will most likely arrive too early to enjoy the pub's hospitality. Although we did stop for drinks here on a group walk, earlier in the year in April on a route from Petham, as well as being here last year.

After exiting Sole Street we cross fields, followed by a steep descent and some road walking to reach our lunch stop at Crundale church. After lunch and enjoying views of the surrounding area, which are far reaching, we make progress towards Godmersham, returning briefly to the SVW.

After crossing the A28 again, the circuit enters Godmersham Park, which is famous for its Jane Austen connections. There is another short steep ascent to reach the edge of King's Wood, where we join the North Downs Way to descend back to Chilham, via a stony track and back along Mountain Street.

On the completion of this fine exploration of the Kent Downs, The White Horse Inn, located in the Square is handily placed for a post walk drink.

Walk leader is Simon Nash