Chilham is just as good for short walks and gentle strolls as it is for long-distance walking. With many miles of footpaths, there is something for walkers of all abilities.

Explore Kent

Use the interactive website: www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent to find walking, riding and cycling routes in the area. Ideas for great days out, information on parks, nature reserves and open spaces, and downloadable circular routes – as well as easy access walks – can all be found here. Recommendations for the best guide books are also provided.

Further information can be obtained by calling 08458 247 600

Stour Valley Walk

The Stour Valley Walk is a recreational walking route that follows the River Great Stour from its source at Lenham, through Chilham, to its estuary at Pegwell Bay. It is 51.5 miles long (82.4km) and takes approximately four days to walk.
Some of the most beautiful sections of the route pass through the Parish of Chilham, and can be walked by themselves, or can be easily combined with other walks. The route can be accessed easily from Chilham Station.

You can purchase the guide by calling Explore Kent on 08458 247 600 or through their online shop at: www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent .
Further information can be obtained from The Kentish Stour Countryside Project on 01233 813307.

The North Downs Way National Trail

The North Downs Way, one of the thirteen designated National Trails and UK long distance footpaths, traverses the whole Parish and crosses Chilham Village Square. The Trail runs from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent and is 153 miles long.
As you leave the Square down School Hill you will come to Mountain Street which follows the boundary of the Chilham Castle estate towards King’s Wood. Here the North Downs Way coincides with the old Pilgrims Road between Winchester and Canterbury. This is presumed to have been used by pilgrims travelling to pray at the shrine of St Thomas Becket (murdered in Canterbury in 1170).

Information can be obtained from:www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Northdowns
Alternatively call the trail office on 01622 221525

Lost Landscapes Heritage Trails Chilham – Three Circular Routes off the North Downs Way in Chilham

• Main Trail 4.5 miles (7.4Km) Takes you from Chilham to Old Wives Lees and then back down and across the Stour to Juliberrie Down. On the way you can learn much about the village, from recent history to Neolithic.
• Secondary Trail 4.5 miles (7.4Km) Through orchards, Perry Wood and rolling farmland. Conveniently The Rose and Crown can be found in Perry Wood half way round the walk, and views of the valley can be enjoyed from “The Mount”.
• Lakeside Loop 1.1 Miles A short walk round the lake (old gravel pits), you can see the mill (sadly not inside), and lookout for the spots used in the 1943 film A Canterbury Tale.

Train Rides to Ramble (Ashford area)
A set of four booklets featuring walks fron the railway stations of Chilham, Wye, Pluckley and Charing. £1.50 each, or £5 for the set.
Available from the Kentish Stour Countryside Project Tel 01233 813307 or at their website www.kentishstour.org.uk

A walk around Chilham Lakes

The old ‘French Mill’ is located between the river Stour and a carrier stream, which run alongside lakes which have been created by gravel extraction. These are managed for fishing by Mid Kent Water as an amenity for walkers, bird watchers and fishermen. The peaceful, circular walk around the first lake takes about an hour and one can see many waterfowl and waterside plants and other aquatic wildlife.

Information can be found at: www.midkentfisheries.co.uk/Chilham%20Lake.htm

Heritage trails from Chilham Village Square

All the buildings in and around Chilham are of significant, historic value, all are Grade II listed and Chilham Castle, which is visible from the Square, is Grade I. A wealth of fine scenery and natural habitats are to be found within 20-30 minutes walking distance of Chilham Square, including Kings Wood and Chilham Lakes. These guides can be purchased upon your arrival in Chilham, from St Mary’s Church, the Chilham Shop and the Post Office.

Perry Wood Walks

The Rose & Crown, situated in the Wood, can provide you with details of walking routes in Perry Wood.

Rose and Crown, Perry Wood
Perry Wood, Selling
Kent ME13 9RY
Tel: 01227 752214

“The Pilgrims Way”

Many different footpaths were used by Pilgrims in the past and “The North Downs Way” incorporates many of these. In fact, in many parts of Kent, the North Downs Way follows the route designated as the Pilgrims Way. A local expert on the routes followed by early Pilgrims is Derek Bright of Walk Awhile, who organises walking holidays based on these trails. See below for details.

Walk Awhile Holidays

Applegarth
South Street
Boughton under Blean
Kent ME13 9PE
Tel: 01227 752 762
Web: www.walkawhile.co.uk
GTBS member: Silver award

For self led and guided walking holidays in Kent that can be undertaken all year round, contact Walk Awhile. Walking itineraries provided are The Pilgrims Way, Discover Rural Kent and Walking the White Cliffs – all of which include Chilham. Walk Awhile has a Silver award with the Green Tourism Business Scheme and is a member of www.responsibletravel.com.