Walks in Kent - Appledore

Route Overview

This walk starts from the charming village of Appledore and follows part of the Saxon Shore Way through gently rolling hills, taking in majestic views of the wild and unique landscape of the Romney Marsh. The route returns along part of the 28 mile long Royal Military Canal. Built in 1809 as a defensive barrier against Napoleon, it’s now used to manage water levels and for flood protection across much of the area.

Distance - Full

5 miles / 8 km

Distance - Short

5 miles / 8 km

Typical Time - Full

3 hours

Typical Time - Short

3 hours

Start Point

Outside Appledore Church

End Point

Outside Appledore Lodge

Start point grid reference

TQ957292

End point grid reference

TQ957292

Type of Route:

Circular

Level of walk:

Leisurely

Route Features

Accessibility / Facilities

Begins near bus route
Begins near parking
Begins near pub
Begins near toilets
Ends near bus route
Ends near parking
Ends near pub
Ends near toilets
Pub enroute

Terrain

Fields
PROW (Public Right Of Way)

Route Description

1. Starting outside Appledore Church facing Court Lodge Road, turn right to walk along the pavement past the Black Lion Pub along the high street, until you reach the recreation ground. 2. Follow Saxon Shore Way signpost between fence and public toilets, onto recreation ground. Cross recreation ground diagonally - heading for the left hand corner. 3. Go through gate into the field and follow waymarker arrows heading to stile in the corner of the field. Cross stile and narrow bridge into another field. Continue across field to stile on fenceline ahead. 4. Cross over stile into field and follow waymarked path under overhead wires heading towards mound ahead. 5. Follow waymarked trail over mound. There are great views of Romney Marsh from the top. 6. Go down other side of mound to continue along path. Follow waymarker arrows to the right to walk with line of trees to your left. Bear left at the end of the line of trees to follow path across another field. 7. Cross narrow bridge across ditch and follow path ahead across another field. 8. Come out of field and turn right at the road. After a few steps, follow signpost on left. Climb up steps into another field. 9. Follow path down steps to cross wooded area. Continue ahead up steps and over stile on other side. A few steps on, cross over another stile into a field. Follow waymarking along right hand side boundary to road. Beware of rabbit holes in ground. 10. Go through gap into road. Turn left and walk for about 10m before turning right over a stile into a field. Follow the boundary around to left until you reach a stile at the church. 11. Turn right to follow footpath waymarking across field. Head across field with church behind you, continuing towards pylons until you reach boundary and stile. 12. Cross over stile into field and follow waymarking directly across, heading for building on right ahead. Cross over stile and small bridge into road before turning left to head down road. 13. Just before the bridge, turn right to go through kissing gate to follow the Royal Military Canal path. You can either follow the path up on the embankment or on the grass below. Beware of rabbit holes in ground. Come to fence/gate - go through kissing gate to left to continue on. 14. Follow past WWII pill-box. Keep on bank to follow path alongside the canal. Come to another fence and use kissing gate on left to continue ahead. 15. Just after passing under overhead wires, look for a small bridge on the right. Cross bridge and stile to follow enclosed path. Follow this path as it becomes a surfaced track to road (named Old Way). Turn left to make your way back to the church where you started.

Terrain Details

Fields. Grassy paths alongside canal. Some gentle slopes

Additional Info / Warnings

Stiles: 7 Gates: 4 A photo guide for this route is available from www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent

Access Info / Public Transport

Road Map: Multimap website, www.multimap.com. Search for “Appledore”. By Car: From A28 take B2080 (Tenterden Rd)from just outside Tenterden. Parking: There is limited on-road parking in the main street of Appledore. Off-road parking is also available at the village hall, half way up the main street. Train: Nearest station – Hamstreet (4.5 miles) Limited service from Appledore station. National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 Bus: 511 (Ashford - New Romney). Mon-Sat Traveline: 0870 6082608

Services / Amenities

Toilets: At recreation ground in village Refreshments: Village shops and pubs

Map