Walks in Kent - Harrietsham

Route Overview

Although Harrietsham lies along the A20, it’s not long before you are out of the village and away from the traffic on this route up on the North Downs. Using part of the North Downs Way, the route offers some excellent views of the surrounding countryside from the Downs. There is a chance to rest at the Ringlestone Inn which was built in 1533 and retains many original features.

Distance - Full

5 miles / 8 km

Distance - Short

5 miles / 8 km

Typical Time - Full

3 hours

Typical Time - Short

3 hours

Start Point

Near Harrietsham train station

End Point

Near Harrietsham train station

Start point grid reference

TQ886529

End point grid reference

TQ886529

Type of Route:

Circular

Level of walk:

Leisurely

Route Features

Accessibility / Facilities

Begins near bus route
Begins near parking
Begins near toilets
Begins near train station
Ends near bus route
Ends near parking
Ends near toilets
Ends near train station
Pub enroute

Terrain

Fields
PROW (Public Right Of Way)

Route Description

1. From the station car park, cross the footbridge and turn right to follow the path alongside the railway line. 2. Cross over a stile and continue on the path uphill. A short distance on, cross over a road and continue uphill. 3. Continue past a gate until you reach a junction with the North Downs Way/Pilgrims Way and turn left. 4. Look out for a stile on the left and turn right to follow the path up a steep hill across a field. A short distance on, follow the hedgeline on your left hand side. (There are fantastic views from the Downs at this point.) 5. When you reach a stile in the hedgerow on your left, cross the stile and turn immediately right, continuing along the hedgeline. 6. At the end of the hedgerow, cross the stile and head towards a gate to the right of the farm buildings. Pass through this gate and continue ahead over another stile. Follow path through the farmyard. 7. On reaching a stile on your left, cross over and follow the path across the field towards 2 tall trees ahead.When you reach the trees turn left to follow the waymarker along the field edge and bear right at the corner. 8. At a junction with another footpath, continue on to the right of the line of trees ahead. 9. On reaching a road, go over stile and cross the road. On the other side cross another stile and continue ahead with the woodland on your right hand side. 10. When you reach a gate on your right hand side, bear left across the field to a waymarker sign on the other side, at this waymarker turn right. Cross a stile and continue ahead until you reach the Ringlestone Pub on your left hand side. 11. Here you can either stop for a well earned break or continue on your walk by turning right and crossing back across the field towards the telegraph pole and a stile. 12. Cross over stile and continue across the field towards another stile in the fenceline. 13. Go over stile and follow the path to the right and through some woods. Keep following the waymarkers until you reach a stile in the fenceline. 14. Cross stile and follow the path bearing left across the field. 15. Go over stile, cross the road and the over another stile to continue ahead on the path. A short distance on, cross another stile and follow the field edge with a hedge on your right hand side. 16. Pass through a gate, cross a stile and follow the path across the field towards a large tree. Follow the path to a stile in the corner of the field at road. 17. Cross the road, over another stile and bear left. Head across field towards 2 trees and the corner of a wood. 18. Cross a stile in the corner and follow the path to cross another 2 stiles. 19. Turn left and follow the fence. Near the telegraph pole, turn right and head downhill towards the buildings in the distance. 20. Cross a stile in the fenceline and head across the field, to left of telegraph pole. 21. On reaching a fenced area, follow path along fence on the left until you reach a stile on your left. At this point bear right to follow path uphill to a stile near the road. 22. Cross the stile, go down steps and turn right to follow the Pilgrims Way. On reaching a crossroads continue straight ahead along the North Downs Way/Pilgrims Way. 23. Turn left and re-trace your steps back to Harrietsham station where you started.

Terrain Details

Field paths and tracks. Some moderate slopes.

Additional Info / Warnings

Stiles: 22 Gates: 2 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 “Harrietsham”. By Car: From Maidstone on the A20, turn left at Harrietsham village into West Street. Turn right, following signs to the Railway Station. Parking: There is limited parking at Harrietsham station and some on-road parking around the village. Train: Nearest station: Harrietsham. National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 Bus: 510 (Maidstone – Ashford). 2 hourly. Mon-Sat. 5 journeys Sun. Traveline: 0870 6082608

Services / Amenities

Toilets: In Harrietsham Refreshments: Pub and shop in Harrietsham

Map