insideKENT Magazine Issue 45 - December 2015 | Page 116

DAYSOUT

winter wonderland walks
The refrain “walking in a winter wonderland” is one we hear often
at this time of year, and it certainly does sound delightful. It also
sounds rather exotic and far, far away, and not something that
could be part of our daily lives during a British winter. Or could it?
Living as we do in the South East, we have some
of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and
scenery within walking distance, and in the winter
these places become even more magical with
their ponds frozen over, icicles hanging from
trees, leaves crunching underfoot, the sky a steely
grey that could herald the promise of snow, and
a certain crispness to the air that makes it bracing
and embracing all at once.
We live in a winter wonderland, and this time of
year is the best time to explore it. Try some of
these delightful walks, and see your world in a
different light.
Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Kent
Bedgebury Pinetum is open every day throughout
the year (apart from Christmas Day), so here you
have unfettered access to the beauty of Kent.
Whereas much of the country’s trees have lost

their leaves by now, that is not so for the conifers
at Bedgebury – this is a true winter wonderland
(especially in the snow). There is a picnic area
(wrap up warm!) which has been voted the best
in the south, and a café too for those not feeling
quite so hardy. If you want to take part in an
activity there are plenty (including geocaching
and orienteering), but if you prefer to walk for the
fun of it, you can do that too. Explore anywhere
and everywhere, and for a longer walk you can
wander into the woods.
Eridge Rocks, East Sussex
Eridge Rocks is a 40-hectare nature reserve
consisting of lovely flat paths and no stiles or
gates so the whole family can enjoy a brisk winter
walk – or a slow and relaxing one. As well as the
dramatic and impressive rocks themselves (10
metre high boulders), this nature reserve is home
to some rare wildlife, and even in the wintertime
various birds and animals can be spotted.

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The Medway Marshes, Kent
Perfect for some thinking time, this is where
Charles Dickens himself like to wander, and where
he came up with the idea for Great Expectations.
In the winter time, these marshes are where the
Kentish wading birds like to gather, so don’t be
surprised to meet up with some dunlin, widgeon,
or avocets as you stroll through. The entire route
starts at Cliffe on the Isle of Grain, and is around
15 miles one way, so it’s not for everyone, but
there is a bus to bring you back to the start again.
Or you could walk a shorter version if you don’t
want to do the whole thing – even a couple of
miles in the winter is stunning.