insideKENT Magazine Issue 53 - August 2016 | Page 128

DAYSOUT

Grove Ferry
A WALK THROUGH THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
Take a walk in Grove Ferry and wildlife lovers will be in for a real treat. If you enjoy a bit of
‘birding’ or birdwatching you will not leave without spotting or hearing birdsong aplenty.
Nearby is the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve – 240 acres of reeds and flatbeds home to many
species of birds and wildlife. The views from Grove Ferry are inspirational – a wealth of
patchwork fields intertwined with dykes are a reminder of the fruit and vegetables that are
grown in abundance in this area. Historic farmhouses and two beautiful villages await you
on this walking adventure which is a true Kentish treasure.

Beginning your walk
Take the time to look around you and take in the
sights of summer – there is not a sight more
beautiful than to see the lush green on the trees.
After parking in the Grove Ferry Picnic site which
itself is a wonderful spot to picnic with the family,
set off along the Great Stour riverside following
the path which is easy to follow and suitable for
all walking paces. This is the ideal place to take
a nice gentle stroll taking in the sights of the river
and spotting animal habitats along the way. No
doubt you will see some boats making their way
lazily along the river – this is life at its most relaxing.
Riverside meets countryside
Soon the pathway will join the Little Stour and
begin making its way through fields of orchards

and crops just beginning to burst into life. Along
the field edges you will spot cow parsley in
abundance – a true spring and summer wildflower
which is a delight to see.
If you wish to take the circular route back to
Grove Ferry you will pass through the pretty
villages of West Stourmouth and East Stourmouth.
Both villages retain a delightful rural atmosphere
despite being located just a few miles away from
the historic city of Canterbury. There is a pub in
East Stourmouth where you can stop for a bite
to eat or a refreshing drink before returning to
your path back to Grove Ferry. West Stourmouth
is home to All Saints’ Church, which contains a
17th-century pulpit and a fine Royal Arms of
George III. The church, which is of Saxon origin
is possibly the second oldest parish church in
England and is well worth exploring.

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Marshlands galore
There is an option to take a linear route over to
Plucks Gutter. This is a popular route developed
specifically for off-road electric scooter users.
The Dog and Duck Pub awaits you for a stop off
before heading back along the path retracing
your route to Grove Ferry. Plucks Gutter is named
after Dutch drainage engineer Ploeg whose grave
can be found at All Saints’ Church in West
Stourmouth and is the point where the Great and
Little Stour rivers meet and flow off to the sea at
Sandwich.
Both the circular and linear walk end back at the
starting point of Grove Ferry car park, once the
home of lavender oil which was distilled at Grove
Ferry. The Grove Ferry Inn is a popular watering
spot for walkers so why not drop in here for a
while before heading home?