insideKENT Magazine Issue 60 - March 2017 | Page 51

DAYSOUT

WEALD WALKS

WAY BACK IN THE MISTS OF TIME ( IN THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD , WHICH ENDED IN AROUND 2,000 BC TO BE A LITTLE MORE PRECISE ), THE AREA WE KNOW AND LOVE AS THE WEALD WAS COVERED IN FOREST . IN FACT , THAT ’ S WHERE ITS NAME COMES FROM ; ‘ WEALD ’ IS DERIVED FROM THE OLD ENGLISH FOR WOODLAND .
The Weald is an area that sits neatly between the North and South Downs and stretches across Kent , Sussex , Surrey and Hampshire . The High Weald mainly consists of sandstone , and it stretches from East Sussex to West Kent – it is 1,461 km2 with a wonderful 2,395 km of footpaths and bridleways crisscrossing all over it . There are some truly stunning walks to be taken here .
Here are some of our favourites , but there are many more besides .
BODIAM CASTLE WALK // BODIAM
Starting at Bodiam Castle , this is a lovely circular walk that takes in the beautiful Bodiam Castle and takes walkers along the River Rother . It ’ s an easy walk for all abilities and it takes in the spectacular views of The Weald , the castle , and the Kent and East Sussex Railway too .
BARNETT ’ S WOOD NATURE TRAIL // TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Barnett ’ s Wood is a Local Nature Reserve in Tunbridge Wells . This is where you can get a true idea of what The Weald would have been like before the Neolithic settlers cut down the trees to make room for their habitation and industry . Simply follow the route laid out through the nature reserve and you ’ ll discover plenty of Wealden beauty .
SANDY CROSS WALK // HEATHFIELD
Starting at The Runt in Tun in Heathfield , the Sandy Cross Walk is a neat little 1.5-mile stroll through some beautiful Wealden scenery . It takes in part of the famous Cuckoo Trail and because it ’ s circular , you can enjoy a refreshing lunch or drink at the pub at the end . The walk is partly completed on footpaths , partly on tracks , and partly on pavement .
A WALK THROUGH TIME // BENENDEN
If you enjoy walking long distances then this is the walk for you . It ’ s a 10-mile circular walk that starts in the car park in the pretty little village of Benenden . This walk shows you the High Weald of Kent at its very finest , taking in the different landscapes and scenery that we are so lucky to live near to . Along this walk you will follow the High Weald Landscape Trail which takes you across fields , woodland and even orchards . The best views of the Weald can be enjoyed from both St George ’ s Church in Benenden and on the footpath which takes you back to Cranbrook .
ROBERTSBRIDGE WALK // ROBERTSBRIDGE
This lovely walk starts in Station Road , Robertsbridge and takes you on a 5-mile circular journey around the area . You ’ ll be able to enjoy both woodland and farmland , and the views across the valleys are some of the best in the Weald .
MARSH GREEN WALK // MARSH GREEN
Marsh Green , near Edenbridge , is your starting point for this 3.8-mile circular walk that not only gives you amazing views of the Weald but also takes you near to some fantastic local attractions . These includes Hever Castle and the Eden Valley Museum .
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