insideKENT Magazine Issue 99 - June / July 2020 | Page 15

KENTSTAYCATION
Kent Staycation Special Feature Cont...
WALKING ‘ROUND
THE GARDEN BY JESS MARSHALL
GATHER UP YOUR HOUSEHOLD, STEP OUTSIDE, AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LIVING IN
THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
Lockdown has officially been enforced for over two
arduous months now, and with many of us either
working from home, or having been furloughed, it
seems cabin fever has well and truly set in for the
vast majority of us. At this point, seeing those same
four walls everyday is enough to make the very best
of us scream. After months of doing nothing but
churning out baked goods as if vying to become the
next Mary Berry, half-attempting home workouts
in rooms that were not designed for jumping jacks,
and watching an absurd amount of Netflix, it is
about time we all escaped the suffocating confines
of our homes to enjoy some of that stunning summer
sunshine that has graced us with its presence over
the last few weeks.
Thankfully lockdown rules have been relaxed just
in time to soak up those early summer rays and
embark on some June adventuring, and what better
way to – responsibly – enjoy this freedom than with
a picturesque excursion to the most beautiful walks
in Kent. The perfect way to get your daily dose of
exercise and fresh air, escape the everyday stresses
of life, and tire out the children (or dogs) before
bedtime!
Crab and Winkle Way
Number one on our list of Kent walks is the Crab
and Winkle Way which leads from the historic city
of Canterbury to the quaint, sea-side town of
Whitstable. You’ll want to pack a sandwich for this
one! This trail is a walk and cycle path so you get to
choose whether to dust off the hiking boots or take
your trusty bicycle out for a spin. Starting at West
Station in Canterbury and running a short way
through the town, you are soon on the outskirts of
the city and discovering the start of the tucked away
trail. This enchanting path takes you through an
array of Kentish natural beauty; walk through
emerald fields and arching, ancient woods where
you can enjoy the Garden of England in all of its
glory. At around the halfway point you will make a
fleeting visit to the Winding Pond – the perfect spot
for panting pups to cool down and for you to refuel
with a nice sandwich - cheese and cucumber, anyone?
Don’t eat too much though because this is a walk
with extra incentive to keep your feet plodding on.
On completing the 7.5 mile trail you will emerge in
Whitstable, home to some of Kent’s best fish and
chip shops; the perfect place to take a (socially
distanced) trip to the sea front, with some classic
British grub and watch the waves roll in.
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