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Walking, Hiking & Trail Running

5 of the Best Walks in Kent

Want to go on some walks in Kent? Here's some of the nicest walking routes near London.

It should come as no surprise to you that Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England”, is a great place to go walking in. From north to south, the county contains a number of enticing hiking routes for those London walkers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

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If you’re a lover of nature, and being outdoors, you’ll find yourself right at home hiking in amongst the greenery on offer here. With that in mind, here’s our guide to some of the best walking routes in Kent. From hiking trails that are perfect for pub lovers to footpaths tailor-made for nature lovers, this list ticks all the boxes.

The Tiger Inn is a must visit on the Wye to Ethchingill walking route//(Photo via Keep It In Kent)

1) Best Hike For A Pub: Wye To Etchinghill

No walk in the English countryside is complete without a pub stop along the way. About halfway along the Wye to Etchinghill route, via Amage Road, is a lovely 17th century pub called The Tiger Inn. Delicious food, tasty beer, and a cosy setting; it’s the perfect accompaniment to a bit of Kent-based walking.

For more on pub walks in Kent, read here. 

The South Foreland Lighthouse Walk offers stunning view of the iconic white cliffs//(Picture via VisitKent)

2) Best Hike For White Cliffs: South Foreland Lighthouse Walk

What could be better than an idyllic walk featuring the world famous White Cliffs of Dover? How about a walk that not only features the world famous White Cliffs of Dover, but also a cool looking lighthouse as well? Yeah, that’ll do it. Throw the Langdon Hole tunnels into the mix, a landmark you can hit up on route, and you’re clearly onto a winner.

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The hiking route, which exists as part of the Saxon Shore way, starts at the White Cliff visitor centre and finishes at the South Foreland Lighthouse. On a blue sky day, this breathtaking walk is a dream come true for landscape photographers and coastal enthusiasts.

For more on the South Foreland Lighthouse Walk, see the Visit Kent website.

 

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Tree lovers need to get themselves on the Bedgebury Walk//(Picture via BedgeburyPinetum)

3) Best Hike For Tree Lovers: Bedgebury Walk

If you like trees, or have Ents marked down as your favourite mythical race from the Lord of the Rings, we reckon you’ll love the Bedgebury Walk. It’s 13-miles long, and winds it way to the Bedgebury National Pinetum. The Pinetum, which dates back to the 1840s and has been managed by the Forestry Commission since 1925, is home to the world’s most complete conifer collection.

For more information on the Bedgebury Walk, visit the Walk Through Time website.

The Eden Valley Walk takes hikers near both Hever Castle (pictured) and Tonbridge Castle//(Photo via iStock)

4) Best Hike For Historians: The Eden Valley Walk

Walkers interested in history and awesome scenery need to get the Eden Valley Walk on their to-do list. It’s a 15-mile route, linking the Vanguard Way, and features not one but two whole castles – in the shape of Hever and Tonbridge. It also takes hikers through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (one of England’s finest landscapes).

For more on this walk, visit the Long Distance Walkers Association website.

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The Swale Nature Reserve is one of the best places in Kent to see wildlife//(Picture via Geograph)

5) Best Hike For Birds/Beach: Swale National Nature Reserve

This six mile circular route of the Swale National Nature Reserve might be short on hills, but it more than makes up for that with its glorious coastal views and bird-spotting opportunities. Walkers with a love of animals really need to check this one out (it’s on the Isle of Sheppey in the Thames Estuary). Those of you who like to strip off, or are easily offended, should know that part of Shell Ness beach, which runs alongside the walk, is designated for nudists.

For more on the Swale National Nature Reserve walk, read this. 

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