BEGINNERS HIKE 14KM Garden of England Meopham Valley and the Vine fields of Kent

Spend a marvellous day in Kent, and enjoy the beauty of the North Downs as you stroll through ancient woods, explore beautiful meadows and protected wildlife habitats and wander through a timeless landscape featuring historic medieval buildings that nestle within the gorgeous rolling landscape.

This is a splendid circular hike for novice hikers starting from the historic village of Meopham, which is reputedly the longest village settlement in England and possibly even Europe. After passing through one of Meopham's two medieval village greens we will venture into a lovely rural landscape of pastures and charming Kentish woodland areas. We visit the old towns of Meopham and Cobham, both boasting a rich palette of historic sites, before plunging into the lush greenery of Trosley Country Park, Camer Park and Cobham Wood, in a day dedicated to a close communion with nature.

We have designed this as beginners hike. The route does include some small ups and downs but we will take a gentle pace on them and this really is an ideal hike for anyone new to hiking.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy spectacular views across the rolling landscape of the North Downs
• View Killick's Windmill, a Grade II listed 'Smock mill' that built in 1801
• Hike through beautiful rolling areas of chalk 'downland' featuring typical dry valleys, beautiful ancient woodlands and pretty farmsteads.
• Stroll through lovely Camer Park - a former estate landscape, with enthralling grassland and ancient trees.

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our journey begins at the northern end of Meopham, reputedly the longest village in England and featuring two medieval village greens and one of a handful of smock windmills left in the country - still standing tall to this day. After passing one of the medieval village greens we quickly delve into the green fantasy of chalk downlands with its classic patchwork of rolling open pastures and ancient woodlands, before we emerge at the southern end of this 11km long (7 mile) settlement to reach its second village green where we will stop for lunch to view the windmill, maybe watch some cricket on the green and take in the lovely village scene. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of Dumbledore as he lives here.....(aka Michael Gambon). We will set off again from the village green to wander into quiet dry valleys of the North Downs taking in the abundant wildlife and scenery on all sides - venturing into and out of lush woodlands until we reach our final destinations of Camer Park and the hamlet of Sole Street.

MEETING POINT

IMPORTANT - London Bridge station has several levels, please check the map below before you leave home and also arrive at least 10 minutes early to get to the meting point
London Bridge station 9:15am, leave at 9:30am for the 9:41am train. Meet upstairs (top floor - so go up the escalators) between WHSmith (no 15) and M&S (no 16) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 4:53pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - KEVIN 07918 329854 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 14km
Grading: Beginners
Ascent: 370m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£31 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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