Winter Walks and Wonderful Pubs

Getting outside in winter can be challenging when the weather is chilly, the sun is hiding and the little ones are getting restless. Well why not encourage yourself and others with an undeniable offer of a warm drink and snack or a delicious lunch as part of your winter walk in Kent this season.

The Chaser Inn, Shipbourne

Start this walk from Ightham Mote, a stunning medieval moated manor house, even in the crisp winter air. This circular walk begins with a wander through ancient Scathes Wood. Before taking in some wonderful views of the Kentish countryside on the way to the neighbouring estate of Fairlawne and on to Shipbourne. The walk is approx 3.5 miles long and should take you around 2 hours to complete. However, if you wish to stop off on route then be sure to check out The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne, a beautiful pub with stunning views set in the heart of the Kentish countryside. Offering a warm, friendly and relaxing atmosphere with open fires, a heated courtyard and a wonderful large garden. The nearest toilets and refreshments available at Ightham Mote.

Botany Bay Hotel, Broadstairs

Explore the Isle of Thanet along the famous Viking Coastal Trail. With the choice to walk or cycle any section of this 32 mile route it is perfect for all the family and all abilities. Be prepared to be amazed, there is plenty to see, take in the coastal towns of Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate.

Romans, Saints and Saxons landed here, artists and writers drew inspiration here. So hop on your bike and discover why visitors have been coming for centuries.  Take a well earned rest at the perfectly positioned Botany Bay Hotel, perched on the magnificent clifftop at Kingsgate. Botany Bay itself offers more than 200 metres of golden sands, stunning cliffs and rock pools and it has been made famous by a whole host of TV and film productions. All of this is just a minute’s stroll away from the entrance to the Botany Bay Hotel.

The Three Mariners, Oare

Explore the North coast of Kent with this 5 mile circular walk around Oare Marshes, near Faversham. The North coast also holds many beautiful spots to discover end explore. Oare Marshes is a tranquil nature reserve managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust. It is an area of over 200 acres, with freshwater dykes, open water ‘scrapes’, sea-wall and saltmarshes.

Begin this short walk in the quaint village of Oare, where boatbuilding and fishing have been a way of life for centuries. As you follow the creek as it twists and turns towards the coast you will pass by small shipwrecks and mudflats. Finish your walk where you started and stop for a well earned rest at The Three Mariners, an 18th century pub. Full of small tables ideal for friends and views across the marshes. The pub is renowned for its good-value food, in particular the three-course Walker’s Menu for £14.95.

The Harbour Inn, Folkestone

Ahh Folkestone, the unique coastal town on the southern coast of our beautiful county. Wander along this stunning section of the England Coast Path from Hythe to Folkestone a 6 mile linear route. This section is flat, along surfaced paths making it ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs alike, there really is no reason for the whole family not to get outside. Once in Folkestone, head to The Harbour Inn for a refreshment or some local food, a cosy pub, well decorated and inviting. Located right on the harbour and close the the harbour arm makes it a perfect winter walk in Kent.

The Black Horse, Pluckley

Visit one of the prettiest and most haunted villages in Kent and enjoy an approx 4 mile circular walk. This route takes you on a route through fields and orchards surrounding the most haunted village in England according to the Guinness Book of Records. The walk is generally flat with some gentle slopes. The final section follows part of the Greensand Way, through orchards back to the village. When back in this pretty village why not visit The Black Horse for a bite to eat, the pub is quaint with it’s beamed ceilings, inglenook fireplaces and sensational food.

The Tickled Trout, Wye

I’m sure you have heard or been to Wye if you are a keen walker, it’s a true gem of our county. Our Wye Downs walk is a fantastic circular walk taking in those tremendous views over the Devil’s Kneading Trough. To incorporate this walk with a well earned treat at The Tickled Trout pub then we recommended to either start at the train station and enjoy the pub visit when you return and finish your walk or start up on the downs (as per the map guide) and enjoy a slight detour toward the train station and have a restful pit stop stop half way into your walk.

The Three Chimneys, Biddenden

Kent is full of wonderful woodlands, so check out this one for your winter walk in Kent. A trip to Hemsted Forest can be enjoyed by all the family as the woodland paths are generously wide, surfaced and with gentle climbs ideal for anyone with pushchairs or using wheelchairs. This is one of our easy access routes which is just under 4 miles, following the forest paths. So come and enjoy the crisp winter air, a breath of fresh air and most importantly a trip to The Three Chimneys afterwards to warm yourself up!

The Boathouse, Yalding

Discover this delightful 6.2 mile walk from Yalding train station to Wateringbury train station through stunning farmland and woodland. Why not do this walk in reverse and end your walk at The Boathouse pub in Yalding at Hampstead Lock. Located on the riverside of the River Medway, enjoy some delicious food and drinks, the pub is extremely puppy friendly with water bowls provided and even has its own launching spot for kayaks, canoes and SUP’s.