A Ramblers group with walks of about 4 - 6 miles. We explore the beautiful Kent countryside from within the Tonbridge and Malling area and, occasionally, further afield.
Nicola B.
A scenic walk along the High Weald Landscape Trail, linking Rolvenden and Benenden. The High Weald is noted for its extensive ancient woodlands, scattered farmsteads and oast houses, all of which are encountered on this walk.
We'll walk through a typical High Weald landscape of woodland, ridges, small fields and sunken lanes. The high ridges and low valleys made farming a marginal activity and helped to preserve the area's wooded character.
Be prepared for about 12 stiles, some in poor condition. Small dogs on short leads are welcome but please bear in mind the number of stiles to carry your dog over.
One long steady climb towards end of the walk; shorter ups and downs throughout!
Non-members are welcome to join this walk as one of their three free 'taster' Ramblers walks. Please contact the walk leader if you haven't walked with us before.
Benenden rose to prominence in the 14th century as a centre for the Weald's two major industries; iron-making and cloth-making. This prosperity faded by the 18th century due to foreign competition in the case of iron, and because the cloth industry moved north.
After the walk, join us for drinks* at The Bull Inn adjacent to Benenden village green, or take the opportunity to visit nearby Tenterden, Chapel Down Winery, Cranbrook or Small Hythe Place (National Trust). In Benenden, the garden of The Copper House will be open until 16.00 on 17 August, raising funds for Hospice in the Weald.
* The Bull Inn doesn’t offer food on Sundays. However, nearby Rolvenden has three pub/restaurants serving meals on Sunday afternoon.
Meet in the Village Hall car park, The Street, Benenden. Please arrive by 10.15 to register and to hear the walk briefing. We have been offered 12 car park spaces, in the section nearest the road. Additional parking is available on the roadside, around the village green and nearby roads.
