Sunday 18th June

8. Trains & Planes: Part 2 Hawkinge & Airfield

11:00 am meet John Buss in the car park of the Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge, GR 207396, CT18 7AG. Enjoy an informative, illustrated, guided walk around RAF Hawkinge aerodrome that played a critical role in the success of fighter command during the Battle of Britain. You may wish to finish your walk with a visit to the excellent museum (Entry £7).

1.5 miles 1.5hr Easy Circular

9. A Kingston Woods and Ramble

10:00 am meet Michael Wilkey in the field car park opposite the Black Robin Pub, CT4 6HS, GR 201513.

A scenic walk through Kingston village via the church, Bekesbourne village and the old railway station, rising to the downs and returning via the woods to the Black Robin Public House. 5.0 miles 2.5hr moderate Circular

10. Old Bladbean Stud Gardens

11:00 am meet Ros Humphreys in Elham’s village square CT4 6TJ, GR177439.

Wander along the western slopes of our rolling valley through the changing landscapes that inspired the layout and planting of these exquisite gardens. Explore the gardens guided by their creator Carol Bruce. Then stroll back down the hilltop lanes to Elham. There is no charge for entry to gardens. Bring a packed lunch (tables provided).

7.0miles 4hr moderate Circular

11. Park Gate Down Nature Reserve

11:00 am meet Karen Weeks at Park Gate Reserve, GR 167457, CT4 6NE. (Parking limited to 8 cars. Further parking 1 Km away at Upper Park Gate GR 171453).

A short walk with some moderate slopes exploring the ancient chalk grassland, a highly protected habitat, along with some of its characteristic orchid and other plant species that are found on the Nature Reserve. Gain an insight into this SSSI from Karen, the East Kent Downland

Saturday 17th June

5. North Downs Way: Lyminge Loop

10.45 am meet Peter Morris, NDW Trail Manager outside Lyminge Library CT18 8HS, GR166410.

A circular walk incorporating two of Kent’s most popular long distance routes. Southwards towards the North Downs Way National Trail and along the crest of the North Downs with spectacular panoramic views towards the English Channel. Returning along the Elham Valley Way. Bring a packed lunch. Drinks at the Cat & Custard Pot pub. 8.0 miles 4hr Moderate Circular

6. Elham Village: A History Stroll

10:00 am meet Derek Boughton at Elham’s village square at CT4 6TJ, GR177439. Step back in time as you stroll through this gem of a village stopping to learn about the history of its buildings and people from Elham Historical Society’s Derek Boughton. http://www.ehs.elham.co.uk. 1.0 mile 1.5hr Easy Circular

Sunday, 18th June

7. Children’s Fun Walk

2:00 pm meet Briony Williamson at the King George V Playing Field, Elham CT4 6TU, GR177436.

A family walk along the Elham Valley Way to Lyminge Playing Field and back. This walk is flat but not suitable for pushchairs. (There might be some treasure to look for along the way!). Those with tired legs can return to Elham on the No. 17 bus. Refreshments available in the village cafes or bring snacks/drinks.

Saturday 17th June

1. Expore Kent’s Elham Walk

10:15 am meet Steven Law in Elham’s village square CT4 6TJ, GR177439. Guided by Explore Kent’s Steve & Hannah, walk in the footsteps of the famous and discover Audrey Hepburn’s childhood home. Amble along peaceful footpaths nestled in between hedgerows, woodland and a patchwork of fields revealing quintessentially Kentish views of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. http://www.explorekent.org/ 3.7 miles 2hr moderate Circular

2. Vineyards and Woods

10:15 am meet Chris Jelly at Elham Valley Vineyard car park, CT4 6LN, GR198476. Ascending up the west side of our valley and then through the ancient Covert Woods at Bladbean, returning to the Vineyard for wine tasting and optional wine & cheese platter £6 or lunch £8. Lunch bookings Tel:01303831266. 5.0 miles 2.5hr moderate Circular

3. Trains & Planes: Part 1 The Railway Ramble

10:00 am meet John Buss in the Car Park, Craft Barn, Peene, CT18 8AZ, GR185379. A scenic walk, mainly along the old railway track bed via Etchinghill and Tolsford Tower (great views) to Lyminge. Return by no.17 bus with option to visit the Railway Museum and Craft Centre at Peene (entry £2.50). Bring a picnic lunch or use cafes/pub in Lyminge. 4.0 miles 3hr moderate Linear

4. The Elham Valley Way (Hythe to Canterbury)

8:30 am meet Graham Smith at the Military Road car park, Hythe CT21 5BH, GR158347. This is a challenging 22.5 mile walk from the coast at Hythe through ancient woodlands, secret byways and unspoilt villages to Canterbury, then the bus back to Hythe. Bring packed lunch and plenty of water.

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL

Sponsors

Dog friendly, two bedroom cottage, rural Elham area

Ensuite shower & wet-room. Disability access/facilities

Secure fenced area. Heated outdoor pool (summer)

Holiday, short & relocation stays. CT18 8LB 01303 862729

Shuttlesfield Barn - 4* Gold - Self Catering

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING

FESTIVAL

17th & 18th JUNE 2017

www.elhamvalleywalkingfestival.co.uk

Helpline: 01227 831705

Some important information To help you enjoy a safe and comfortable walking experience:

wear clothing appropriate for changing weather and

variable ground conditions

make sure you bring plenty of water

carry a hat and bring effective sunscreen

let the walk leader set the pace and follow their advice

make sure your leader knows if you have any relevant

health issues

children under 16 must be accompanied by a

responsible adult

unless otherwise stated dogs are welcome if on a lead

and under close control

leaders plan their walks with care but your comfort and

safety are your own responsibility

Walk Grading Easy: normally shorter, mainly flat walks not so rough underfoot. Moderate: some ascents and descents, possibly stiles and rough ground. Strenuous: normally longer walks sometimes over rough ground with steep ascents and descents.

Payment Walks are free unless stated. You may need to pay for parking, bus travel and optional visits to places of interest. A voluntary contribution towards the cost of the festival would be appreciated.

Walk Times Try to arrive for your walk at least 15 minutes before the stated time.

Accommodation Go to www.elham.co.uk to find local hotels and B&Bs.

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL

Booking Your Walk Booking your walk will help us ensure numbers are manageable and enhance your enjoyment. To book please e-mail:

elhamwalkfestival@yahoo.com

If you have no access to the internet please telephone 01303 840269, with your details to hand.

Bus Transport Getting to the Elham Valley. The valley is served by the no.17 bus between Canterbury and Folkestone. Go to www.stagecoachbus.com to plan your journey.

Car parking There is limited parking in The Square in Elham village on the 17th & 18th June, so, to help ease this pressure, please try to arrive early to find space elsewhere. Parking charges may apply at the various locations where the walks start but free parking is available if you search in the location.

Assistance and Sponsors

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL

PROGRAMME

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING GROUPS

invite you to come and walk with us in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Enjoy the landscape, learn about its history, improve your fitness and have fun at this

two day Walking Festival

ELHAM GROUP www.elhamvalleywalkingfestival.co.uk

Helpline: 01227 831705

www.elhamvalleywalkingfestival.co.uk

Helpline: 01227 831705

The Cosy Tea Rooms of Elham

Walking Festival 2017 deal

Homemade lunch for £7.00 with pot of tea or coffee

For participants only, bring the leaflet with you to qualify. Open 10.00 – 4.00 Saturday Only

4 - 6 High Street Elham Tel: 01303 840344

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL

Sponsors

Supporters

Bridge Cottage Bed & Breakfast

4 Stars Silver Award Luxury accommodation in a

tranquil setting Chris & Alison

Shuttlesfield Lane, Ottinge 01303 862933

www.bridgecottagesimply bandb.co.uk