|
Saddle up for a wonderful ride in the Alkham Valley, part of the
Kent Downs
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (link opens in a new
window).
This 8.5 mile (13km) route explores the peaceful countryside
around Alkham village. Alkham, from Ealh-ham, means 'settlement
beside a heathen temple.' The village was established about 1400
years ago by Anglo-Saxon settlers.
 The route is just 4 miles from the coast and
with woodland, chalk streams, downland and grassland all found
along the way, it offers a wide range of habitats to explore
and enjoy.
In the valley bottom lies the course of a stream which only
flows when the underlying water table is high. These intermittent
chalk streams are distinctive features of chalk downland areas and,
in the past, their temporary nature was believed to be a harbinger
of misfortune or scarcity - hence their traditional name of 'woe
waters'.
The riding route also passes close to the ruins of St Radigunds
Abbey. The Abbey, now a farm, dates back to about 1190, but was
already in a very ruinous condition by the time of the dissolution
of the monasteries in 1539. This was due to "the abbot having
wasted the income of his house on licentious pleasures."
It is advised that the journey is followed in an anti-clockwise
direction and, due to it being quite hilly, it's not recommended
for novice riders or for horses that are not regularly ridden
out.
For those seeking local accommodation,
Alkham
Court Bed and Breakfast (link opens in a new window) is a
working family farm with stabling available.
For full details of the Alkham Valley ride download the
Ride Kent guide.
Locate this riding area on a map
|