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A village green and historic houses are the hallmarks of
Chartham at the start of this pleasant circular walk through the
Stour Valley and back along part of the North Downs Way.
A corn mill was recorded on the river at Chartham in Domesday
Book. In the 14th century the mill was used for fulling for the
textile industry. In the mid 18th century it changed again to play
a significant role in the Kent papermaking industry.
The village church, St Mary's, dates from the mid 13th century.
The brass of Sir Robert de Septvans, a crusader knight who died in
1306, is considered to be one of the finest in the country.
 The Stour Valley is known for its wildlife and
in particular the populations of grey heron to be seen along
its bank. This rural part of East Kent is most famed for its
orchards offering fine displays of pink and white blossom in
spring.
No Man's Orchard (link opens in a new window),
on the North Downs Way near Chartham Hatch, features traditional
fruit trees which are larger than the more common modern varieties.
Blossom and windfall fruit attract wildlife to the grassland.
Nearby
Larkey Valley Wood Nature Reserve (link opens
in a new window) suffered severe tree damage in the Great Storm of
1987 but the woodland has been regenerating well. The ancient
woodland's wildlife is as rich as ever including badgers, dormice,
hawfinches and nightingales. In spring look out for carpets of wood
anemone and violets.
Walk information
5 miles (8km) approx. 10,000 steps. Allow 2.5 hours.
For a map and photos of the walk,
download our guide (pdf) or
download
this walk to your media player (zip
file) |