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Cranbrook is a popular destination for visitors eager to
take advantage of its independent shops and admire the many types
of weatherboarding and architectural techniques used in its
historic Wealden buildings.
And it is an ideal starting point for a peaceful walk through
this most attractive area of the county.
Known as the capital of the Kentish Weald, Cranbrook was once an
important centre for textiles. Its broadcloth industry started in
the 14th century and reached its peak in the Tudor period.
As the importance of textiles waned, the agricultural industry
flourished in the local orchards and hop gardens, and Cranbrook
became an important market town.
The village contains a number of interesting houses dating back
600 years, including the restored and working 19th century
Union
Mill (link opens in a new window), which is the second tallest
surviving windmill in the British Isles.
This walk also enables you to enjoy the village of Sissinghurst
and possibly a visit to the gardens at Sissinghurst Castle - a
former manor house once visited by Queen Elizabeth I.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden (link opens in a
new window), conserved by the
National Trust (link opens in a new window),
is among the most celebrated in the world. The gardens were
created by Vita Sackville-West, the Kent author and poet, and
her husband Sir Harold Nicolson.
Walk information
3 miles (4.8km) approx. 6,000 steps. Allow 2 hours.
For a map and photos of the walk,
download our guide (pdf) or
download
this walk to your media player (zip
file). |