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Follow the route of the River Stour from its source at
Lenham, in the heart of the Garden of England, to the historic city
of Canterbury and down to the Straits of Dover near Pegwell
Bay.
 The Stour Valley Walk is a 58 mile (93km) route
through the Low Weald and North Downs, giving you access to
some the most attractive parts of East Kent. Rolling
grassland, woods, marshes, peat bog, orchards and picturesque
villages make this a memorable journey which can be completed
over a long weekend or in shorter sections. Circular routes
can also be created taking advantage of the many public rights
of way.
The symbol of the Stour Valley Walk is the heron - just one of the
many birds to be seen along the banks of the river which teem with
wildlife.
Historic mills and buildings
The route falls into three clear sections as the river matures.
Its source lies in springs in Lenham and the waters meander through
fertile farms and parks towards Ashford. Look out for evidence of
the numerous mills which have taken advantage of the river's water
power to support local industries.
Take time to explore historic buildings in the centre of Ashford -
one of the fastest growing towns in Kent with rail links to Europe
via the Channel Tunnel.
Quaint villages
 Wild flowers grow in profusion alongside the
river as the waters, now boosted by the East Stour, head
towards Canterbury through the delightful villages of Wye,
Godmersham, Chilham and Chartham. These are ideal spots for a
short break and an opportunity to sample local produce and
ales in one of the many historic inns.
The city heights of Canterbury
Mills, manor houses and farms gradually fade away as the first
views of Canterbury Cathedral (link opens in a new
window) appear on the horizon. The river divides to surround the
City. The northerly arm passes through Kingsmead Meadows while the
southern arm runs past the Norman castle, through ancient friaries
and monasteries and the former homes of Flemish weavers.
The two arms of the river converge leaving the city behind and
continue on the final stage of their journey to the sea, passing
through the village of Sturry and Fordwich - the medieval port of
Canterbury.
Towards the coast
 The river mingles with the waters of former
gravel pits to run through the reedbeds of
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve (link
opens in a new window) and the open farmland on the reclaimed
marshes surrounding Grove Ferry.
Grove Ferry Picnic Site is the perfect place to stop for a
rest.
Here the Stour is tidal and has collected the waters of the River
Wantsum and the Little Stour as it heads near the great Roman ruins
of Richborough Castle (link opens in a new
window), conserved by English Heritage, and on to the delightful
centre of Sandwich.
Enjoy a trip along the river or just spend a few minutes admiring
the many boats that moor here along the popular quay before
striding out across along the coastal fringe to where the river
joins the Straits of Dover at Shellness Point at the southern end
of Pegwell Bay.
Walk information
The guidebook for the Stour Valley Walk is unfortunately
currently out of print. The following Ordnance Survey Explorer maps
cover this route and are available from the online shop:
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