Bluebell Hill ride
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Enjoy panoramic views from the saddle on this lovely ride, high
on the chalk escarpment above Maidstone.
Gaze over the River Medway and the Kent Downs as your 4.5 mile
(7.3km) journey takes you through secluded woodland, open farmland
and then follows the route of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
The River Medway was an important transport route, being
navigable since Roman times and later serving the quarrying
industry of the valley. The legacy of this quarrying, past and
present, can be clearly seen across the valley.
The area is rich in wildlife and a number of nature
reserves are located near the route. The journey takes you between
Monk Wood and Bridge Woods and passes Shoulder of Mutton Wood, high
on the crest of the downs, now owned by the Woodland
Trust.
A Bronze Age burial mound is situated in the northern section of
Shoulder of Mutton Wood. Woodland has grown up on this prominent
high spot overlooking the Medway Valley.
The southern section of the wood was devastated in the 1987
hurricane but is regenerating well.
If you would like to extend your ride, you can continue along
the North Downs Way
from the Robin Hood pub for more spectacular views.
Note that as part of the route runs adjacent to the Channel
Tunnel Rail Link, trains appear suddenly and at high speed. Please
consider whether your horse would find this disturbing before
embarking on the ride.
Allow 1.5 hours to complete the ride.
There are two parking areas nearby: Keepers Lodge Stables,
telephone 01634 666419 and the Robin Hood Public House, telephone
01634 861500. It is essential you call before travelling to arrange
parking.
For further information about the ride, download the
Ride Kent (PDF, 3.5MB) guide.
Postcode starting point: ME5 9RJ.
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