Elham Valley Way
Follow this 22.5 mile (36km) route as it meanders through hidden
byways, ancient woodland and attractive villages surrounded by
parkland, orchards and farmsteads.
| Maps and guides for this walk: |
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The guidebook for the Elham Valley Way is unfortunately
currently out of print. The following Ordnance Survey Explorer maps
cover this route and are available from our shop:
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| View
this walk on the interactive map |
The Elham Valley Way leads from the internationally
renowned cathedral city of Canterbury, down to the popular coastal
town of Hythe, taking walkers through enchanting countryside and
the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty.
Ancient woodland and bountiful orchards
The ancient woods, classified as dating
from before the 17th century, are carpeted with the flowers of
bluebells, anemones and wild garlic in spring and turn
spectacularly russet, orange and gold in autumn.
Displays of spring blossom are also a feature of the many
orchards near Canterbury, although it is said that the fine
displays on the newer, shorter varieties of trees are not as
dramatic as those found in traditional orchards.
Many of these areas of woodland may also include more recent
plantings. In the past, the woods were used in many local
industries including building, charcoal production and bark for
tanning in the leather industry. Coppicing, the practice of cutting
down trees and allowing new stems to form for fencing and posts, is
still common throughout the area.
Explore Kent Challenge
Attempt the Explore Kent
Challenge by walking this route and receive
a prestigious Explore Kent certificate!
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