Goodnestone walk
Walk information
4.5 miles (7.2km) approx. 9,000 steps. Allow 2.5 hours.
Refreshments and facilities: Goodnestone, Chillenden and
Staple.The village of Goodnestone is the starting point of this
fine walk through fields and woodland, with good views of
Chillenden Mill.
The mill was one of the last open trestle post mills to be built
in England. It was erected in 1868 on a site which has been used
for a windmill for at least 500 years.
Fierce winds raging across the fields
almost completely destroyed the mill in 2003, but it has now been
reconstructed. Chillenden Mill is open to the public on selected
days and there are dramatic landscapes to be enjoyed across to
Knowlton Court in the east, and Ramsgate in the west.
With less than 60 houses, and a newly renovated Norman church,
Chillenden is one of the smallest parishes in Kent.
The walk route also passes alongside the village of Staple,
known for its vineyard established in 1974, and Crixhall Court, a
Tudor mansion.
Goodnestone Park
Gardens will repay many visits. It was originally built at the
beginning of the 18th century. The builder's great-grandson, Sir
Brook Bridges' daughter Elizabeth married Edward Austen - brother
of the famous author Jane Austen.
Jane was a regular visitor and began writing Pride and Prejudice
immediately after staying on the Goodnestone estate in 1796.
The restored gardens and park are open to the public and many
events are held there throughout the year.
How to get there
Postcode starting point: CT3 1PG
By Car: From the A2 at Barham take the B2046 to
Aylesham/Adisham. Follow signs to Goodnestone.
Parking: Limited on road parking in
Goodnestone.
Bus: 542 (Walmer – Sandwich) 1 journey, Thurs
only.
544 (Walmer – Canterbury) 1 journey, Wed and Sat only.
Traveline: 0871 200 22 33.
Height information
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