Pluckley walk
Walk information
4.2 miles (6.7km) approx 8,375 steps. Allow 2 hours.
Refreshments and facilities: Pluckley.
Experience the atmosphere of Pluckley, which is said to be the
most haunted village in England. The village has even earned a
mention in the Guinness Book of Records for its spirited
history.
This walk was created for the 20th anniversary
of The Darling Buds of May, a series that captured the hearts
of Britain like no other.The Darling Buds of May idolises the
life of a family, living on a small holding in rural
Kent.
Set in the 1950’s, the village of Pluckley in Kent and the
surrounding countryside provided the main backdrop for the
series.The Darling Buds of May – Garden of England Trail leaflet is
now available to view online, which will transport you back to
the 1950′s as you walk in the footsteps of the Larkins and
visit some of the modern award winning local food and drinks
producers, rural attractions and rolling countryside that keep Kent
crowned The Garden of England.
The 12 or 13 ghosts reported to have been seen in the village
include a highwayman, a coach and horses, a miller, a white lady
and a red lady.
Possibly more memorable for most people, is the fact that the
village provided a setting for the 1990s television series, The
Darling Buds of May. The popular programmes were based on the
writings of H.E. Bates, who knew the area well.
This small
village sits right on the edge of the North Downs. There is
evidence that a Roman road once passed through the area and the
village appears to have played its part in the Weald iron smelting
industry.
Weaving was also important in the area, taking advantage of the
wool from local sheep. It has been suggested that most textile
workers were based in their own homes and that is why many of the
cottages have particularly high ceilings.
If there is
a little time to spare, the village station is well worth a visit.
It first opened in 1842 and remains relatively unchanged.
This pleasant walk across gentle slopes takes place in classic
Kent orchards and hop gardens. The route joins the Greensand Way as the
circular walk brings you back into the village.
Why not enjoy more days out in the countryside following another
of the 10 top routes in our special Walks
in East Kent Pack.
How to get there
Postcode starting point: TN27 0QS.
By car: From A20 near Charing, follow signs to
Pluckley. The walk can also be reached from A274 near Headcorn,
follow signs for Pluckley.
Parking: Limited on road parking in Smarden Road
and on Station Road near the school and church. Please note that
the pub is for patrons only.
Bus: 123 (Ashford – Biddenden) 4 journeys, Mon –
Fri. Traveline: 0871 200 22 33.
Height information
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