Wye Downs walk
Walk information
4.3 miles (6.9km) 8,625 steps. Allow 3 hours.
Challenging climbs through this part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty are rewarded by spectacular views. This
exhilarating circular walk leads through the Downs, the historic
village of Wye and along part of the North Downs
Way.
The village is on a fording point of the Great Stour river and
the site of a Roman camp and a villa have been identified. By the
time of the Saxons, Wye had become a royal manor. Many of the
village buildings are medieval, although often concealed by more
modern facades.
Aphra Behn, described as being the first English woman to
earn a living as a writer, was born in the village in 1640. She
also had a colourful career as a political spy for Charles I.
En route, look out for the Wye Crown cut into the chalk of the
North Downs above the village. It was created to mark the
coronation of King Edward VII.
The local economy is predominantly based on farming and Wye is
renowned for being home to one of the world's most important
agricultural colleges.
Wye
National Nature Reserve is managed by Natural
England and supports many rare species of orchid.
There are tremendous views over the Devil's Kneading Trough -
the largest and most famous of the steep-sided dry valleys that
characterise the hills of the Downs.
View
a 360 degree image of Wye
How to get there
Postcode starting point: TN25 5AW.
By car: From A28 near
Ashford, follow signs to Wye. To reach car park follow signs for
Hastingleigh travelling out of Wye on Coldharbour Lane.
Parking: A parking area
is available alongside coldharbour Lane approximately 90 metres
from the Devil's Kneading Trough restaurant.
Bus: 1/ 1A (Canterbury –
Ashford), 10 journeys Mon – Sat.Traveline: 0871 200 22 33.
Height information
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