We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
A Stag Walkers weekend away following the Elham Valley Way through the Kent Downs.
We will base ourselves in the historic city of Canterbury and be walking the trail over two days. On Monday, there will then be the opportunity to continue north towards Herne Bay to complete a coast-to-coast journey through Kent.
Friday – Central Canterbury (4 miles, leisurely)
Meet at 4pm outside The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
Our trip starts with a leisurely walk of 4 miles around central Canterbury, taking in a number of the main sites of the city. We will walk alongside the Great Stour River, joining it at Westgate, which was once used as a medieval city jail. We’ll also visit the attractive Westgate Gardens and walk a short section of the city walls before taking in a view of the Cathedral from Dane John Gardens.
Saturday – Elham Valley Way, Southern Section (12½ miles, moderate)
Meet at 9.20am at Canterbury Bus Station – stand D1 – to catch the no. 16 bus, which leaves at 9.30am
From the Hythe seafront, we will head inland and make our way towards the Royal Military Canal which marks the start of the Elham Valley Way. We’ll ascend the hill out of the town towards the quiet Scene Wood. We will follow a disused railway line before climbing Tolsford Hill. We will stop here for a packed lunch and to take in the views. In the afternoon we will journey through quiet pathways towards the pleasant village of Elham, where there should hopefully be the chance to stop for a drink at the local pub. We will conclude the day walking along the eastern side of the valley, catching the bus back to Canterbury from outside Gold Park campsite.
Sunday – Elham Valley Way, Northern Section (10½ miles, moderate)
Meet at 9.45am at Canterbury Bus Station – stand D1 – to catch the no. 17 bus, which leaves at 9.55am
Picking up where we left off, we ascend the western side of the valley towards Covert Wood which should offer some early autumn colours. We’ll track northwards towards the attractive grounds of the Charlton Park Estate, once home to the Prince Regent, and then to Bourne House, set in attractive parkland. Shortly before lunch, there should be time for a refreshment stop in the town of Bridge. We then conclude the trail back to Canterbury, joining the North Downs Way before entering the city.
Monday - West Blean Woods and Herne Bay (10½ miles, moderate)
Meet at 10am outside The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
We set off from Canterbury passing through Beverley Meadow and past St. Stephen’s Church. Our walk takes us through a patchwork of fields and woodland before we reach West Blean Nature Reserve, a large ancient woodland and Site of Special Scientific Interest. After pausing for lunch, we will continue northwards, reaching the coast at Swalecliffe. We’ll finish our trip by walking along the coastal path towards the pier at Herne Bay.
Accommodation
Once you have booked onto this weekend away on Meetup, please make your own arrangements for accommodation. Canterbury has a range of hotels and B&Bs in the city centre. There is also a youth hostel just under a mile away from the city centre and a couple of campsites each around a mile and a half from the city centre.
Meals
We will meet up for evening meals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (further details will be provided nearer the time of the trip). Alternatively, you are welcome to make your own arrangements for dinner if you prefer.
Booking
The weekend is exclusive to current (paid-up) members of Ramblers with Stag Walkers as home group. Space is limited to 16 people and must be booked via Meetup.
Book your place by clicking the ‘Attend’ button and if the event is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available.
Please book only if confident you can attend and remember to update your RSVP if you have to cancel.
Any questions?
If you've not been to a Stag Walkers weekend away before, they are a great chance to explore somewhere new and to spend some time socialising with other members of the group.
If you have any questions about the weekend, please post on the Meetup event page.
About the organisers
This event is hosted by Stag Walkers - we are a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s and 30s but all are welcome and we have members of all ages. We run weekly walks, on Saturdays or Sundays, varying in length from around 5 to 15 miles, and we host regular social nights. Walks and socials generally take place across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and south Cambridgeshire.
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: The Ramblers, First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE.
Friday – Meet at 4pm outside The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS. Saturday – Meet at 9.20am at Canterbury Bus Station – stand D1 – to catch the no. 16 bus, which leaves at 9.30am. Sunday – Meet at 9.45am at Canterbury Bus Station – stand D1 – to catch the no. 17 bus, which leaves at 9.55am. Monday - Meet at 10am outside The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS.
