Stelling Minnis walk

This is a walk of 10-miles starting from Stelling Minnis, which lies 8 miles south of Canterbury, just off the old Roman, which we all know today as Stone Street, the B2068. A little more road work than usual on this one, it is however, mostly quiet country lanes, so still a good walk, in a fine area of the county. There are however a few rickety & awkward high stiles, so this one is definitely not suitable for dogs.

Our clockwise route heads towards the above mentioned Stone Street, which we duly cross, to make progress through North Leigh, before turning south towards Elmsted. After a short stop at Elmsted church, our route crosses a mix of farmland and open countryside, through Evington, soon followed by Bodsham.

On arrival at Bodsham, we leave the road just after passing the site of the former Timber Batts pub. This quirky hostelry is however still in operation, having moved a few miles up the road to Sole Street, and is now within, what was previously the Compasses. Indeed we stopped at the Timber Batts on a group walk earlier this year in February, it is interesting both inside & outside!

Anyway back to this walk, we continue on our merry way, now heading north to Waltham, which is the next village on our travels. Our lunch stop will most likely take place here, either at the Recreation Ground or at the church. The second leg of the walk, then sees us set forth across open fields, briefly through some woodland, plus and short steep climb out of the valley to pass Waddenhall Farm, before re-crossing Stone Street near Doghouse Farm.

On reaching the road close to Stelling Minnis church, if people wish we can pop in and take a look, as we always seem to pass this one on our walks without exploring further. From there it is just a case of following the road, before crossing through a small stretch of the 124 acres of Common, to arrive back at the handily placed pub on finishing.

The Rose & Crown is a welcoming traditional pub, where those who desire, can finish off nicely with drinks, indeed we were most grateful to the pub, when we sought sanctuary from the rain on a very wet walk back in April 2023. 

Walk leader is Kevin Hall