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This is a walk of approximately 11.5 miles, starting from White Horse Wood Country Park, which sits on the North Downs Way (NDW), above the village of Detling. It is a fine hike, with lots of interest along the way, but with several ups & downs throughout, you are in for an energetic day out.There could be some slippery sections, especially in the early stages on the muddy/chalky descent from the Country Park, so walking poles might be useful.
Almost immediately, we join the NDW, but will pause briefly at Detling Hill trig point, where there are information panels at the viewpoint over the landscape below. After dropping down to Detling, we cross the busy A249 at Jade's Crossing, continuing along the ridge of the North Downs. We pass beside Kent Wildlife Trust Larches Nature Reserve and onwards over Boxley Downs, there are panels of information on this stretch, as well as some surprising finds.
Our short picnic lunch stop will most likely take place at an item marked on OS Explorer 148 map as "White Horse Stone". After this the route joins the ancient Pilgrim's Way, to pass through a fairly newly planted vineyard. When the group reach Boxley, the village church is worth a visit inside, as there are some lovely stained glass windows, before carrying on and back over Jade's Crossing to Thurnham.
The return to the Country Park is uphill, but the Black Horse, which the group visited last year in June, is handily placed for the obligatory pub stop, before completion of the walk.
Sorry this one is deemed not suitable for dogs.
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 1200ft
Starting point - White Horse Wood Country Park is located off the A249 Detling Hill, if travelling from the south, you have to take the designated "Hucking u-turn sign" to then reach the Country Park. Parking fee applies of £2 on a Sunday, cash or via RingGo app applies.
Nearest postcode: ME14 3JE
Walk leader is Geoff Bushell
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
White Horse Wood Country Park, White Horse Wood Country Park, Maidstone, ME14 3JE, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
