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Women’s Walking GroupSmarden & Dering Wood
Overview
Join our Kent Women’s Walking Group for a scenic 5.5-mile circular walk starting in the historic village of Smarden, one of Kent’s most picturesque villages. This gently varied countryside route combines medieval heritage, quiet lanes, open farmland, and ancient woodland.
Route Details
Our walk begins in the village of Smarden, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval character, it is home to numerous listed buildings, many of them timber-framed. At the heart of the village stands St Michael the Archangel Church, a Grade I listed building dating primarily from the 13th century.
Leaving Smarden, we follow footpaths and quiet rural tracks through open fields and hedgerows, gradually making our way towards Dering Wood. This ancient woodland is part of the larger Dering Estate and is designated as ancient semi-natural woodland, meaning it has been continuously wooded for centuries. The wood is particularly special in spring, when it becomes carpeted with bluebells, but it is beautiful year-round, offering shaded trails, mature oak and hornbeam trees, and a rich habitat for birds and woodland wildlife.
New or nervous to come solo?
We totally understand how you feel! In fact, around 80% of our members come to the group solo, and most of them make friends in no time at all. Our group is warm, welcoming, and supportive, and you'll quickly find that everyone is open to chatting and getting to know each other. We have a wide variety of life experiences among us, so there's always something to connect over. You'll be at ease before you know it! Walking with us is not just about keeping active; it's about making new friends and building a supportive community within nature. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Date: Sunday 8th February
Time: 10am
💷 Cost: £10 per person
Location: Meeting at Smarden (full details in the booking confirmation email)
⏳ Duration: Please allow approx. 3 - 4 hours including breaks. Please note timings are approximates.
Terrain: Paved path, fields, woodland
📏 Distance: 5.5miles / 9 km. Total ascent of 130ft over the walk, one gentle incline.
Food & Drink: Please ensure you have all food you will need and enough water for this walk. We'd recommend 1.5L. We will stop for a lunch so please bring some food with you.
Toilets: There may be toilets along the route but please be prepared for nature breaks (ie a tree!).
Dogs: Well behaved on lead dogs are more than welcome to this event.
🚶♀️ Walk Leader: I am a fully trained Lowland Leader with a enhanced DBS (available upon request) and trained in outdoor first aid. I am also trained and qualified in nutrition, wellness and female health. MJ Outdoor Adventures is fully insured. Your safety is our priority.
Our Women’s Wellness Walks are for all stages of life. Whether you’re going through menopause, dealing with life’s ups and downs, or just looking for connection to people or nature, you’re welcome here, at any age. Our group ranges from 20's up to late 70s. These walks are a safe and supportive space to spend time in nature and meet others who get it.
It’s not just about getting outside (though the views help!) — it’s about finding good company, having honest chats, and feeling a bit more like yourself. Being outdoors can lift your mood, ease stress, and help you feel better all round — and walking with others makes it even better.
Walk Leader: I experienced a medical menopause in my 20s, which came with a long list of symptoms. This journey led me to train in menopause and nutrition and led to the start of the Women's Wellness Walks and working full time in the outdoors as a walk leader. I’ve been invited to participate in both medical and retail panels to discuss the physical and mental impacts of menopause, as well as giving talks with Kent County Council, Holland and Barrett, podcasts, radio, local church groups, spas and more.
⚠️ Please Read:
Sturdy footwear is essential – paths can be uneven and muddy in places.
Dress appropriately for the weather and bring layers.
As always, we walk as a group – no one is ever left behind!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Chequers Inn, Smarden, Ashford, United Kingdom
Tickets
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