stour valley walk 1 lenham to ashford
Follow the tranquil waters of the Great Stour River
A quick intro
Discover the natural beauty and rich heritage of Kent as you journey along the Stour Valley Trail, a picturesque route that follows the tranquil waters of the Great Stour River.
Stretching through lush meadows, vibrant woodlands, and charming villages, this scenic trail offers a perfect escape into the heart of the English countryside.
Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and abundant wildlife, all while enjoying the serenity of Kent’s rolling hills.
From the ancient city of Canterbury to the tranquil marshes near Ashford, this trail is a true hidden gem of a trail.
The details about the stour valley walk 1
the details
Schedule
Date: 26 April 2025
Meet and Start Time: 08:15 meet for 08:30 am start
Walking time: 7 hrs (incl. lunch break)
Staff Member: Ian Henderson
Location
Start point: Lenham Railway Station, Station Approach Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2HR
Finish point: Ashford Railway Station, Station Road, Ashford, TN23 1EZ
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Car Parking: Charges not included
Route
Terrain: Mixed
Distance: Approximately 23.4 km (14.5 miles)
Walk Type: Linear
your kit list
- Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops)
- A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days
- Drinking water and a packed lunch
- Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
- Suitable walking attire
important notes
- If you have any COVID symptoms, please do not attend.
- We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.
- Cancellation policy states: Full payment becomes due if a user cancels within 4 days of the activity. Any person cancelling outside of 4 days, will receive a credit available to use within 90 days.ancel at least 4 days before the event to receive a credit note for a future walk, valid for 90 days.
Learn more aboutthis wonderful walk
The Stour Valley Walk from Lenham to Ashford offers a delightful journey through the Kent countryside, combining natural beauty with historical interest.
Starting at Lenham, named from the Old English ‘hām’ meaning ‘village, homestead, estate’, the town was recorded in the Domesday Book as Lerham and Lertham and gave its name to the River Len.
Key highlights along the way include:
Lenham Heath: As you leave Lenham, you’ll pass through Lenham Heath, a peaceful area with fields and woodlands. Keep an eye out for wildflowers, butterflies, and various bird species.
Little Chart: This small village offers a tranquil rural setting and the historic ruins of St. Mary’s Church, a poignant reminder of the area’s past.
Hothfield: Known for the Hothfield Heathlands nature reserve, this area features heathland, woodland, and wetlands, providing an excellent spot for wildlife watching.
Great Stour Way: As you near Ashford, follow the Great Stour River, offering serene riverside walking paths.
The final destination, Ashford, is a large town with modern amenities and excellent transport connections, making it a convenient end point. This scenic and historic route is perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering an enriching experience through East Kent’s stunning landscapes.
The walk starts promptly on time. If you’re running a bit behind schedule, give us a call to inform us (you’ll find our number on your booking confirmation if you’ve booked through the website, or message Ian Henderson via MeetUp).
Friendly dogs are welcome! Please ensure they’re leashed when needed, especially around fields with livestock. Owners are always fully responsible for their dogs.