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Parish
Pedals Set
of leaflets with maps and directions of 4 circular cycle routes in Kent.
The routes are all suitable for family outings.
Extract:
Appledore &
Woodchurch
16 miles
'Quintessential
Kentish Villages. The route, which takes in the villages of Appledore,
Warehorne and Woodchurch, is ideal for family outings. The area around Warehorne
boasts numerous picturesque picnic spots and marked rights of way, while the
focal point of Woodchurch is the well-kept traditional green.
Woodchurch Windmill, which offers extensive views over the Romney Marsh
to the Channel coast, is open on Sundays in the summer.'
Benenden
7.5 miles
'Cycling
is the ideal way to explore the Weald of Kent and the pretty country
lanes around the village of Benenden. This picturesque village takes its
name from Bynning Denn, which in old English translates to "Bynna's
woodland pasture". There are several Roman roads in the locality and
these were probably associated with the early workings of iron ore
deposits. There are also many ponds in the area, flooded remains of
marle pits. Under a statute of Henry VIII, every man was allowed to
dig a pit for marle on his own land, and a look on the map shows how the
yeoman of Benenden responded! The route takes in a section of bridleway
running through Hemsted Forest, (in winter months can get muddy) and
there are a number of public houses along the route, as well as places to
stop for a picnic.'
The Isle of Oxney
12 miles
'The
flat farmlands and the more exposed areas at the edge of the Romney
Marsh provide an excellent location for a gentle cycle ride. Much of
the route around Stone in Oxney is in an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, while the entire area is a true paradise to nature lovers.
There's fishing in the Royal Military Canal, a nature trail in Great
Heron Wood, a walk along the Saxon Way, and bird watching in picturesque
woodlands. The villages of Appledore, with its medieval houses,
Wittersham with its black windmill, and Stone in Oxney whose
15th century church houses a Mithraic Roman altar, are all worth
exploring.'
Tenterden
11 miles
'Open
rolling countryside and woodlands of the beautiful Weald of Kent. Begin
the route in historic Tenterden, pause at Biddenden Vineyard to discover
the secrets of wine and cider making before heading off to the
attractive village of Rolvenden. There's the C M Booth Collection of
Historic Vehicles, Great Maytham Hall (famous as the setting for the
novel "Secret Garden"), and at Wittersham Road, the Kent and
East Sussex steam railway.'
Information
courtesy of Ashford Borough Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council,
Forestry Commission, Cycle Touring and Countryside Trust, Countryside
Commission and Kent County Council
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