Wye Not Explore the Stour Valley (19.5 miles/Strenuous)

Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the Met Walkers website

A circular walk starting from the village of Wye that explores both sides of the Stour Valley - hence the pun-tastic name!

A few reasonable climbs to make up a total ascent of 600 metres, offering great views from both sides of the valley (and even a distant one of Canterbury Cathedral if it is a clear day). Bring a packed lunch - the lunch stop will be at the halfway distance in the central square in the village of Chilham (often voted one of the most picturesque villages in Kent) where there are plenty of local facilities (public toilets, tea room, pub). There will also be a pub at the end of the walk. The walk will be at a fast pace to try to minimise the time walking in complete darkness, but please bring a head torch as it is possible that the last few miles will be.

Terrain: Chalk downs, fields and woodland - likely to be very muddy in places

Transport: The cheaper (but slightly earlier and slower) option is the 8:34 from London Charing Cross (Waterloo East 8:37, London Bridge 8:43, Sevenoaks 9:08) which arrives at Wye at 10:02.

Or the later and quicker (but more expensive) option is the high speed 9:07 from London St Pancras (Stratford International 9:14) which arrives at Ashford International at 9:45, then join the above slower train which departs Ashford International at 9:56 (train to Ramsgate).

IMPORTANT: make sure to be on the front 4 coaches of the train to Wye. Buy a return to Wye and of course make sure to buy a ticket valid on HS1 if taking the high speed train.

If anyone intends to drive, there is no parking at the station itself, but there is a free car park in the village which is a 5 minute walk from the station. Meet just outside the main entrance of Wye station on platform 1.

Grading: Strenuous.
For an explanation of the gradings, please see the FAQ - please consider both the length and grade when choosing a walk.

Finish point: Wye Station
More info: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/wye-not-explore-stour-valley