GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Blean Woods Walks

6 miles (9 km)

Enjoy miles of cycling and walking paths in the ancient woodland of Blean Woods near Canterbury. The site is one of the most extensive areas of broadleaf woodland in Britain and home to a wide variety of wildlife. There's miles of waymarked trails to try with birds such as Nightjar and Woodcock to look out for on the way.
To continue your walking in the area you can head south and try our Canterbury Rivers and Woods Walk which takes you through the orchards and woodland surrounding Canterbury. The Stour Valley Walk and North Downs Way long distance trails also pass just to the south of the woods.

Postcode

CT6 7AB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Blean Woods National Nature Reserve OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Blean Woods National Nature Reserve Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

On the eastern side of the woods there's The Hare at Blean. They serve delicious freshly cooked pizzas and have a large garden area to sit out in. You can find them at postcode CT2 9EF.

Dog Walking

The expansive woods are ideal for dog walking. You will probably meet other owners on your visit. The Hare pub mentioned about is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

In Canterbury you could pick up the Elham Valley Way and follow the waymarked footpath south to explore the worthy village of Barham with its 14th century church and Grade I listed 17th century Broome Park.
Just east of Canterbury you can visit the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve which boasts the largest reedbeeds in the South East of England. This area also includes the lovely Grove Ferry Walk which starts at the eastern end of the reserve. There's a car park, picnic area, boat trips and a fine riverside pub here. At the western end of the reserve you'll also find the Westbere Marshes and the noteworthy town of Fordwich. Fordwich is notable as Britain's smallest town and also has a great pub with a dining terrace overlooking the Stour.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Kent Walks and the Kent Downs Walks pages.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Blean Woods Information Sign, West Blean Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1143196

Blean Woods Information Sign, West Blean Woods

Heath in Blean Woods

Heath in Blean Woods

Rhododendrons, West Blean Wood - geograph.org.uk - 1143243

Rhododendrons, West Blean Wood

Pond in Belce Wood - geograph.org.uk - 1958576

Pond in Belce Wood

New Road near Church Wood Cottages - geograph.org.uk - 1589121

New Road near Church Wood Cottages. This track leads from the A2 Dual Carriageway through Church Wood and Blean Woods towards Rough Common. It is also used by a footpath.

Piles of logs in Blean Woods - geograph.org.uk - 3035631

Piles of logs

Unnamed Stream, Blean Woods Nature Reserve - geograph.org.uk - 534461

Unnamed Stream

Paths crossing in Blean Woods - geograph.org.uk - 3037911

Paths crossing

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Blean Woods National Nature Reserve.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Blean Woods National Nature Reserve.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)