Alkham Valley Walks

7 miles (11.8 km)

This walk explores the countryside surrounding the village of Alkham in Kent. The valley lies between Folkestone and Dover in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's a fine place for a walk with hill climbs, woodland and outstanding views from the high points.
This figure of eight loop walk starts in Alkham village and follows public footpaths through the surrounding valley. On the way you will visit two significant local historical sites including St Radigund's Abbey and St Peter's Church in Swingfield.
Starting in the village you first head south east to visit St. Radegund's Abbey. The Grade II listed ruins have now been incorporated into a farm and include an impressive ancient gatehouse.
The route then returns to the village on alternative paths before heading up through the valley to Swingfield where you can visit St Peter's Church. The church is Grade I listed and dates back to the 11th century. A huge thirteenth-century tower and a fourteenth-century porch with two medieval 'Mass Dials' are two of the main features of this noteworthy medieval site.
To continue your walking in the valley head east to visit Kearsney Abbey. There's some beautiful gardens here with ornamental lakes and views of the River Dour

Postcode

CT15 7DF - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Alkham Valley Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Alkham Valley Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Alkham Valley OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Alkham Valley Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Alkham Valley

Kearsney Abbey - This walk visits the beautiful Kearsney Abbey Gardens in the Kent village of Kearsney.
Dover Castle - Explore the grounds of the largest castle in England and enjoy fabulous views of the White Cliffs of Dover
White Cliffs Country Trails - This circular route takes you on a tour of the beautiful Kent coastline around Dover, before heading inland into the countryside.
You start at Dover and pass the impressive Dover Castle and the famous white cliffs (explore with google street view below)
Saxon Shore Way - Explore Kent's ancient coastline as you visit Iron Age hill forts, cathedrals, Martello towers, historic ports and castles on this incredible 160 mile walk
South Foreland Lighthouse - This walk climbs to the Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse on the White Cliffs above St Margaret's
Dover White Cliffs Walk - Enjoy a circular walk along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover on this route along the Kent Coast
Western Heights Dover - This walk explores a fascinating series of forts, strong points and ditches located in Dover
East Cliff and Warren Country Park - Enjoy the spectacular East Cliffs of Folkestone, the sandy beaches of East Wear Bay and the Warren nature reserve on this circular walk.
The attractive park is formed of the East Cliffs of�Folkestone, the sandy beaches of East Wear Bay and the land-slipped�nature reserve�land between the cliffs and the sea
Samphire Hoe Country Park - This coastal country park is located near Dover on the Kent coast
Lower Leas Coastal Park - This coastal country park is located in Folkestone and has fabulous views over the Kent coastline
Peene Quarry Country Park - A short circular walk around Peene Quarry in the North Downs
Lympne - This circular walk around the Kent village of Lympne visits Lympne Castle and the Royal Military Canal Path
Brockhill Country Park - Brockhill Park has a number of waymarked woodland trails, a lake, open grassland and meadows
Royal Military Canal Path - This walking route runs from Pett Level to Seabrook along the Royal Military Canal
Hythe - This long circular walk explores the countryside around the Kent town of Hythe
Lyminge - This Kent based village is located just north of the coast, near Folkestone
Hawkinge - This Kent based town is located just north of Folkestone, near the coast.

Pubs/Cafes

Back in the village head to the Marquis of Granby for some post walk refreshment. The Grade II listed pub dates back to 1810 and serves classic pub food, as well as interesting premium dishes. They also have a lovely decking area outside with views of the countryside. You can find them at postcode CT15 7DF for your sat navs.
Another nice option is the Alkham Valley Garden Centre where there's a nice tea room. It's also a nice place for a stroll with a great selection of plants and quirky garden ornaments to see.

Dog Walking

The country trails and woods make for a fine dog walk. The Marquis of Granby mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the west is Hawkinge where you could visit the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. The fascinating aviation museum is focused on the Allied and Axis men of the�Battle of Britain in 1940. There are artefacts from over 700 crashed aircraft on display here. There are nice views of the western part of the valley near the town as well.