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Leybourne Lakes Country Park

3.73 miles (6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy peaceful, waterside walking and cycling at Leybourne Lakes Country Park, near Maidstone in Kent. In the park you will find 230 acres of lakes and woodland providing a peaceful location for wildlife and birdwatching.
The expansive park includes several lakes with the River Medway running along the eastern section of the park.
You could extend your walk outside the park by picking up the Medway Valley Walk and heading along the riverside path. Following it south will take you into nearby Aylesford while heading north will take you past Burham Marshes to Wouldham.

Postcode

ME20 6AA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Leybourne Lakes Country Park OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Leybourne Lakes Country Park Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There's a mobile cafe right next to the lake where you can pick up some refreshments after your exercise.
If you fancy a pub lunch then there's the Freemasons Arms in nearby Snodland. The pub dates to 1753 and serves good quality dishes. They have an excellent outdoor area with a covered Pergola and patio area which can accommodate seating for over one hundred customers. You can find them at 267 Malling Road, Snodland, ME6 5JR. They have a large car park and are also dog friendly. Snodland is also a nice place for a stroll with its Tudor Mulberry Cottages on the High Street and an ancient church dating to the 12th century. Our walk from the train station in the town visits the Holborough Marshes Nature Reserve where you can look out for a wide variety of wildlife next to the River Medway.

Dog Walking

The lakes are a nice place to take your dog for a walk though you are requested to keep them under control and not to allow them in the lakes.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The park is located only a few miles from Maidstone where you can try the Maidstone River Walk along the Medway. Also nearby is the attractive market town of West Malling where you can explore the lovely Manor Park Country Park which also has a pretty lake.
The circular Aylesford Walk starts from the attractive village and takes you along both sides of the river. It also visits several interesting historical sites including Allington Castle, Allington Lock, the Museum of Kent Life and Aylesford Priory.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Kent Walks and North Downs Walks pages.

Photos

Entrance into Leybourne Lakes Country Park - geograph.org.uk - 1084371

Entrance into Leybourne Lakes Country Park

Leybourne Lakes Country Park - geograph.org.uk - 665697

Lake view. The lakes are developed from former gravel workings - the gravel probably used in the construction of the nearby M20 motorway. Now, they are an attractive recreational site, with fishing and watersports available, as well as providing a valuable wildlife resource.

Leybourne Lake - geograph.org.uk - 21567

Looking out over Leybourne Lake, an island with some trees can be seen in the distance.

Leybourne Castle

Leybourne Castle. The ruins of the castle are located at the south western edge of the site.

Rectory Lane, Leybourne - geograph.org.uk - 1620827

Rectory Lane, Leybourne. The village lies south of the lakes.

Footpath west of the Leybourne bypass - geograph.org.uk - 2057161

Footpath west of the Leybourne bypass

Footpaths in Leybourne Wood - geograph.org.uk - 1145828

Footpaths in Leybourne Wood. These woods are located south of the site close to the village. The woods, which are frequently used by locals for dog walking, leisurely strolls, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding, also hide a remarkable variety of wildlife.

The Ocean, Leybourne Lakes - geograph.org.uk - 2501711

The Ocean

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Leybourne Lakes Country Park.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Leybourne Lakes Country Park.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)