Author Archive: John Pike

SSS 458 – Tuesday 8 September, 2026 – Reverse The Woolton Farm Walk

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Meet outside 25 St. Augustine’s Road at 8:00 am

Spring Lane, the footpath past Little Barton House by the railway line then along Bekesbourne Lane taking the second footpath on the left through Woolton Farm, past Farthings Wood and shortly afterwards taking a left into Court Wood towards Littlebourne Road, at the end of this footpath we take the footpath to the left, towards Firdown Wood but turn right before Palmstead Wood proceeding towards the Hoath Farm (footpath), crossing  Bekesbourne Lane then through the former orchards back to Spring Lane (where the walk concludes) via Little Barton House. 6 miles

Last week’s Reverse The Travelling Riverside Blues Walk:

Thursday 3 September, 2026 – Etchinghill to Wye

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This walk created and worked out by Peter.

Catch the 8.30 17 bus at Canterbury Bus Station (stand D1) to Etchinghill, arrive at The Gatekeeper pub at 9.13. Up Westfield Lane to the summit. Admire the view, then turn right onto the North Downs Way. We follow the crest of the downs with some detours and of course the descent after Farthing Common over Cobb’s Hill and down to Stowting. About 4 miles. Sadly the Tiger Inn doesn’t open until 12.00pm. After that follow the N Downs Way to Wye (7 miles). Further splendid views, butterflies, blackberries and the fecundity of nature. Numerous snack opportunities. Then either train or a further 1.5 mile walk to Bilting and the X1 bus back to Canterbury. Depending on stops we should arrive in Wye about 1.45/2.00pm and could catch the 14.40 X1 (arrive 15.13) or the 15.38. Trains would be the 14.04, arrive Canterbury West 14.19, or 15.04.
Total distance 13 miles but a great walk. Suncream, water and packed lunch recommended.
Last week’sStuppington & Nunnery Circle Walk:

SSS457 – Tuesday 1 September, 2026 – Reverse Travelling Riverside Blues Walk

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Meet outside St. Martin’s Church at 8:00am 

We take the SVW path, later joining the cycle path to Fordwich but later cutting through to Dickens Avenue, then South Street, crossing the Sturry Road and heading for ASDA and then the path by the Stour, which we follow to the Miller’s Arms passing Sainsbury’s en route.  At this point we make our way to the footpath which parallels North Lane by the side of the other Stour and continue onto Westgate Gardens, then the SVW to the Riverside Retail Park where we weave our way to Wincheap School, crossing the A28 in the process.  The walk finishes at the junction of Norman Road with Nunnery Road and Oxford Road.

Last week’s The Omicron Walk:

Thursday 27 August, 2026 – The Stuppington & Nunnery Circle

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Packed lunch and elevenses stop

Meet at the corner of Stuppington Lane with South Canterbury Road @ 8:30am:

The full circle is 14 miles, however the are plenty of opportunities for a shorter walk if one desires; such as taking one of the footpaths that crosses from the outward to the return route.  The walk passes close to Chartham and Chilham stations.

Last week’s The Villages Walk:

Thursday 20 August, 2026 – The Villages Walk

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Meet at K&C Hospital, South Canterbury Road entrance, at 8.30am.

We will go out past the rugby ground through Nackington, Whitehill Woods, skirt Lower Hardres, Bridge, Patrixbourne, bypass Littlebourne through Lower Garrington Farm, Ickham, Wickhambreaux, Stodmarsh, Fordwich and home along the cycle route to Canterbury.

About 15 miles, with plenty of opportunities to stop for picnic lunch at one of the churches.  A short cut is possible by taking the bus back from Littlebourne.

This walk is part of the Nick Riding Collection and is used with the permission of the creator.

Last week’s Cross Keys Circle Walk: