The complete list of 21 long distance paths & walks in Kent
I’ve always loved walking and ever since I’ve made Kent my adopted home 27 years ago I’ve started to explore the countryside often following the long-distance paths.
Over the years, I’ve walked most of the Kent long distance paths, usually in shorter sections of 10-25 kms or whatever fitted into the day. I’ve started to write about my experience in individual paths guides, but here I wanted to put together the ultimate list of all the long distance paths in Kent, to have them in one place.
It’s difficult to have a favourite one, it’s more about what mood I’m in. If I fancy the slightly gloomy countryside with no people I follow the England Coastal Path before it reaches the cheery seaside towns further down in Kent.
If I want to be in the middle of forest and green countryside I follow the North Downs Way or Greensand Way. If I’m walking with my mum, I might suggest the Royal Military Canal Walk, because it’s completely flat or the Darent Valley Path, because there is so much to see there.
What I love most is how these paths show off all sides of Kent—from chalky cliffs to peaceful woodlands, riverside meadows to rolling farmland. So, if you are thinking about which walk to start with, just pick the one that’s closes to you, put on your walking shoes and go – you won’t be disappointed!
1. North Downs Way
The North Downs Way is an amazing 153-mile (246 km) long-distance walking trail that takes you through the pretty countryside of Surrey and Kent, following the natural chalk ridge of the North Downs.
Starting from the historic town of Farnham in Surrey, the North Downs Way winds its way eastwards through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before crossing into Kent.
The path will take you through the market town of Westerham, which is closely linked to Sir Winston Churchill and General James Wolfe; the picturesque village of Otford, with its impressive Tudor palace and ancient archbishop’s castle; and the historic city of Canterbury, which has a beautiful cathedral and a history going back to Roman times.
The North Downs Way will also take you through some of the most stunning natural beauty in South East England, including Box Hill Country Park. Along the way, you will also see some of the best castles in Kent, such as the Chilham Castle, a stunning Jacobean manor house set in beautiful gardens; and the iconic Dover Castle, one of the largest castles in England with 2000 years old history.
2. Saxon Shore Way
The Saxon Shore Way is an impressive 160-mile (257 km) long-distance walking route that will take you along the beautiful coastline of Kent and East Sussex, following the ancient line of fortifications built by the Romans to defend against Saxon invasions.
Starting from the busy port town of Gravesend, the Saxon Shore Way winds its way along the Kent coastline, passing through marshland along the Thames and Medway estuaries and Romney Marsh to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.
The route passes through the historic city of Rochester, with its impressive Norman castle and beautiful cathedral; the cheerful seaside resort of Margate with sandy beaches and thriving arts scene; and the picturesque town of Deal, which has pretty Georgian houses and an interesting maritime heritage.
One of my favourite parts is the section between St. Margarets to Dover and then from Dover to Folkestone as the path goes on top of the cliffs with an amazing views.
3. Greensand Way
The Greensand Way stretches for 108 miles (174 km) across the picturesque countryside of Kent and Surrey, following the ridge of the Greensand hills.
Starting from the historic town of Haslemere in Surrey, the Greensand Way winds its way eastwards through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before crossing into Kent and finishing in Hamstreet. Along the way, you will walk through charming towns and villages, such as Hindhead, Sevenoaks or Maidstone.
The Greensand Way will also take you through some lovely countryside, including Leith Hill woodland, which is the highest point in Southeast England; Ide Hill, which has breathtaking views over Kent and pretty Medway Valley, with river and lush meadows.
4. England Coast Path (King Charles III. England Coast Path)
The England Coast Path in Kent is a part of a larger national trail that aims to create a continuous walking route around the entire English coast. Along the way you’ll visit all the best seaside towns of Kent and walk mainly by the sea.
The Kent section of the England Coast Path is still under development, but several stretches are already open and the rest you can use local roads or public paths.
One of the most scenic parts is the 66-mile (106 km) route from Camber to Ramsgate, which includes the famous White Cliffs of Dover, busy market town of Folkestone and the pretty seaside town Deal.
The path also passes through several nature reserves, such as the Dungeness National Nature Reserve and the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve. Along the way, you can also learn more about the Kent’s maritime heritage by visiting the South Foreland Lighthouse, the Dover Castle or the Reculver Towers and Roman Fort.
5. High Weald Landscape Trail
The High Weald Landscape Trail is a wonderful 90-mile (145 km) long-distance walking route that takes you through the beautiful countryside of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Kent and East Sussex.
Starting from the historic town of Horsham in West Sussex, the trail winds its way eastwards through the heart of the High Weald, crossing into Kent near the village of Goudhurst.
Along the way, you can see the picturesque village of Cranbrook, with historic windmill and charming medieval houses, the market town of Tenterden and the steam railway and the quaint village of Rolvenden, right in the middle of the rolling hills and ancient woodlands of the High Weald.
The walk finishes in charming medieval town of Rye, which has cobbled streets, historic pubs, and lots of interesting antique shops and art galleries.
6. Stour Valley Walk
The Stour Valley Walk runs for approximately 58 miles (93 km) through the Low Weald and North Downs of East Kent.
The walk begins near the source of the River Stour in Lenham and ends at the Stour Estuary in Pegwell Bay, near Sandwich.
Along the way, you will walk through pretty villages, such as Wye or Fordwich, historic towns like Ashford, Canterbury or Sandwich and historic sites such as the Richborough Roman Fort – the first place where Romans landed in Britain.
7. Darent Valley Path
The Darent Valley Path is a 19-mile (30.5 km) path that follows the River Darent, from the banks of the River Thames in Dartford to the Greensand Hills above Sevenoaks.
For a relatively short path, there is plenty to see, including the 14th-century Eynsford Castle, the pretty village of Shoreham with historic houses and quaint pubs, the impressive Lullingstone Castle and its World Garden, the Lullingstone Country Park, amazing Castle Farm Shop & Lavender Farm and the pretty Otford Village with ruins of Bishop’s palace and antique shops.
8. Elham Valley Way
The Elham Valley Way is one of the shorter paths, as it’s only 22-mile (35 km) long and winds through the pretty countryside of East Kent, connecting the historic city of Canterbury to the charming coastal town of Hythe.
The path follows the River Stour from Canterbury before ascending into the rolling hills and lush woodlands of the Elham Valley. You will also walk through historic villages and little towns, such as Barham, Elham or Lyminge.
Elham also has a fascinating Elham Valley Railway Museum, which tells the story of the area’s former railway line. The path in places follows the railway and you can still see where the railway tracks used to be.
9. Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk
The Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk is a scenic 27.5-mile (44 km) route that takes you through the lovely countryside around the historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Starting and ending in the elegant town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, famous for its Georgian architecture and historic spa, the circular walk winds its way through a diverse landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tranquil valleys.
The route passes through the village of Pembury with picture perfect green and traditional oast houses; the historic village of Southborough, with an impressive 18th-century church; and the peaceful hamlet of Speldhurst. There are also great views as you walk through Bidborough.
You will also walk around the Salomons Estate, a Victorian mansion set in beautiful gardens; the 15th-century Groombridge Place, with moated manor house; and the fascinating High Rocks formed from a sandstone, which become a popular tourist attraction in the 19th century.
10. Eden Valley Walk
The Eden Valley Walk is a delightful 15-mile (24 km) linear route that takes you through the lovely countryside of West Kent, following the River Eden.
The walk starts just outside Edenbridge and finishes in Tonbridge, where you can carry on walking on the Medway Valley Walk, Wealdway or Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk.
Along the way, you will walk through pretty Kentish villages, but also some amazing castles, such as Hever Castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. There is another castle at Chiddingstone village, that also has stunning Tudor houses and medieval manor house and gardens at Penshurst.
11. Way of St Augustine (Augustine Camino)
The Augustine Camino is a relatively new long-distance walking route that is approximately 70 miles (113 km) long. The trail is named after St. Augustine, who was sent by Pope Gregory the Great to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in the late 6th century and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
The walk begins at the historic Rochester Cathedral, a site of Christian worship that dates back to the 7th century. From there, the route heads east through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing through lovely villages, rolling farmland, and woodlands before reaching the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of Bishop of Canterbury.
Along the way, you can learn more about the Kent’s religious history as you walk through Aylesford Priory , which was originally founded in the 13th century by the Carmelite order.
You will also see the historic town of Faversham with the Britain’s oldest brewery and a medieval market; and the village of Chilham, with pretty square, 15th-century castle, and ancient church. The walk will take you to the seaside town of Ramsgate, where St. Augustine is believed to have first landed in England in 597 AD.
12. Medway Valley Walk
The Medway Valley Walk is about 28-mile (45 km) long and it follows the River Medway. The walk starts from the historic town of Tonbridge with 11th-century castle and then continues through East Peckham and Wateringbury to Maidstone and then finishes in Rochester, where you can follow the Augustine Camino Walk to get to the Meadway estuary.
Along the way, you can also visit the fascinating Teapot Island that has the world’s largest collection of teapots; the impressive Allington Castle, a 12th-century manor house set in stunning gardens; and the charming medieval town of West Malling, which has lovely arts galleries.
13. Royal Military Canal
The Royal Military Canal is a fascinating 28-mile (45 km) long waterway that runs from Hythe to Cliff End close to Rye in East Sussex. This impressive building project of early 19th-century engineering was originally constructed as a defensive measure against the threat of Napoleon’s invasion, but today it’s used as a path for walkers and cyclists.
The path follows the canal through Romney Marsh, which is an interesting landscape of flat, open fields with little villages such as Appledore, farms and churches.
The canal path is also great for cyclists, as it’s fairly flat and level path, although sometimes it can be a bit narrow in places.
14. The Viking Coastal Trail
The Viking Coastal Trail is a 32-mile (51 km) circular walking and cycling route that takes you around the coastline of the Isle of Thanet.
The path starts in seaside town of Margate and then continues along the coast. You will also walk through Broadstairs, which was once a favourite holiday place of Charles Dickens and you can find out more about his stays in the town at local Dickens House Museum. Next the path takes you to harbour town of Ramsgate, where you can explore the Ramsgate Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used as air-raid shelters during World War II. Beyond Ramsgate, you will also walk through Pegwell Bay Country Park, where Vikings first landed in Britain.
Most of the way the Viking Coastal Trail is also used by the longer England Coast Path, but the Viking Coastal Trail will eventually take you inland and back up to Margate.
15. Wealdway
The Wealdway is a long-distance walking path that spans approximately 82 miles (132 km) through the picturesque countryside of Kent and East Sussex, England. About half of the trail is in Kent and half is in East Sussex.
The Wealdway starts in Gravesend, Kent, on the south bank of the River Thames, and winds its way southeast through the Weald, a historic area known for iron production and agriculture.
On the way you will also visit the Coldrum Stones Long Barrow, follow the course of river Meadway to Tonbridge, skirt around Royal Tunbridge Wells and then walk through the Ashfield Forest, which was the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood to Uckfield, before finishing in Eastbourne.
16. Len Valley Walk
The Len Valley Walk is a delightful path that can be walked in just one day, as it’s only about 12 miles (19 km) long. It follows the course of the River Len from the historic town of Maidstone and the county town of Kent.
As you walk along the Len Valley Walk, you’ll see the 14th-century Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, the scenic Mote Park with large lake, pretty village of Bearsted with charming green and several historic buildings.
The walk continues through the attractive village of Hollingbourne, with Norman church and traditional pub, before ending in the market town of Lenham.
The River Len is a perfect habitat for kingfishers, herons, and water voles, as well as a variety of butterflies and dragonflies.
17. 1066 Harold’s Way
The 1066 Harold’s Way is a fascinating long-distance walking route that stretches for approximately 100 miles (160 km) through the beautiful countryside of Kent and East Sussex. It’s a relatively new path, which was established in 2013. The path is named after the famous King Harold Godwinson, who marched his army along this route from London to Battle, East Sussex, where he fought and died in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The walk begins at Westminster Abbey in central London, where Harold was crowned king on January 6, 1066. From there, the route heads southeast through the suburbs of London, following the River Thames before crossing into the green countryside of Kent.
Along the way, you will pass through historic towns and villages such as Dartford, Rochester or Maidstone.
Continuing into East Sussex, the 1066 Harold’s Way passes through the town of Battle, where the famous battle took place, and ends at Battle Abbey, which was built by William the Conqueror to commemorate his victory.
18. Hoo Peninsula Way
The Hoo Peninsula Way is about 50 miles (80 km) long path through the Hoo Peninsula, which is between the Thames and Medway estuaries.
The walk begins in the historic town of Rochester and from there the route heads northeast across the peninsula, passing through marshlands, farmland, and coastal villages. The trail ends in Gravesend, on the south bank of the River Thames.
Along the way, you will walk through RSPB Northward Hill Nature Reserve, where you can see nightingales and marsh harriers and you can also make a slight detour to see the historic St James’ Church in Cooling, which features in Charles Dickens’ famous novel “Great Expectations”; and the Cliffe Pools Nature Reserve, which is great for wetland birds and a popular spot for birdwatching.
Other highlights of the Hoo Peninsula Way include the lovely village of High Halstow, with traditional oast houses and church; the Hoo Marina Park and the Hoo Fort, a historic coastal defense building dating back to the 1860s.
This walk can feel quite different to the others as it has quite a lot of industrial sites, such as the Kingsnorth Power Station and the Isle of Grain oil and gas terminal. But at the same time, the peninsula is home to a surprising variety of wildlife and natural habitats, so it’s still enjoyable path to walk.
19. Miner’s Way Trail
The Miner’s Way Trail is about 27 miles (43 km) circular trail close to Deal. The trail connects a lot of places with mining history in Kent and it’s a great way to learn about the industrial heritage of the area.
The route starts in the Sholden village, near Deal town, which was once the centre of the Kent Coalfield, one of the most important coal mining areas in South East England.
You can also start from the Betteshanger Country Park, which used to be colliery, but now it’s transformed into a nature reserve and visitor centre with restaurant and museum. Along the path you will also walk close to Tilmanstone Colliery, which closed in 1986 and the Elvington Colliery, another former coal mine that has been reclaimed by nature.
There are several mining villages on the trail, such as Aylesham, that has been built specifically for the miners in the 1920s, but also historic vilages such as Northbourne, Eastry, and Woodnesborough.
20. Canterbury Outer Ring Walk
The Canterbury Outer Ring Walk is a circular trail that’s about 35 miles (56 km) long and takes you around the outskirts of the historic city of Canterbury.
The walk can be started and finished at any point along the route, but it makes sense to begin or end your journey at Canterbury Cathedral in the centre of Canterbury.
As you walk the Canterbury Outer Ring, you’ll pass through several charming villages including Fordwich (England’s smallest town), Littlebourne, Bekesbourne, and Patrixbourne. You’ll see the beautiful River Stour at various points, and might spot local wildlife in the water meadows.
The path will also take you through traditional Kentish orchards filled with apple and cherry trees, and past hop fields. The route passes near Howletts Wild Animal Park, though you’ll need to detour to visit. You’ll also cross the North Downs Way and walk alongside sections of the Great Stour Way.
21. Wantsum Walk
The Wantsum Walk is about 25 miles (40 km) long walk that follows the course of the ancient Wantsum Channel, a once-navigable waterway that separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland until it silted up in the late Middle Ages.
The walk begins in the seaside town of Herne Bay with a pretty Victorian seafront and historic pier. From there, the trail heads east along the coast with great views of the Thames Estuary and the Isle of Sheppey, before turning inland and following the course of the former Wantsum Channel.
Along the way you will walk through the Reculver Country Park with impressive ruins of the 12th-century Reculver Church and the remains of a Roman fort; the picturesque village of St.Nicholas at Wade or Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, a wetland habitat that is home to a wide variety of birdlife, including marsh harriers, bitterns, and bearded tits.
This blog post was originally published on 12 June 2025 and last updated on 12 June 2025
