Canterbury to Chartham Walk
This is a popular walk from Canterbury to the nearby village of Chartham. The route uses a waymarked footpath along the River Great Stour to take you to the pretty village which is located about 4 miles to the west of the city. There's lovely countryside views, a series of pretty lakes and lots of pretty orchards to see on the way.
The walk starts in the city centre next to the famous cathedral. From here you can pick up the Stour Valley Walk and follow it north through the city to the river. Here you'll enter the lovely Westgate Gardens which are the perfect place for a stroll in the city centre. It is situated alongside Westgate Towers, the city’s 600-year-old gatehouse, and has been a public open space since the Middle Ages, making it one of England’s oldest parks.
The waymarked trail then heads west through the park, before passing Bingley's Island, Tonford Manor, Tonford Lake and Swan Lake. Shortly after you come into Chartham itself. The village is very picturesque with a weir and a 19th century corn mill by the river. At the end of the walk you can catch the train directly back to Canterbury or return on the same paths on foot if you prefer.
Just before you reach Chartham you can take a small detour from the route to visit the Larkeyvalley Nature Reserve. There's some nice woodland footpaths here with lots of interesting flora and fauna to see too. To extend the walk continue west along the Stour Valley Walk to village Chilham with its pretty lakes and old watermill.
You could also visit the ancient woodland and fine viewpoint at Perry Woods here.
Canterbury to Chartham Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Canterbury to Chartham Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Canterbury to Chartham Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Canterbury to Chartham Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
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.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Canterbury Cathedral: West Front, Nave and Central Tower. Seen from south.
River Stour in Canterbury
Tonford Manor from the Stour Valley Walk. King Henry VIII stayed here with Catherine of Aragon for 3 days. The present house is built into the old walls of the former 15th century house.
Footpath junction near Tonford manor Footpaths running through extensive orchards.
The River Stour near Chartham Corn Mill. Seen from a footbridge over the weir leading from the converted mill to fields opposite. The River Stour leads towards Canterbury from Wye.
Chartham Corn Mill and Weir footbridge. The Corn Mill on the A28 Ashford Road was built in the mid 19th century on the site of a much larger mill which was destroyed by fire. The mill and surrounding buildings have been restored and a residential development has been completed. The mill can be reached by following the Public Rights of Way, which also lead over the footbridge over the River Great Stour