Charing Walks
This circular walk explores the countryside around the Kent village of Charing. The historic settlement is a fine place to start a walk with lots of trails taking you into the surrounding countryside of the Kent Downs. The village itself is also very interesting with an old windmill, a 14th century church and the 13th century Archbishop's Palace to see.
The walk starts in the village where you can pick up the North Downs Way and follow the waymarked footpath south east past Dencher Wood and the woodland around Westwell Downs. You then come to Dunn Street where you turn south to visit the neighbouring village of Westwell. There's a picturesque old mill here with a waterwheel and pretty mill pond.
The route then heads west along Westwell Lane where you could take a detour south to visit the nearby Hothfield Common. There's some nice trails here including the Greensand Way which runs through the area. This walk continues west past Lacton Manor before passing the remains of the Archbishop's Palace. The ancient site is said to contain the stone on which John the Baptist was beheaded. From here it is a short walk to return to Charing where the walk finishes by visiting the picturesque old windmill to the north of the village.
Charing Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Charing Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Charing OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Charing Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Charing
- Hothfield Common - This area of common land is located near Ashford in the Kent Downs AONB
- Greensand Way - The Greensand Way runs from Haslemere in Surrey to Hamstreet in Kent following the ridge of greensand rock that crosses the two counties
- Pluckley - Explore the countryside associated with the 'Darling Buds of May' on this walk around the village of Pluckley
- Greensand Way - The Greensand Way runs from Haslemere in Surrey to Hamstreet in Kent following the ridge of greensand rock that crosses the two counties
- Stour Valley Walk - Follow the River Stour from its source near Lenham to the estuary at Pegwell Bay on the Kent coast
- Ashford - This Kent town is ideally positioned for walkers on the edge of the Kent Downs and the North Downs
- Pilgrims Way - Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who followed this ancient track from Winchester in Hampshire, to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury in Kent
- Lenham - This Kent based village has some fine walking trails on which to explore the North Downs and the lovely Stour Valley countryside
- Eastwell Park Lake - This walk visits the Eastwell Park Estate in Boughton Lees in Kent
Pubs/Cafes
The Waggon and Horses is a great choice for some post walk refreshment. They serve high quality dishes which you can enjoy in the lovely large garden area. You can find them on Faversham Rd, TN27 0NR.
Dog Walking
The woodland and country trails make for a fine dog walk. The Waggon and Horses pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
At Westwell you could continue along the North Downs Way to Eastwell Park where there's a pretty lake and the remains of the old St Mary's Church to see.
The village is also on the epic Pilgrims Way. Head west and you could visit the neighbouring village of Lenham. The worthy settlement includes a pretty square and a historic high street with a number of listed buildings. There's also a Grade I listed Tithe Barn, an early 1600s pub and a notable 14th century church to investigate.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Kent Downs Walks page.
Photos
Charing Windmill. Perched on the top of the North Downs
St Peter's Church, Market Place, Charing, Kent Grade I listed . The church's west tower was built in the 14th century, though most of the rest of the building was reconstructed following a catastrophic fire in the 16th century. The church contains a number of memorials to the Dering family, a branch of the Dering family of Surrenden Dering, Pluckley, Kent.
Charing Village Centre. The lane, Pilgrims Court, is redolent of supposed passing traffic on the "Pilgrims Way" to Canterbury.
Half-timbered Cottage. This mediaeval house is in the village's main street, The High.
Kissing Gate to Charing Alderbed Meadow. On the eastern side of the village.
The Mill House, Westwell. To the left of the weatherboarded section is the stream and water wheel. Grade II listed
North Downs Way between Charing - Westwell. The North Downs Way is the track on the right. It runs through woods along the North Downs escarpment
Archbishop's Palace, Charing. An important heritage site dating back to the eighth century, and one of the earliest to be owned by the see of Canterbury. The current palace dates back to the late thirteenth century with later additions and rebuilding, notably under Archbishop John Morton in the late fifteenth century who 'made great building at Charing'