Goudhurst Walks
This pretty Kent based village is located in a fine spot in the Weald. The elevated settlement commands fine views over the area and also includes a picturesque village pond, rows of ancient cottages and a noteworthy 14th century church.
This walk from the village takes you to the neigbouring villages of Horsmonden and Brenchley. The route follows a pleasant countryside section of the High Weald Landscape Trail which runs right through the village. It finishes with a small climb to a splendid viewpoint in Brenchley.
The walk starts in the village centre and follows the waymarked trail north west along a country lane. You'll pass Trottenden Farm, Smallbridge, Lordship Wood and Parsonage Wood before coming to Rectory Park. Head north past the park and it's small lake and you will come to Hazel Street and the Sprivers Mansion. This Grade II listed Georgian country house is now a popular wedding venue.
The walk continues north past Horsmonden and the pretty Furnace Pond on the edge of Shirrenden Wood. From here you head north west past Palmer's Green before coming into Brenchley. Here you can climb to a lovely viewpoint just to the north of the village. At this scenic spot you can enjoy a rest on one of the benches while enjoying fine views over the Medway valley around Paddock Wood. The route then heads into Brenchley where you can enjoy refreshments at one of the pubs or cafes.
Goudhurst Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Goudhurst Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Goudhurst OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Goudhurst Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Peacock Inn in Goudhurst is a good option for some post walk refreshments. The pub does good food and has a lovely large garden area where you can relax on warmer days. You can find them at postcode TN17 2PB. There's also the Goudhurst Inn where they serve particularly delicious pizzas. They also have a fine patio area for the summer. They are located on Cranbrook Road at postcode TN17 1DX for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The country and woodland trails on the route are a fine one to do with your dog. Both the pubs mentioned above are also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To extend your walking in the area visit the nearby village of Cranbrook where you can enjoy a walk to the historic Sissinghurst Castle. Just to the south there's the National Trust's Scotney Castle where there's beautiful grounds and gardens. Near here you can pick up the historic Lamberhurst Walk which visits the noteworthy Bayham Old Abbey. The site is run by English Heritage and includes substantial ruins dating back to the 13th century.
The woodland trails at Bedgebury Forest and the lakeside path at Bewl Water are other local highlights.
For more walking ideas in the area see the High Weald Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Goudhurst Village Pond
St Mary's church was at the centre of the battle between the Goudhurst Band of Militia and the Hawkhurst Gang of smugglers on April 20 1747. There was a smuggler's tunnel between the church and the neighbouring Star and Eagle Inn.
Sprivers House. A georgian house and garden one the route near Horsmonden.
Finchcocks, Goudhurst, Kent. In 1970 Finchcocks was acquired by Richard Burnett, leading exponent of the early piano, and it now contains his magnificent collection of some eighty historical keyboard instruments: chamber organs, harpsichords, virginals, spinets and early pianos. About half of these are restored to full concert condition and are played whenever the house is open to the public. Finchcocks is a fine Georgian baroque manor noted for its outstanding brickwork, with a dramatic front elevation attributed to Thomas Archer. Named after the family who lived on the site in the 13th century, the present house was built in 1725 for barrister Edward Bathurst, kinsman to Earl Bathurst. Despite having changed hands many times, the house has undergone remarkably little alteration and retains most of its original features.
Footbridge in Rectory Park. This bridge is on the High Weald Landscape Trail (long distance path) from Rectory Park Road towards Hazel Street. It leads over a stream leading to Boat House Pond from Parsonage Wood.
Furnace Pond: Horsmonden's 17th century iron foundry. The head of water from this 16 acre lake once powered the giant hammer of John Browne's forge, the flames of which could be "seen about the country at 10 miles distance". With the abundance of iron ore in the local clay and of wood to fuel the blast furnace, Horsmonden in 1613 had 200 men employed in its iron foundry under John Browne. Such was Browne's skill in casting and proving guns that he was later granted a monopoly as "Gunfounder for the King's Service". In 1638 Charles I himself was here to watch a gun being cast. Browne also supplied guns to the Dutch, at that time the greatest sea power. Then, on the arrival of Cromwell and the Commonwealth, he was quick to switch his allegiance and was casting guns for Parliament until his death in 1651. When this former King's Gunfounder was buried, an impressive alabaster and black marble monument was erected to him in Horsmonden parish church 917323. But it stands there no longer. A 19th century Rector, an ardent Royalist, could not abide to see a memorial in his church to a man who had turned his coat for Cromwell, and removed it!
Central Brenchley. The east range of the Tudor Old Palace contains apartments and the Post Office. In the background is an old oasthouse, also converted into a home.
Viewpoint near Brenchley