August News

Circular walk from Appledore

Funnily enough I have had time to do more walks locally in the last few months than I have in the last 14 years of having lived in Appledore!

One of the favourites is the five mile walk that takes in part of the Saxon Shore Way and the Royal Military Canal.

The Saxon Shore Way runs from Gravesend to Hastings and is approximately 160 miles long. It follows what used to be the shoreline years ago. It gets its name from the fortifications that were built along the route by the Romans during the third century AD to keep the Saxon pirates at bay.

From Appledore Recreation Ground the Saxon Shore Way runs through the Gusbourne vineyards, which have expanded over the last years.

At the highest point of the first vineyard, Mill Hill, you get a great view of the local area. Just behind Mill Hill is the beacon which was erected in 2018 as the  last of the Battle’s Over celebrations marking the 100 year anniversary of the end of WW1. On it are plaques naming Appledore’s WW1 and WW2 fallen.

When you eventually reach Church Lane, benefitting from a lovely view of Warehorne, you follow this country lane down towards the Royal Military Canal.

You can walk on either of the banks of the Canal. The first on the right before the bridge is tree lined, and the second on the right after the bridge gives wider views of the canal.

The Royal Military Canal was dug to keep Napoleon out. It is 28 miles long and took 5 years to build (1804-1809).

You can access The Street from the canal walk via Old Way, itself part of the Saxon Shore Way.

Tracy Morgan

ALHS Member