Scenic Green Trail Section 5

This 7.6 km linear walk through the Kent countryside links a string of village landmarks with quiet stretches of ancient woodland. Setting off near The Cock Horse Inn, the route passes the parish church of St Mary the Virgin and the Butchers Block at the Bell before heading out into the fields.

From there the path slips into Pope's Wood and Grove Wood, two pockets of mixed broadleaf woodland that are particularly lovely in spring and autumn. The trail then drops into Vinters Valley Nature Reserve, a peaceful green corridor of ponds, meadows and woodland on the edge of Maidstone, before climbing gently to finish at Penenden Heath.

With only around 85 m of ascent spread across the route, it is a manageable half-day outing, though a few short rises and woodland paths earn it a moderate grade. If you want to extend the day, Lower Fullingpits Wood, Honeyhills Wood and Gore Wood lie close by, and refreshments can be found at The Early Bird or The Black Horse Inn near the finish.