This scenic circular walk from the picturesque village of Wye, surrounded by farmland and the Kent Downs offers a perfect mix of ancient woodland, dramatic chalk landscapes, and far-reaching countryside views. Starting gently through the peaceful Beech Wood Path, you’ll pass under tall beech and ancient ash trees, entering the heart of the Wye National Nature Reserve — a haven of rare chalk grassland filled with wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.
The trail then climbs to the awe-inspiring Devil’s Kneading Trough, a steep-sided dry valley cut into the chalk escarpment that characterises the hills of the Downs. This stunning valley was formed during the last ice age and has over 20 orchid species that are protected on this calcareous grassland habitat. From here, the views stretch across the Stour Valley and, on a clear day, to the coast. Continuing across the rolling Broad Downs, you’ll experience the open beauty of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
As the path winds back toward Wye, you’ll pass the Millennium Stone, before reaching the iconic Wye Crown — a striking chalk carving created in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII. The Wye Crown Viewpoint offers one of the best panoramas in southeast England, with stunning views back over the village and surrounding countryside.
### Highlights:
🌳 Beech Wood Path – Serene woodland trail with ancient beech and ash trees
🌿 Wye National Nature Reserve – Rare chalk grassland habitat rich in wildlife
⛰️ Devil’s Kneading Trough – Spectacular dry valley with far-reaching views
🌾 Broad Downs – Open downland within the Kent Downs AONB
🪨 Millennium Stone – Landmark commemorating the year 2000
👑 Wye Crown Viewpoint – Iconic chalk crown with panoramic views
🌄 Stour Valley Views – Expansive vistas over Kent’s rural heartland
🏘️ Village of Wye – Historic and charming base for the circular route
We’ll wrap up our hike in Wye. Everyone’s welcome to join for a relaxed tea or a pub stop (BYOD) before we catch the train back to London.
Meeting Point & Time: London Bridge Rail Station near ticket office at 08:25 am.
Train: 08:43 am London Bridge, arriving at Wye at 10:03 Journey time 1 hour 20 minutes. Buy a day return ticket to Wye on the day or in advance. 1/3rd off for railcard and group save(minimum 3 people).
Hike Starts: Wye at 10:05 am
Hike Finishes: Wye at Approx. 16:00
Length: 18 Kms, Hiking time: Approx. 5 hours. Grade: Easy/Moderate, Ascent: 290m
Cost: £10, which covers the organiser fee (train tickets and any other charges not included)
Hike Leader: Raj 07788839784
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, Weather-appropriate clothing. Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water at least one litre.
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