A Land for all Seasons A RURAL TOUR ON THE DOWNS faversham.org/walking Sheldwich – Selling – Perry Wood – BadleSMERE Crops Nouveau . CUTTING EDGE AGRICULTURE The area’s impressive Lees Court Estate has been farmed by the Sondes family for 800 years. You pass much of the estate’s extensive 4,500 acres in A rural tour on and around Sheldwich and Badlesmere. As well as traditional cereals, the estate grows non-food crops, such as marigolds and linseed, for industrial oils the Downs and skin care products. Explore one of Kent’s most picturesque and appealing farming landscapes; nestling in the chalk slopes of the North Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Garden of England. “Love is a fruit in season at Your Land for All Seasons walk takes you through spring meadows grazed by dairy all times, and in reach of herds, sun-drenched fields of marigolds in summer, abundant orchards in autumn and every hand.” ancient woodlands alive with wildfowl in winter. Whatever the time of year, you’ll be captivated by the tranquil beauty of this remote Mother Teresa of Calcutta rural haven, where rolling countryside is studded only by sleepy villages, historic churches, hop gardens and tractors at work in the fields and orchards. Rural retreat… Setting out from the picture-postcard village of Sheldwich, where the crack of leather on willow rings out in summer from its cricket pitch, you’ll pass stunning homes as you PERRY WOOD PANORAMA make your way deep into farming country. Through cornfields and along country lanes, discover remote hamlets and the farms that work these fertile downland foothills. You’ll pass hops in the hedgerows and apple orchards as you reach Saffrey Farm, where seasonal fruit and vegetables, such as asparagus, winter cabbage and squashes, are grown for the area’s acclaimed chefs. Then, as you travel into open countryside, with sheep grazing on the surrounding slopes, you pass fields where crops, such as linseed, are harvested. Calendula (marigolds), for skin care products, and the bright blue Echium plant, rich in Omega 3, are among Historic Perry Wood is a truly unique other novel crops you will see - providing a modern-day twist on the traditional crops place, covered by 150 acres of mature grown in the area . trees and glades alive with heathland Then it’s on to scenic Selling, where the parish church greets you at the mouth of the wildlife amid the rolling North Downs. village. This glorious building has links to the Battle of Trafalgar and an ancient bier Part of the Kent Downs Area of house, where bodies once laid in rest before burial. Outstanding Natural Beauty, the wood is set aside for nature lovers and walkers. Catch up on the fascinating history of the village with locals at The White Lion pub, The delightful woodland attracts a wide where you can try Faversham-brewed Shepherd Neame ales, sit among hop bines in its variety of wildlife, from birds such as remarkable garden and enjoy an inspired menu of produce from the area. nightjars and woodpeckers to foxes, Apple and pear orchards line your route as you make your way to Perry Wood – home badgers and many insects. Walkers to a suspected Roman encampment and with panoramic views of the surrounding might also spot the heathers that cling farmland from The Pulpit, some 500 feet above sea level. to some of the wood’s steep slopes and its jutting mounds of pebbles and sand. Tucked away in the woods, you’ll discover the 16th century Rose and Crown, the perfect place for walkers to relax in the garden on Discover the area’s rich history by using a wealth of footpaths leading a warm summer’s day or by a fire in the snug on a crisp to a suspected Roman encampment, winter’s afternoon. The award-winning pub offers real Windmill Bank, once graced by flour ales and local fruit juices alongside a hearty choice mills, and one of the area’s highest of traditional favourites. vantage points, The Pulpit. Elevated The next steps on your seasonal stroll take you above the tree tops, the famous through woods and farmland to a rolling valley platform offers unparalleled, panoramic of lush grass grazed by one of Kent’s last views of this unspoilt and deeply rural part of the North Downs. remaining milking herds. Owned by Swale Borough Council, the The dairy farm is a short distance away along wood has recently been the scene of a lane teeming with game birds as you climb fascinating community archaeological to idyllic Badlesmere, with its historic church events run by the Mid Kent Downs and farmhouse. Countryside Partnership and the Then it’s back to Sheldwich on the last stretch Trust for Thanet Archaeology that are of your walk through unspoilt scenery, which helping to piece together its ancient is certain to whet your appetite for a longer and enigmatic history. stay in this productive and diverse farming landscape. Step by step WALKING GUIDE Planning Your Walk Feel free to start your walk at any point: as this is a circular walk where you can use the car parks and enjoy refreshments at the you’ll always return to where you began. We have included end of your walk. detours for those that wish to take this walk at a more leisurely If not arriving by car, there are mainline stations at Selling and pace and there are pubs offering a refreshing break along the Faversham, with local buses to Sheldwich and Badlesmere. way. There are no public toilets, but you can use the facilities at the There are several places to leave your vehicle if you are arriving pubs on this route. by car, including Sheldwich Lees, Sheldwich church and Perry Use our directory to find a list of local accommodation, food Wood. Alternatively, you may like to start your walk at The producers, retailers and restaurants. Also, check out the wealth White Lion in Selling or The Rose and Crown at Perry Wood, of additional information at Faversham.org/walking. SHELDWICH TO SELLING A2. Turn right at country lane, skirted on either side by fields, with Lees Court The White Lion A1. From Sheldwich Lees walk by Estate and Gosmere Farm on your left. cricket ground towards the Ashford The Lees Court Estate grows non-food Road. Turn right into Hunters Way crops for skin care products, such as and continue on bridleway, following marigolds, which you may see in the path through arable fields. Here you’ll fields around you. Look out for the dates catch views of The Swale, Sheldwich on properties you pass in the tiny hamlet church on your left, and an oasthouse ahead. Turn left at junction opposite on the horizon to your right – a lasting postbox in wall, following signpost to reminder of the area’s hop growing Boughton and Hernhill. You’ll notice history. hops and berries in the hedgerow, in season, and abundant orchards. Fine The White Lion at Selling sources its Village gems … views across rolling countryside greet ingredients from the surrounding area you on your right as you make your way and cooks everything from fresh on the premises. SERMONS IN STONES through these foothills of the North Downs. As well as traditional meals, such as steak from Brogdale Farm and home- A3. With Owens Court Farm on your baked ham, egg and chips, the pub’s left, turn right at junction and follow Fuggles Fish Restaurant serves local public right of way to Saffrey Farm. catch at weekends. Favourites include There’s a chance to buy local fruit and Dover Sole, brill and cod. Delicious vegetables at the farm, which supplies desserts range from brulee to satisfying restaurants, pubs and shops in the steamed treacle pudding. area. Take path ahead at way-marker Warren and his wife Isaura look forward as path bends left to apple orchards. to serving you with food and beers from Your walk is blessed by some of Continue on path flanked by open the nearby Shepherd Neame brewery the county’s most beautiful parish countryside and farm buildings to road. from noon to 3pm and 6 to 11pm weekdays, noon to 11pm Saturdays, churches. Cross straight over, following bridleway and noon to 10pm Sundays. St Mary the Virgin at Selling (settlement opposite into wood. Pass through in the woods) was first mentioned garden of house in front of you and turn in 1054, when it was granted to the right on to lane. Take bridleway on your by the gate, used as a mortuary until Benedictine Abbey of St Augustine, right uphill through woods. Continue on 1939. Turn left at crossroads. Turn left Canterbury. The St Mary’s you see through arable fields to gate, keeping at next T-junction and walk past apple today is based on a larger replacement hedgerow on your right. orchards on your right to The White Lion from 1190 and boasts a 14th century pub on your left. This Shepherd Neame bier house – used as a mortuary until SELLING TO PERRY WOOD pub is a great place to enjoy a break, 1939 - and a two-seater privy in its local food and the many beers brewed grounds! Its majestic medieval north A4. Pass through gate and turn right, in nearby Faversham. Continue on this window was reinstated in the 1940s following road downhill into Selling. If after being discovered behind a wall it’s open, do take a look around St Mary road, passing cricket ground on your in the church, and until recently two the Virgin church.