Tag Archives: leisure

Camber and Dungeness, Kent

We drove to sandy Camber late on a Saturday and got there just as many were leaving. Still it was busy and we parked just past Camber village on the side of the road. It’s a bit pebbley but the water’s edge is sandy so Couscous went wild. We then drove round to Dungeness which has a lovely, cosy feel. There is a path over the reserve area to allow the sea cabbages to grow. It’s very stoney so we didn’t go past the end of the path. I have been told that if you leave your car there it may be broken into – as you have to walk some distance to get to the water so cars aren’t ‘supervised’. You’d be ok on weekends but out of season may be different.

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  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – no
  • Toilets – yes
  • Café – yes
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    Sutton Valence, Kent

    Sutton Valence is a small, historical village near Maidstone. There are the remains of a castle which are open to the public (free). We parked in the village (very picturesque – so good to take visitors to if you want to show them an English village that isn’t touristy) then walked round to the castle and continued round the block. There appears to be an area/field/wood to walk the dog in which is on the right hand side as you return to the village – follow the stair where you see a dog poo bin. We went from here to Mote Park – a good combination.

    sutton

  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – no
  • Toilets – no
  • Café/pub – yes
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    Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent

    This country park is at the edge of Maidstone so driving there feels like you are in suburbia but once you’re there you feel removed from any residential vibe. A big park with a lake and surrounding areas. The paths are wide and well kept. When we went it was a sunny day and very busy but we didn’t feel crowded in. A large party was on one bit of the lake side (with bungy jump) and almost everyone had a dog. There seems to be a more wooded area on the other side so we will try one of the other car park areas next time.

    mote

  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – no
  • Toilets – yes
  • Café – yes
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    Epple Bay, Kent

    There is a concrete path by the sea from Grenham Bay to Epple Bay and once you get to Epple Bay (quite small but sandy) dogs are allowed on the sand all year round. Further round towards Westgate on Sea dogs are not allowed on the sand in the summer but, again, there is a concrete path to wander along. You can park along the road at Grenham Bay. It is a weird walk but I liked it. It’s as though there were fortifications that are now disbanded so it has a rough appeal. We walked back around the houses with ease.

    See Couscous play on the beach – click here for a small video.

    epple-map

  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – no
  • Toilets – no
  • Café – no
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    Dryhill Park, Kent

    Created from an old quarry this park has varied landscapes –grassy picnic areas, flat woodland and hilly woodland. Near Emmett’s Garden and Chartwell. Only place we have seen a sign warning you of dog knapping.

    mapo

  • OK after wet weather – no
  • Parking fee – no
  • Toilets – no
  • Café – no
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    White Horse Park, Kent

    We visited this park a few years ago with Couscous when she was still a youngster. This time the GPS took us to a dead end (private land next to the car park but with no way to get to it). This week, for my volunteer work at Shorne Woods, I was given a year’s parking pass for Kent County parks – and we end up parking on the side of the road. The top end of Castle Hill road is now blocked off so I assume you get to the car park via the A249 only. There is a wonderful view over the Downs, evidence of an Iron Age settlement and the remains of the medieval castle of Thurnham.

    whorse-map

  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – yes
  • Toilets – no
  • Café – no
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    Camer Park, Kent, this spring

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    Haysden Park, Kent

    Haysden Country Park is near Tonbridge. Most of it surrounds a length of the river Medway and includes Barden and Haysden lakes. There is a separate path for walkers and cyclists in some parts. There are flat paths in some areas but other areas might get too muddy after rain if you don’t have Wellington boots.

    haysden-map

  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – yes
  • Toilets – yes
  • Café – yes
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    Easter Sunday at the Cobham Mausoleum, Kent

    Grubby dog

    Grubby dog

    During a walk to the Mausolem.

    We realised today that the Mausoleum would be a good place to retreat to if the zombie hoards were on the march.

    Gravesend Promenade, Kent

    The car park is free on Sundays, so that’s when we usually go. You can walk through the park/heritage area, along the river and behind the old warehouses. You can keep walking through the industrial area to meet up the canal. At this point turn left if you want to continue along the Saxon Shore Way. The Canal Tavern, back near the yachting area, has a pool table and allows dogs.

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  • OK after wet weather – yes
  • Parking fee – yes/no
  • Toilets – yes
  • Café – yes
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