Walks
The unheralded delights of the Greensand Way
The Greensand Way is perhaps one of South East England’s most unheralded walks of beauty.
The 108-mile trail is named after a sandstone ridge, which crosses Hampshire, Surrey and Kent – one of a series of ridges running west to east across south-east England – and offers rural charm, peaceful hilltops and inspiring views.
Few places illustrate the glories of the Greensand Way more than Linton, a village south of Maidstone.
Round in a circle A circular walk beginning and ending at the centre of the village is the best way to explore this part of the Greensand Way. It takes in Linton Park House and Boughton Monchelsea Place before returning to Linton Church.
Distance: Four miles Time: Two-and-a-half hours
Terrain: Mainly arable and pastures on paths with some road sections.
Stiles/gates/steps: Eight stiles, two sets of steps.
Step count: About 8,400 Parking: Church car park; free to use.
Village on a slope Linton is located on the southward slope of the Greensand ridge, which explains the steepness of the hill for users of the A229 Maidstone to Hastings road. The name Linton comes from old English, probably meaning Lilla's village. The 13th century church of St Nicholas contains an interesting and varied collection of monuments, including some by EH Baily, who sculpted the figure of Nelson in Trafalgar Square.
Opposite the church is The Bull, a pub that offers panoramic views of the Weald of Kent.
Linton House Linton House Park is a Grade I listed mansion to the east of the village. Built by Robert Mann in the 1730s on the site of Capell Court, it was later home to Sir Horatio Mann, the fourth and fifth Earls Cornwallis and Fiennes Cornwallis, 1st Baron Cornwallis. The house served as the headquarters in 1778-9 for more than 11,000 soldiers camping out between Coxheath and Boughton Monchelsea ready to repel a French invasion.
St Peter’s Church Far-reaching views open up as you follow the route alongside St Peter’s Church, near Boughton Monchelsea. The lynch gate to the church was constructed, without nails, in 1470 and is believed to be the second oldest in the country.
Boughton
Monchelsea Place Standing in 165 acres of grounds, this Elizabethan stone-built manor boasts its own lake, deer park and woodland. Fallow deer have wandered in here for more than 300 years.
Walk is provided by Explore Kent. For information, log on to
www.kent.gov.uk/leisure
Linton has an active walking group that meets every week, almost throughout the year.
On each Thursday morning there is a walk, typically from a pub or village within five miles of Linton, for between three and four miles. There is also a full programme of evening walks every Tuesday. By the end of December there will have been 75 of these weekly walks in 2013.
THE BULL INN
• Panoramic views over the weald • Perfect wedding or venue location • A variety of Kentish ale’s • Extensive Wine list • Sunday & Thursday Carvery • Function Room • A La Carte restaurant plus good pub food
Opening times Mon-Sat 11-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm. Food served Sun-Sat 12-9pm Linton Hill, Linton, Nr Maidstone ME17 4AW 01622 743612
www.thebullatlinton.co.uk Mid Kent Living 17
WALKING GROUP
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