Sole Street & Cobham Woods – Kent Downs Circular Walk – 16.3 km
Details
Join us for a beautiful circular walk through the Kent Downs AONB, starting from the peaceful village station of Sole Street. This scenic route explores ancient woodland, rolling farmland, and charming Kent villages, offering variety, interest, and a lovely day out in the countryside.
Start/Finish: Sole Street Station, Kent
Distance: 16.3 km Time: Approx. 6 hrs including breaks
Total Ascent: 340 m
Grade: 2.5 – Moderate–Challenging
Start Time: 9:00 am
End Time: ~3:00 pm (Approx)
Cost: - £12.50 pp plus meetup fees or Pay by CARD
We begin by heading towards the historic village of Cobham, with a gentle warm-up through fields and country lanes before entering Cobham Woods, a peaceful National Trust woodland known for its ancient trees and atmospheric trails. It’s a lovely place to slow the pace, enjoy birdsong, and soak up the woodland scenery.
Leaving the woods, we continue across the Kent Downs, passing through Luddesdown and nearby hamlets with rolling green valleys and classic rural landscapes. Expect a few steady climbs and descents along the way, rewarded with scenic viewpoints and plenty of variety underfoot. The final stretch takes us back via woodland and field paths, returning to Sole Street Station.
Highlights:
- Cobham Woods – Beautiful ancient woodland with calm, leafy trails. - Kent Downs AONB
– Classic rolling countryside and far-reaching views.
- Rural Village Charm
– Cobham, Luddesdown and picture-perfect Kent hamlets.
- Varied Terrain – A balanced mix of woodland, fields, valleys and gentle hills.
What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.
Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation s not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)
Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.
Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.
Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.
Our events are advertised on other platforms, the number of "guest" booked on include attendees from other platforms. If the walk is full, you can join the website waiting list here
Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at[ https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1)
Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs
Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs.