Sunday 26 May 2013

Parkland Trail around Scotney Castle, near Lamberhurst, Kent


For a two-mile stroll through picturesque Kent countryside, locate the "Estate Walks" sign next to Scotney Castle's car park. Then follow the blue signs (the Parkland Trail) across the rolling fields, over bridges and stiles, past venerable old trees and through flocks of sheep. Early in the walk, you'll get a fine view of the crumbling castle, framed by the gardens and the brooding Victorian House on the hill above. Eventually, the blue arrows direct you up round the back of the estate and down to the car park. Try to do this walk around 5pm in the summer when the crowds have gone and Scotney Castle is at its most serene. 8/10