Ashcha one

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I also walked this in two parts, first from Chilham to Ashford, then a little later from Chilham to Chartham. I did wonder why the route didn't just follow the North Downs Way, but this is a good alternative and I'd definitely recommend it, there was a good variation in the landscape to keep my interest. James Bradley's review is very comprehensive so I'll try not to repeat anything and will follow the order of his review.

As he said the route doesn't work leaving Ashford but that is specifically because there is no bridge where it crosses the Stour, hence you should follow his change. Later he couldn't find a path behind Great Bromley Farm, but this was no problem when the fields were down to stubble in February. I disturbed a small group of herons feeding here which wasn't good for them but did make quite a spectacle as they took off.

I did have a problem following the path across the fields south of Wye. A new crop was germinating but no path had been made and as the fields are so large and so flat there are few features to navigate by. I took a bearing using the GPS on my phone. It is a flood plain and had obviously been at best very waterlogged recently, so perhaps that explains it, but from the meandering footprints I came across walkers are potentially crushing the young crop across a wider area than if the path had been restored.

And like James I would thoroughly recommend taking the very small detour up the hill into Chilham village. The Woolpack Inn (which I recommend) is already on the route but you'd pass another pub, a tearoom, two shops and a pretty churchyard with benches. You can see into Chilham Castle and although it isn't open to visitors anymore the gardens are open on Saturdays in summer.

I didn't experience a problem around Mountain Street, or notice a missing sign there, but I did see my first lambs of the year. There are good views of Chilham Castle from around here too.

We walked this route in two stages, Ashford to Wye, and Chartham to Wye, so our review is in two parts. There are railway stations at Ashford, Wye, Chilham and Chartham (and then to Canterbury) which are convenient if you only want to walk part of the route; there is an hourly service. Overall the route is pleasant, and easy underfoot.
Ashford to Wye: Walked on a dry, sunny October day. The route is not particularly exciting as it is flat and goes across the flood plain, but it is pleasant enough with good views of the North Downs and Wye Crown. Basically you follow the Stour Valley path, so it is the best route for this stretch. Mostly it is easy to follow, using a combination of the SlowWays map and Stour Valley Walk signs but:
- It is slightly difficult to navigate out of Ashford. Leaving the station, use the SlowWays map to walk past the Stour Centre, and you will then pick up the Stour Valley signs. Then ignore the SlowWays map which takes you across the Civic Centre North Park, but go across the footbridge towards Mill Court and immediately turn left on the path by the East Stour River.
- The path behind Great Bromley Farm hardly exists so it is better to stay on Blackwell Road for that little stretch. Then head across the fields to the left as per the SlowWays map - the Stour Valley sign was missing at that point when we did the walk.
Chartham to Wye: We walked this in the opposite direction to arrive back at Wye. November and the weather was fine but there had previously been a lot of rain. Apart from one point (see below) the path was still in good condition. Starting from Chartham, the path initially follows the Stour Valley Walk, but then diverges to follow a good track by the railway line, thus avoiding a climb up onto the Downs. When you get to Chilham it is worth walking an extra 100 m up The Street to the very pretty old village, and then go down School Hill to pick up the SlowWays route again.
Be careful with navigation across the fields between Mountain Street and the A28, as a footpath sign is missing at one stile and if you don't bear right you can end up in a very wet flooded field, with no way to cross the river! Just before Godmersham you turn left up Eggarton Lane to pick up the Stour Valley Walk back to Wye.
There are alternatives eg keeping to the Stour Valley Walk, or using the North Downs Way but these would be more demanding, and the chosen route is fit for purpose.

Follows much of the Stour Valley Walk from Ashford via Wye, Crundale, Godmersham and Chilham. Generally pleasant, easy walking but one stile, a number of kissing gates, uneven ground through woodland and a couple of steep paths would restrict access to some. A couple of fallen trees have required temporary diversion routes to be created.
Ashford, Wye, Chilham and Chartham have reasonable bus and train connections as well as pubs and toilets. Food stores in Ashford and Wye.
A pleasant walk through the Stour Valley.
14.05.21.

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