Ashfav one

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I started the walk at a favoured spot in Faversham Rec- the beautiful bumblebee garden, which was buzzing with solitary bees exploring lavender and bellflowers. From there I bimbled across the long iron bridge which takes you over old railway storage sheds reclaimed by woodland, and the rail tracks beyond. There's then a short stretch of residential streets and alleyways; Faversham has some lovely old brick alleys, and these were overhanging with grapevines and passion flowers.

After crossing the A2, the route leads through soft fruit orchards lined with poplar windbreaks and mature hedgerows. These lead to a wooded path with some great tree tunnels, before a section along a quiet country lane towards Selling. From here the route turns South East across a wheat field where the footpath sign was completely hidden by hedgerow and the entrance overgrown. It's still easy to locate as there's a farm gate to Owens Court directly opposite the footpath. There was a kestrel sat on a post just within the gate- the first is many birds of prey on this walk.
The walk across the lengthy, ready to harvest wheat field was well maintained if a little barren, with just pineapple weed growing along the path.

After that, the route heads through a gorgeous shallow valley with wooded slopes on both sides. This was excellent buzzard territory with great views and stone lovely gnarled old trees, one of which provided welcome shade for an early lunch. The path then meandered through an open woodland, where I was delighted to find mats down from someone presumably surveying reptiles. This path narrowed as the woodland closes around it before opening up to the green at Badlesmere. Several trees here surrounded by rings of fungi including parasol mushrooms.
At this point I did a quick detour to the Red Lion Pub which is friendly and has a huge garden with plenty of outdoor seating.

The stretch from Badlesmere to Molash was by far the most challenging and I was relying on map and compass due to poor signage in places and some very overgrown paths. I was faced with tall nettles in some patches and one section goes along the side of a small holding where the path squeezes between an overgrown holly hedge and a fence. I had to use my backpack to avoid a face full of holly whilst making progress here. This particular path ends at a country lane and there were pallets and a road works sign blocking the entrance. I've now moved these out the way and shall also inform KCC that the path appears to have been deliberately blocked.

The churchyard at Molash has some great yew trees and from here the route follows quiet tracks and pathways onwards to Kings Wood.
The track through the woods is straightforward with a series of not too steep slopes taking you to the top of The Downs. On the southern edge of Kings Wood, the route joins the North Downs Way although I did a slight detour here along White Hill to enjoy the views, before doubling back on myself to the original route. This stretch has plenty of hedgerow fruit foraging opportunities as it heads towards Wye.
From here the route is well walked and clearly signposted onwards to the Stour Valley Walk and into Ashford.
I ended my walk with a different route through Ashford by crossing into Kennington and onto Ashford's Green Corridor, following the Stour River through to South Willesborough where there was a hot meal and friendly faces waiting for me.

I'd highly recommend a good map and compass on this route due to hard to find signs and crossing points in places. I'd also suggest sturdy clothing to avoid a lot of nettle stings on overgrown pathways in the middle section.
Overall a really enjoyable walk with lots of nature interest.

This is an enjoyable lengthy walk across the North Downs. Starting from Faversham it rises through soft fruit orchards onto the wooded and open fields across the downs. Follows wide parkland vale with summer cattle. These are easily walked around. Occasional stiles and gates restrict access, but often uses bridleways. Lovely section through Kings Wood descending to Wye. Lengthy stretch across flood plain near Stour river is also enjoyable. It’s a route with several potential shortcuts. Well worth doing with good coffee stops near beginning and in Wye. There are lots of good spots to picnic. For those who enjoy some history there are several churches along the route that can easily be included in the route.

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