Woodland trail lined with bluebells in Kent, South East England, with a walker enjoying a spring walk.

Kent – Chalk Downs, Coastal Cliffs, and Wealden Woodland

Chalk escarpments, sheltered valleys, and a varied coastline between the Thames Estuary and the English Channel

Kent is a county of chalk hills, river valleys, mixed woodland, and coastal plain in South East England. Walking routes cross the Kent Downs National Landscape and follow the North Downs Way, England Coast Path, Saxon Shore Way, and Greensand Way, linking places such as Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone, Whitstable, and Sevenoaks across ridge paths, farmland tracks, and shoreline routes.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently rolling underfoot. Chalk tracks, bridleways, woodland paths, and coastal promenades allow steady progress, with moderate climbs along the Downs and flatter ground across the marshes and coastal sections.

The landscape shifts between areas. The North Downs form a continuous chalk ridge with dry valleys and open views, the Low Weald becomes lower and more wooded with streams and farmland, and the coastline alternates between cliffs, beaches, and tidal marsh near the Thames Estuary and Romney Marsh.

Towns and villages are frequent along valleys, the coast, and historic routes, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point journeys across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Kent

North Downs Way

A National Trail following the chalk ridge between Farnham and Dover with elevated views across the Weald and the Channel.

England Coast Path (Kent sections)

Coastal walking sections linking Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate, Ramsgate, Dover, Folkestone, and Dungeness along beaches, cliffs, and shoreline paths.

Saxon Shore Way

A long-distance route following the Kent and Sussex coast between Gravesend and Hastings on marsh, seawall, and coastal tracks.

Greensand Way

A long-distance inland route crossing the Greensand ridge between Haslemere and Hamstreet through woodland and farmland.

Pilgrims’ Way

Historic paths running parallel to the North Downs between Winchester and Canterbury on tracks and quiet lanes.

Walking Character

• Chalk ridges and escarpment paths
• Woodland and lowland farmland
• River valleys and orchards
• Coastal cliffs and beaches
• Seawalls and marshland paths
• Frequent towns and historic villages
• Rolling and coastal mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kent located?

Kent is in South East England between Greater London, Surrey, and East Sussex, bordered by the Thames Estuary to the north and the English Channel to the south and east.

What defines walking here?

Chalk downland, wooded countryside, coastal cliffs, and marshland with a mix of ridge walking and flatter shoreline paths.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The North Downs Way National Trail, Saxon Shore Way, Greensand Way, and sections of the England Coast Path cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

The Downs include steady climbs and descents, while the marshes and much of the coast are generally level.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be muddy on woodland and farmland paths.